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Meet An Illustrator 8 – Armin Greder

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self-portrait © Armin Greder

ACHUKA’s 8th guest in our weekly (every Saturday) Meet An Illustrator slot is Armin Greder.
All previous features in this series are being archived week by week on this page:
https://www.achuka.co.uk/blog/meet-an-illustrator/

Born in Switzerland, but living and working in Australia since 1970, Greder is an uncompromising picture book artist and illustrator. He won the Bologna Ragazzi Award for his illustrations in The Great Bear, written by  Libby Gleeson, with whom he has worked several times. The book was described by KIRKUS as “spectacular and deeply moving”.

In Australia he has won many book awards and been named as nominee for the Hans Christian Andersen Prize.

His most recent book in the UK was Diamonds, a parable showing how the thirst for riches produces inequality and corruption.

His best-known book is probably The Island (2007), a book that has gained in resonance because of the way it focuses on how refugees are treated.

He tells ACHUKA that his next book with Allen & Unwin will be entitled The Inheritance.

After reading these  responses to our informal feature prompts, let me point you to this in-depth 2016 interview with him on Playing By The Book.

As a child, what were the first illustrations you remember being pleased with? 

 The last one. Until I had done the next one.

 

Who/what inspired you when you were young?

The books on expeditions from the local library with which my mother kept me supplied

 

Who inspires you today?

Käthe Kollwitz, Daumier, Goya.

 

Did you study art or illustration? 

No.

 

What is your favourite artist tool/product?

Compressed charcoal & pastel / brush & ink (both on paper).

 

Where do you buy your art supplies?

Wherever I find them.

 

What software/apps do you use?

Photoshop, to scan and scale my drawings.

 

What was your first commission?

A poster for a fashion shop.

 

What are you working on at the moment?

Nothing.

 

Twitter or Instagram? Neither

Coffee or tea? Tea (green)

Cat or dog? Neither

Grape or grain? Grape (white, dry)

Sunrise or sunset? Sunrise

 

What do you listen to when you are working? Nothing.

 

Where can we follow you on social media? Nowhere.

Now go to this in-depth 2016 interview with him on Playing By The Book.

 

This is a regular weekend feature, publishing every Saturday.

Wolfboy by Andy Harkness

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ACHUKA Book of the Day 26 Feb 2021

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“Throughout, artful, expressive typography contributes to the overall success of the picture book, guiding the reader’s voice to deliver a dynamic read-aloud that matches the visual drama of the art. A read-aloud treat for hungry audiences.” KIRKUS
“Readers will feel like they have a front-row seat to a marvelously imagined and sculpted toy theater.” PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
“Visually stunning, Harkness’s illustrations, built with clay and then photographed, immerse readers in extraordinary textured, intricate, and shadowy landscapes that beg close study.” CELEBRATE PICTURE BOOKS

Wolfboy is hungry! He’s drooly and growly and fussy! As he stomps through the forest looking for rabbits, he grows hungrier and growlier by the minute. What will happen if Wolfboy can’t find those rabbits? And what will happen if he does? With bold illustrations and energetic storytelling, Wolfboy perfectly captures the big feelings that come with being very hungry! Engaging, original and perfect for reading aloud.

Andy Harkness is an art director at Disney. This short bio is taken from his website: “I attended the Columbus College of Art and Design in Ohio from 1991-1993 and was hired at Disney Feature Animation in 1994.  I began my career as a clean-up animator on “Pocahontas”, and after three years in clean-up, moved into the layout department.  In 2004, I was hired as an Art Director at Sony Pictures Animation on “Open Season. In 2006 I moved back to Disney and worked as an Art Director and Visual Development artist on many films.  My first children’s book, BUG ZOO was published in 2016.  I currently work as a visual development artist at Sony Pictures Animation.”

The Girls I’ve Been by Tess Sharpe

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ACHUKA Book of the Day 25 Feb 2021

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“A captivating, explosive, and satisfyingly queer thriller.” KIRKUS

Meet Nora. Also known as Rebecca, Samantha, Haley, Katie and Ashley – the girls she’s been.

Soon to be a Netflix film starring Stranger Things‘ Millie Bobby Brown, this must-read psychological thriller, perfect for fans of One of Us Is Lying, will leave you guessing until the final page.

