The Children’s Book Review | March 23, 2018
Greg Pizzoli is an author, illustrator, and screen printer. He is the author of Good Night Owl, a Theodor Seuss Geisel Honor book, Templeton Gets His Wish, Number One Sam, and The Watermelon Seed, which received the Theodor Seuss Geisel Award.
I make art because …
I want to connect with people, and make the world a more fun, happy, and interesting place for kids to grow up. It helps that making art is also my favorite thing to do. It’s one of a few jobs where you can do the same thing every day and it’s always absolutely different.
My latest published book is …
THIS STORY IS FOR YOU, published by Disney Hyperion, the same team that’s brought out THE WATERMELON SEED, GOOD NIGHT OWL, and THE TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS.
THIS STORY IS FOR YOU is a conversation between two friends, and is about the adventure of knowing someone well, and trusting someone enough to be able to be your true self. It’s very different than the other books that I have made, and it feels special.
Art medium used …
My process typically changes a bit from book to book. This one was done using pencils and Photoshop. It was printed in five spot colors, which I think makes the ink lay on the page in a unique and pleasing way.
Artistic process …
Since I write and illustrate, I split up my days to make space for both processes. Usually I will read and write in the morning, often on the couch or at a library in Philadelphia. I also have a studio which I share with my wife Kay, who is a visual artist. We typically work there and I’ll spend most of the day drawing, either on paper or on the computer. My process also usually includes bike rides, and long walks, to give mental space for a project to develop.
I am inspired by …
This is a tough thing to answer, so I’ll just say music, coffee, sunlight. Music I have been listening to a lot lately includes the Cambodian legend Sinn Sisamouth, the excellent soundtrack for the video game Axiom Verge, and Bob Dylan.
My favorite place to create & illustrate is …
My studio. My wife and I share about 800 sq feet in an old warehouse building filled with artist studios and a variety of other ill-conceived businesses. I have a standing desk I barely use, and our dog to keep me company.
My most used art supply or tool is …
Photoshop and a Wacom tablet. My favorite pencils are custom No 2s with my name printed on them from CW Pencil Enterprise. I’m also really into rubber stamps – I’m illustrating a book for HarperCollins right now using only rubber stamps.
Illustrator idols …
William Steig (I love his writing, too), Mary Blair, The Provensens, Sendak, Carson Ellis, Christian Robinson, Ed Emberley.
All-time favorite children’s book I didn’t illustrate…
Goodnight, Gorilla by Peggy Rathmann. But I’m also nuts for anything illustrated by Will and Nicolas, Blex Blex, JooHee Yoon, and Tove Jansson’s work is always in rotation.
A literary character to create art with …
Samwise Gamgee, I feel like he would be very supportive.
Currently working on …
HI, JACK! – an early reader series with my buddy Mac Barnett, and illustrating a book by Margaret Wise Brown. Also just finished a dummy for a new book I can’t say much about, but it’s about loving books, and maybe hoarding, and I’m just realizing now that it’s probably autobiographical.
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Connect with Greg Pizzoli …
www.gregpizzoli.com, and active on instagram and sometimes twitter, both at @gregpizzoli
Written and Illustrated by Greg Pizzoli
Publisher’s Synopsis: A simple “It’s nice to know you” holds so much power in this tender picturebook by acclaimed author-illustrator Greg Pizzoli. Finding value in others as a matter of course, the narrator accepts and appreciates difference as the foundation of a life-long friendship. This Story Is for You celebrates moments of kindness throughout, from the small to the grand in a heartwarming tale of human connection.
The warm, comforting text shares the tone of a Ruth Krauss classic and is balanced by Greg’s energetic color palette and signature visual humor. This book is sure to be a special read for parents, children, and their friends for years to come.
Ages 5-6 | Publisher: Disney-Hyperion | April 3, 2018 | ISBN-13: 978-1484750308
Available Here:
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