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    The Children's Book Review

    An Interview with Siu Lon of Studio Mymu

    Bianca SchulzeBy Bianca Schulze5 Mins Read Author Showcase
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    Author Showcase

    Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review
    Published: October 15, 2012

    Picture BookSiu Lon from Studio Mymu talks to us about the studio’s first iBook offering Mr. Fox and the Land Below. “When Mr Fox encounters unwanted guests one day, we are taken on an adventure to a mythical world under the earth’s surface. He must seek guidance from the only person who can save the earth from changing…”

    Bianca Schulze: Mr. Fox and the Land Below draws on themes of friendship, teamwork and environmental issues. Can you give a little insight into why it was important for you to create a story based on these topics?

    Siu Lon: The reason we made Mr Fox and the Land Below was to raise environmental issues and the importance of protecting the environment for the generations to come. We hope that through the book, our young readers will become aware that through our combined efforts we can make the future world a wonderful place to live and to explore.

    BS: Your book is available for download on an iPad via iBooks 2 or later. How did you create the stunning artwork that captures the magical and traditional Ukiyo-e style of Japanese paintings combined with edgy and modern graphics?

    SL: All the illustrations were created digitally, as we wanted to produce images that were cinematic in a way, something that we hadn’t seen much in other children’s books. We also wanted the illustrations to feel epic and grand, so as to create the feeling of being taken on a special journey from one world to another. We liked the idea of drawing the Land Below in a style very much representing something of the past, nostalgic and based on myth, whereas the world we live in today is far less stylised and recognisable.

    Art and Illustration
    Illustration copyright © 2012 by Studio Mymu

    BS: What came first for you: the artwork or the words? Or did they feed each other?

    SL: We had the kernel of the story, but it was by no means complete, when we started the work. With us, the images come first. We make the story work around the imagery. Once the drawings were completed, we then started on the text, bridging the events on each page and building each character’s personality. Creating the book this way, you do not know what comes out until you actually make it.

    BS: Could you tell us about developing the characters and why you selected to blend the worlds of animals, people, mythical creatures, and robots?

    SL: That is a very interesting question. The blend of characters was used as an allegory, so as to get across various themes in the story. The robots are a metaphor for the rapid dominance of heavy industry and pollution that causes the ecological problems we face today. On the other hand, Mr Fox represents nature and the wildlife that is affected by the slow deterioration of the environment and finally, the little girl is the character the reader can relate to. We wanted the fantasy elements of the book to have a deeper meaning than they superficially appear to have. These elements are very much used to look at the world we inhabit in a different way.

    Art and Illustration
    Illustration copyright © 2012 by Studio Mymu

    BS: While I would consider Mr. Fox and the Land Below to be a modern cautionary tale that creates environmental awareness, it does behold a mythical essence. Which myths and legends from your childhood would you say have had the most impact on your creative mind?

    SL: The myths and legends I would say that impacted most, were those found in the 16th century Chinese novel, Journey to the West. In English speaking countries, the tale is known as Monkey. Journey to the West has a strong background in Chinese folk religion, mythology and its value systems. The tale is at once an adventure story and an extended allegory in which the group of pilgrims journeying toward India represents individuals journeying towards enlightenment.

    BS: What should we expect to see coming out of Studio Mymu next?

    SL: We have just set up the website, www.studiomymu.com and we are preparing to work on a 2nd book.

    BS: Is Studio Mymu your brainchild?

    SL: Studio Mymu is my brainchild to bring together various creatives and to produce work under one umbrella name. There is a small team of creatives who produce the illustrations, story and production of the iBook.

    BS: How long does it take you to create an iBook?

    SL: Overall, the book took 6 months to create. The illustrations took 5 months to produce and then adding the words took a few weeks. To produce an actual iBook took around 2 weeks to make, using iBooks Author and then uploading it to the iBook Store.

    BS: What words of advice would you offer to an author who may be considering publishing their work as an iBook?

    SL: I would say get used to the technology and explore the possibilities it offers. In our next book, I hope to add more interactive and animated pages.

    BS: As a parting note, is there anything you would like to share with your readers?

    SL: I hope the readers of this interview share my enthusiasm for the book and enjoy reading it as much as we have had while making it.

    For more information, visit: www.studiomymu.com

    The Author Showcase is a place for authors and  illustrators to gain visibility for their  works. This article was  provided by the  author. Learn more …

    What to Read Next:

    1. Mr. Fox and the Land Below by Studio Mymu – Review
    2. Tiny Bob’s Adventurous Counting
    3. Topo’s Piano, by Harvey Stevenson | Dedicated Review
    4. Author Showcase: BUG’S TRIP TO THE STORE

    *Disclosure: Please note that this post may contain affiliate links that share some commission. Rest assured that these will not affect the cost of any products and services promoted here. Our team always provides their authentic opinion in all content published on this site.

    iBook Siu Lon Studio Mymu
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    Bianca Schulze
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    Bianca Schulze is the founder of The Children’s Book Review. She is a reader, reviewer, mother and children’s book lover. She also has a decade’s worth of experience working with children in the great outdoors. Combined with her love of books and experience as a children’s specialist bookseller, the goal is to share her passion for children’s literature to grow readers. Born and raised in Sydney, Australia, she now lives with her husband and three children near Boulder, Colorado.

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