Illustrator Interview: Barbara McClintock

A few weeks ago, I reviewed:

It's a fantastic book about losing your best friend. 

And I was lucky enough to have the chance to interview Barbara McClintock about her time illustrating this book

About Barbara McClintock:

Barbara McClintock is an American illustrator and author of over forty books for children. Her books have received numerous awards and selections, including five New York Times Best Illustrated Children’s Book Awards, four ALA Notable Book selections, a Boston Globe–Horn Book Honor Award, a China Times Open Book Award, and a British Fantasy Award. One of her books is a bestselling title in Japan. She has lectured about her work nationally and internationally and is currently teaching classes on creating children’s books at Wesleyan University. Originally from New Jersey and North Dakota, she now resides in northeastern Connecticut with her partner, the illustrator David Johnson, and their three overly helpful cats.

Interview Questions: 

Did you ever get to meet Brontë?
Unfortunately, no. But my art director Laurent Linn did. In fact, Laurent met several of Tomie’s Airdale Terriers. Brontë was Tomie’s favorite!

Was it hard to capture the heartbreak of losing a pet and conveying to the audience (without the words) that Brontë had died?
Yes! I wasn’t sure if I should show Tomie in tears, maybe a big close-up of him crying. But then I though showing him in quiet sadness, taking in the shock and emptiness of not having Brontë around would have a stronger effect. 

Was it hard to capture Tomie's art style?
It was a challenge! I had to study Tomie’s drawings in many of his books and keep copying his drawings over and over ’til I got close to what his style was. And I still didn’t get it so it was perfect! But it’s pretty close!

Do you have a favorite memory of Tomie?
I met him several times at events in New York City. He was always kind and supportive of me and all other up and coming illustrators. And he had the best scarf collection!

Are there any Easter Eggs in the book?
I hope readers have fun figuring out who all the characters are sitting around the dinner table with Tomie! And there are copies of paintings Tomie made scattered throughout illustrations in the book.

Anything else you'd like to share?
I loved making drawings of Brontë, and my three kitties didn’t mind!

This is such a charming book, even though it's a bit sad. Be sure to take a look and pour over those illustrations.