As an ex con artist, Nora has always got herself out of tricky situations. But the ultimate test lies in wait when she’s taken hostage in a bank heist. And this time, Nora doesn’t have an escape plan …

Nora didn’t choose a life of deception – she was born into it. As the daughter of a con artist who targeted criminal men, Nora always had to play a part. But when her mother fell for one of the men instead of conning him, Nora pulled the ultimate con herself: escape. For five years Nora’s been playing at normal – but things are far from it when she finds herself held at gunpoint in the middle of a bank heist, along with Wes (her ex-boyfriend) and Iris (her secret new girlfriend and mutual friend of Wes … awkward). Now it will take all of Nora’s con artistry skills to get them out alive. Because the gunmen have no idea who she really is – that girl has been in hiding for far too long …

Follow Tess Sharpe on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forest_of_arden/

The Invisible by Tom Percival

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ACHUKA Book of the Day 24 Feb 2021

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“[Percival’s] own experiences of being poor are clearly etched throughout this tale about a child whose parents can’t pay the bills – from the beautifully observed frost patterns on the opening pages to the way the pictures glow when the family are together” Imogen Carter, GUARDIAN

A moving, powerful story that shines a light on those that feel invisible in our world – and shows us that we ALL belong.
The Invisible is the story of a young girl called Isabel and her family. They don’t have much, but they have what they need to get by. Until one day, there isn’t enough money to pay their rent and bills and they have to leave their home full of happy memories and move to the other side of the city.
It is the story of a girl who goes on to make one of the hardest things anyone can ever make…a difference.
And it is the story of those who are overlooked in our society – who are made to feel invisible – and why everyone has a place here. We all belong.

The Henna Wars by Adiba Jaigirdar

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ACHUKA Book of the Day 23 Feb 2021

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“Each conflict is resolved authentically and naturally, moving the story along at the perfect speed. The scenes between Flávia and Nishat simmer, and their mesmerizing relationship unfolds with just the right amount of complexity. Most satisfyingly, each character gets the ending she deserves. Impossible to put down.” KIRKUS

A heart-warming, queer YA love story.

Nishat and Flavia are rivals at school, but Nishat can’t help the secret crush burning in her heart – even though her parents disapprove of the fact she likes girls.  When Nishat comes out to her parents, they say she can be anyone she wants – as long as she isn’t herself. Because Muslim girls aren’t lesbians. Nishat doesn’t want to lose her family, but she also doesn’t want to hide who she is, which only gets harder once Flavia walks into her life. Beautiful and charismatic, Flavia takes Nishat’s breath away. But as their lives become tangled, they’re caught up in a rivalry that gets in the way of any feelings they might have for each other.

A new voice in young adult fiction, Adiba Jaigirdar was born in Dhaka, Bangladesh, and moved to Dublin, Ireland from the age of ten. She has a BA in English and History from University College Dublin, and an MA in Postcolonial Studies from the University of Kent.
The Henna Wars was f.p. hardback June 2020.
Follow the author on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dibs_j/

The author’s next book Hani and Ishu’s Guide to Fake Dating is out in May (2021)

What Did The Tree See? by Charlotte Guillain ill. Sam Usher

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ACHUKA Book of the Day 22 Feb 2021

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“A wonderful exploration of change over time. Every page creates a discussion and a conversation. A fantastic timeline and tree lifecycle finish it off. What a brilliant book.” Simon Smith, Headteacher

Told in unshowy rhyming couplets, this beautiful non-fiction picture book follows the story of an oak tree on a coastal hilltop as it witnesses life changing around it over the course of hundreds of years. From the time when hunters chased deer through the woodland, to when trees were cleared for farmland, to the smog and factories emerging during the industrial revolution. One majestic oak has seen it all, and now we can too.

Accompanying pages at the end of the book include a timeline of events in world history across the periods featured in the poem, the life cycle of an oak tree, and prompts to help parents and children explore their own local history.

Meet An Illustrator 7 – Jenny Løvlie

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self-portrait © Jenny Løvlie

We welcome our seventh guest to ACHUKA’s Meet An Illustrator slot—Jenny Løvlie.
All previous features in this series are being archived week by week on this page:
https://www.achuka.co.uk/blog/meet-an-illustrator/

Now based in Cardiff, Jenny grew up in northern Norway, in Ekkerøy, a tiny village with a population of under 50 and where she was the first child to be born in 12 years. She spent most of her summers outdoors under the endless sun, climbing rocks, watching the seagull-chicks hatching, rock-pooling and sketching.

 

Jenny won the Waterstones Children’s book prize for Best Illustrated Book for The Girls, written by Lauren Ace in 2019.

A companion title, The Boys, is coming this April (see below). Meanwhile, she has been busy as the illustrator for the ‘Kitty’ books by Paula Harrison.

New books on the horizon:

  • April: The Boys, written by Lauren Ace, Little Tiger
  • May: Kitty and the Kidnap Trap, written by Paula Harrison, Oxford University Press
  • July: The Wide, Wide Sea, written by Anna Wilson, Nosy Crow
  • September TBC: A Dress With Pockets, Written by Lily Murray, Macmillan
  • September: Time to Move South for Winter, Written by Clare Helen Walsh, Nosy Crow

As a child, what were the first illustrations you remember being pleased with? 

I can’t think of a specific drawing, but I loved drawing all kinds of animals. I loved playing on the page, making up stories as I went along.

