Visualizing Picture Book Art

Newsletter #49

One Can Dream, Right?

I write picture books but do not illustrate. That means that an artist is going to read my story and depict it however they want. Almost always, authors do not get to choose, communicate with, or influence in any way the illustrator who creates the art. This gives both partners the freedom to create in their own way. I love to see how illustrators interpret the words of a writer in a way that enhances the story.

Even though we have no say, when I write my stories I always envision how I think the story could be illustrated. I visit book stores and libraries sometimes for the sole purpose of perusing picture books to look at the art. I consider style, color palette, mood, facial expressions, composition, etc. When I see an artist whose work captivates me, I take note.

I often think about who my dream illustrator would be for each story I write. Depending on the tone of the story, the underlying emotions I hope readers will feel, the setting, whether the characters or action should be highlighted, etc., I imagine how I’d like each story to be depicted and whose art style matches my vision. Yes, I do keep a list, because it’s one of the fun parts about being a picture book writer. I love envisioning my work in its completed and magical picture book form.

Who are your favorite picture book illustrators?

2024 Orchard Books, an imprint of Scholastic Inc.

Book Report: WE WHO PRODUCE PEARLS

Written by Joanna Ho

Illustrated by Amanda Phingbodhipakkiya

When I hold this book in my hands, I see the light reflect in the glossy cover background and feel the bold capital letters of the title that shines in raised iridescent letters, and I feel powerful. WE WHO PRODUCE PEARLS radiates strength and resilience. Joanna’s poetry holds so many historical layers in the words. Because in college I minored in Ethnic Studies with a concentration in Asian American Studies, I truly appreciate the wide range of experiences of many groups of people that Joanna references in her lyrical text, from the no-no boys of the Japanese American incarceration camps to the anguished poems carved into the walls of Angel Island by paper sons from China. Amanda’s bold art style with rich, saturated hues energizes the message of underlying, growing restlessness felt by so many throughout American history. People endured this grit and time after time, used inner strength to fight back against the countless injustices. In the back matter, Joanna lists dozens of examples of incidents, laws, and people instrumental in shaping the lives of Asian Americans. I love how this book fully debunks the myth that Asians are a complicit model minority. Instead, it showcases how determined a people we are, sacrificing comforts for future opportunities and rising up to create positive change.

Themes: justice, determination, perseverance, hopes and dreams

Discussion Ideas:

1. Which illustration speaks to you the most and what do you think each element symbolizes?

2. Why is it important to learn the histories of all people? Why might Asian American history have been left out of textbooks?

Mentor Text For:

• free verse poetry

• symbolism

• starting point to study Asian American history

• internal rhyme

Buy this powerful book that is full of historical information!

Disclosure: I am an affiliate of Bookshop.org and will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.

This is the page that clearly dispels the model minority myth, reminding us of the strength Asian Americans have shown throughout their history in a country that has othered and still others this group of people. The vibrant colors and dynamic shapes draw our attention to so many details and keep our eyes moving around the images so we can spend time reflecting on its power.

Weekly Progress Report

This is a section for “stuff I did” that relates to my writing career. I believe in celebrating all wins, big and small alike.

• continued revising the biography, working to remove anything that can be shown in the art to cut down text

• read through 6 Storystorm posts, commented, and listed 6 ideas (Storystorm is a month-long challenge to think of 30 story ideas in a month with daily posts to read for inspiration)

• registered for an in-person writing retreat at the Highlights Foundation

• attended three book launches—always wonderful to celebrate all the work that goes into creating a picture book and catching up with fellow kidlit friends

I first met Freya in 2008 when Todd and Ariane introduced her to the first critique group I belonged to. Here are some of us No Namers/Monday Night Critters reuniting at their amazing Viking-themed book party for FREYA TAKES CHARGE! So great to see Todd Erickson, Thida Cornes, Ariane Erickson, and Marjorie Sayer. Read more about critique groups here.

Feeling lots of love here at Linden Tree Books with long-time critique partners Kerry Aradhya and Darshana Khiani, illustrator Shirley Ng-Benitez and author Nancy Tupper Ling of HEARTS IN MY POCKET, and SCBWI SF/South co-Illustrator Coordinator Nena Hy-Boyer.

A big group photo of many kidlit creators and other friends & family at Laura G. Lee’s celebration of SOY SAUCE! at Omnivore Books in San Francisco. Some of the people pictured are: Candy Mae Estalilla, Anita Tran, Shirley Ng-Benitez, Laura G. Lee, Mike Jung, Bo Lu, Nicole Chen, Bernadette Sy.

Sending you courage and grace in all you choose to do,

Susan