From Young Writers Magazine 2003
Do you have one special source of ideas that seems to inspire you more than others?
Not really - I couldn’t even say that they come from my brain because that’s just chemicals isn’t it? How can chemicals write a story? It’s such a mystery and that is how it should stay.
How is it different illustrating your own books or someone else’s? Do you prefer working with someone else or on your own?
I only illustrate my own books now. When I began I illustrated three books written by other people (one of them was Oscar Wilde! Have a look at the complete booklist to see it) I soon realised that as I write as well I should just get on and write my own texts. I sometimes fantasize about giving a text to an illustrator I admire but I know that I could never actually do it. My ideas come with images in my head - it’s a package deal.
Do you also paint pictures which are not illustrations?
When I was at college I painted and drew constantly, carrying a sketchpad everywhere I went. Now because it is my day job I like to do totally different things when I’m not working.
What messages are you trying to trying to give to the children who read your books? Are there any serious messages or do you want your books to be fun?
This is a difficult question to answer quickly as it’s such a ‘big’ question. Even a book which is just ‘for fun’ is in some way reflecting back the world in which we live and so has a purpose in helping the reader digest and make sense of his or her world. I suppose that every piece of art in some way reflects back the artist who created it and their take on life. There are certainly elements of Duck, Bear, Sid and Bobo in me.
Who have you known who has inspired you and what is the best advice you have been given?
I love this question. I think a good question is almost as important as a good answer. I am inspired by other artists - filmmakers, actors, musicians etc, especially those who are pushing the boundaries, taking their art form a little bit further. In children’s books I have been inspired by Dr Suess (although I never saw his books as a child). I think the Grinch Who Stole Christmas is probably my favourite. Dr Suess took this art form to a whole new place, he is to picture books what Jimi Hendrix was to the electric guitar.
Most of your characters are animals, are their personalities or the things that happen to them based on anyone you know?
No one specific. I try to create ‘types’ which hopefully everyone knows. When the reader thinks ‘That’s just like my uncle Fred’ then they relate and engage much more to the story. Obviously the more universal you can make your books the more people can enjoy them.
What particular skills do you need to be able to write picture books?
You have to be able to think like children think and be able to break life down into manageable chunks of information.
What tips would you give budding writers and illustrators?
Do what you love and don’t compare what you do to what others do.
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