Process of Illustration, Writing Children’s Books

Process of Illustration (3:50) Let's get to know illustrator-author, Bob Shea. Rachel chats with him about a number of different facets of his work, including the experience of collaboration. Just how different is sharing the work from doing a book solo? We’ll also learn about Shea’s process of creating character. Bob Shea has written and illustrated over a dozen picture books including the popular Dinosaur vs. Bedtime and the cult favorite Big Plans illustrated by Lane Smith. His characters and animations have appeared on Nick Jr; Playhouse Disney; and PBS Kids. He spends his days writing, drawing and, as he says, having “conversations” with NPR. Writing Children’s Books (15:52) Next, Rachel visits with award-winning author and columnist, Ann Cannon, about her favorite form of writing – children’s books. She often bases them on real life – drawing on experiences with friends and family or on the lives of historical characters. Cannon is the author of a number of books for young readers including Charlotte's Rose, The Loser's Guide to Life and Love and The Chihuahua Chase. Her latest picture book, called Sophie's Fish, received a starred review in Kirkus. In addition to writing books under the name of A. E. Cannon, Ann is a weekly columnist for the Salt Lake Tribune, a bookseller at The King’s English Bookshop, and a sometime creative writing instructor. Family Traditions (24:31) We finish up today’s program with Abbie Vance, associate producer of Highway 89 on BYU Radio, who shares some favorite family traditions related to books that have cultivated her life-long love of reading.