 

Who/what inspired you when you were young?

I was inspired by nature, animals and books. My dad would read aloud to me for hours while I drew!

 

Who inspires you today?

I’m inspired by the people around me, other creatives, the Arctic landscape, Scandinavian design, nature, animals, vintage toys, music, films and books and so much more.
I love the research part of a project!

 

Did you study art or illustration? If so, where?

Yes! I studied Illustration and Animation at Kingston University, London

 

What is your favourite artist tool/product?

My Wacom Cintiq paired with Photoshop

 

Where do you buy your art supplies?

The Pen and Paper here in Cardiff

 

What software/apps do you use?

Photoshop and Procreate

 

What was your first commission?

I was commissioned to create chapter headings for Anne of Green Gables and Anne of Avonlea by Random House, Vintage Classics when I was in my second year of uni.
This project sent me on my way down the children’s publishing route!

 

What are you working on at the moment?

I’m working on three picture books coming out later this year, the ongoing Kitty series with Oxford University Press and I’ve started doing some writing of my own!

 

Twitter or Instagram? Instagram.

Coffee or tea? Coffee.

Cat or dog? Both! Though my current pet is a rather reserved Russian Dwarf hamster called Norman.

Grape or grain? Grape in the winter, grain in the summer!

Sunrise or sunset? Midnight sun!

 

What do you listen to when you are working? It depends where I am in the process, for planning and thinking I listen to instrumental music, rain or waves. When I’m colouring I listen to audiobooks and podcasts.

 

Where can we follow you on social media?

On Instagram @Lovlieillustration 
On Twitter @Jenny Løvlie 

This is a regular weekend feature, publishing every Saturday.

2021 Carnegie And Greenaway Longlists

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20 books have been long listed for each of the 2021 Awards. The 40 long listed titles were selected from a total of 152 nominations.
Titles marked with  were ACHUKA Book of the Day picks.

2021 CILIP Carnegie Medal longlist (alphabetical by author surname):

2021 CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal longlist (alphabetical by illustrator surname): 

One title, The Girl Who Became A Tree by former longlistee Joseph Coelho, illustrated by Kate Milner, is longlisted for both Medals.

The Carnegie list includes two first novels, Katya Balen’s The Space We’re In and Danielle Jawando’s And The Stars Were Burning Brightly.

The shortlists for both medals will be announced on Thursday 18th March 2021, with the winners announced on Wednesday 16th June 2021. Covid-19 guidelines permitting a socially distanced special daytime event will be held at The British Library and live-streamed online. 

School Librarian Of The Year Award Honour List

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The School Librarian of the Year Award is the School Library Association’s prestigious honour to recognise the excellent work that is carried out in school libraries every day, and to highlight the current practice of those whose work is outstanding.

Congratulations to the SLA School Librarian of the Year 2020/21 Honour List:

  • Claire Marris – Toot Hill School, Bingham (Nottinghamshire)
  • Terri McCargar – Latymer Upper School (London)
  • Éadaoin Quinn – Enniscorthy Vocational College, Co. Wexford (Ireland)
  • Rose Palmer – The Oaks Primary School, Ipswich (Suffolk)
  • Kristabelle Williams – Addey and Stanhope School (London)

On 3rd March 2021 a special webinar has been organised by the School Library Association to celebrate the work of the Honour Listed librarians working in secondary schools. They will discuss their schools, opportunities and challenges with Ros Harding, SLA School Librarian of the Year 2019.

Whilst schools are closed, the judging panel are unable to visit the librarians at work and the decision to name the School Librarian of The Year 2020/21 is on hold. However, as in previous years, we continue to acknowledge the work of the exceptional librarians on the Honour List, especially in these challenging times. Their work will be showcased and celebrated at the Leading School Libraries Conference (11-12th June 2021).

Further details on the SLA School Librarian of the Year Award and full details on each of the all-female  2020/21 Honour List Librarians can be found at www.sla.org.uk/slya-2020.

Me, My Dad and the End of the Rainbow by Benjamin Dean ill. Sandhya Prabhat

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ACHUKA Book of the Day 18 Feb 2021
Waterstones Children’s Book of the Month February 2021

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Amazon
Bookseller

‘One of the most joyful books you’ll read this year.’ – The Bookseller

Things aren’t going great for Archie Albright. His dad’s acting weird, his mum too, and he all he wants is for everything to go back to normal, to three months before when his parents were happy and still lived together. When Archie sees a colourful, crumpled flyer fall out of Dad’s pocket, he thinks he may have found the answer. Only problem? The answer might just lie at the end of the rainbow, an adventure away.

Together with his best friends, Bell and Seb, Archie sets off on a heartwarming and unforgettable journey to try and fix his family, even if he has to break a few rules to do it…

Follow the illustrator on Insta: https://www.instagram.com/sandhyaprabhat/ – also illustrator of I Am Brown