Author & Illustrator Here is our little chat with SuzanneWhat do you love most about kids books? Talking specifically about picture books, I love the idea that a child doesn’t have to be able to read to get enjoyment from them. Any child can pick up a picture book and tell a story to themselves based on the illustrations alone. Picture books are also an equalizer. They can bring you joy to a child no matter what their background or circumstances. They are a little bubble of happiness. Do you have a favourite childhood book? I had lots of favourites but the ones that stand out also seem to mark milestones in my childhood. I remember the day our Librarian introduced us to Grug. I was in kindergarten and she had a giant copy of the book. From day one I was hooked. Once I could read by myself There’s a Hippopotamus on our Roof Eating Cake was a favourite along with Possum Magic. Then a few years later I got a copy of the Eleventh Hour for my birthday (11th of course). This made me look at books in a whole new light. There was more to just reading the words and looking at the pictures. They were an art form. Does it take long to complete a book? This is a tricky question. Once the story is written, the illustrations of a book can take a few months to a year depending on revisions. Then it gets sent to the publishers where there are a whole range of other things that need to happen before it eventually makes it to the shops. It’s a very long process. Are you friends with other Authors? Absolutely. I am friends with lots of authors and illustrators. Unlike a lot of other industries children’s publishing is a super supportive environment. We understand that everyone has different skills and that we are not in competition with each other. It’s very refreshing. Have you read a book before that you didn’t like? Of course. I would be lying if I hadn’t. But that is the great thing about books. You just pick up another. There are books to suit everyone, the fun is in the searching. What inspires you to draw? I don’t think there is one thing that inspires me. The more I draw the more inspiration I get, and it can come from anywhere. Drawing or art in general is just something I need to do. I don’t function properly without it. What do I love the most to draw? This changes. I always love drawing for kids but I also love botanical illustration and food illustration. There isn’t one thing I like the most, its usually what I am working on right now. What doesn’t change though is my love for colour. Regardless of the subject matter what I create has to be vibrant and fun and full of colour. Any new titles coming out soon that we should be looking out for? Written by Nick Dent, I have a new picture book coming out in June. It’s called Goat on a Boat and is super fun. That’s all I can say about that right now. Thanks so much Suzanne for chatting with us, its been fun! Your can find out more about Suzanne and her books here suzannehoughton.com.au Instagram @suzannehoughtonillustration Facebook suzannehoughtonillustrationwww.facebook.com/suzannehoughtonillustration Purchase books here suzannehoughton.com.au/books
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