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Wednesday Writing and Illustration Prompt with Annie White

ABOUT ANNIE

Annie illustrates and writes for children from her studio in Melbourne, Australia.

After studying art and design, she was in the advertising industry for a while and now works with different publishers and other interested people creating books.

Annie has illustrated over 80 books for children and written 3 of them. She likes to communicate her ideas clearly and simply using expression and movement. Some of her picture books have appeared on the CBCA Notables list, the Speech Pathology short list and the Prime Minister’s Literary Awards short list.

Annie likes The Magic Faraway Tree, Alice in Wonderland and books by A. A. Milne. When asked what she wanted to be when she grew up, she listed artist, princess or archaeologist (so she could find Atlantis).

ABOUT CLEMENTINE’S TREASURE

Clementine, the mischievous dog from Clementine’s Walk and Clementine’s Bath, is back in a new adventure – Clementine’s Treasure.

When the Queen comes to tea, Clementine has her eye on only one thing – a sparkly royal necklace! But what happens when the jewel goes missing?

Daisy, Annie’s second studio dog, inspired the story of Clementine’s Treasure., when she swiped a delicate gold necklace from around the neck of the very glamorous niece as she bent to pat the adorable new puppy. No one noticed the theft for a while as they tucked into a delicious morning tea, but then a frantic search began . . .

THE HARDEST THING ABOUT WRITING AND ILLUSTRATING CLEMENTINE’S TREASURE

Sometimes, even after lots of attempts, the words and images refuse to behave. Then it’s time to head off on a walk with Daisy. Somehow, the rhythm of walking helps to unravel the problems.

THE MOST FUN THING ABOUT WRITING THIS BOOK

I had fun writing this story as it was based on such an unusual event. Though the characters already existed, I enjoyed making them larger than life and exaggerating their personalities (note: unlike the Queen, my niece rarely gets in a huff). Capturing the range of expressions and balancing just the right amount of words with just the right amount of illustration was one of my favourite parts of creating Clementine’s Treasure.. I also had fun making a book trailer.

ILLUSTRATION PROMPT

Clementine is attracted to anything that sparkles!

Draw her a treasure chest of glittery jewels, necklaces, gold coins and crowns.

WRITING PROMPT

Clementine was longing to feast on the Queen’s morning tea.

Describe a banquet of all your favourite food. Remember to use all your 5 senses as you write the details.

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Wednesday Writing & Illustrating Prompts With Pat Simmons and Katrin Drelling

Today we’re so lucky to have both the creators of a wonderful new picture book, Cicada Sing Song visiting Writing Classes for Kids and talking about their craft.

Author, Pat Simmons created the fabulous concept and text and Katrin Drelling is the talented illustrator who has brought Pat’s words to life in pictures.

Today they’re talking about their journeys with the book and they have two great creative prompts for you.

ABOUT PAT

Pat Simmons lives at Scarborough on the NSW south coast with her cats, dog and the occasional mini beast. Pat writes poetry, short stories, flash fiction and children’s picture books.

Pat loves encouraging children to explore the natural world.

www.patsimmonswriter.com.au

ABOUT KATRIN

Katrin creates quirky illustrations that feature a mix of different media, texture and techniques.

Her picture book “The World’s Worst Pirate” has been awarded “Notable Book 2018” by the CBCA Australia, short-listed for the 2018 Speech Pathology Australia Award and the Society of Women Writers NSW Biennial Awards 2018 and she also delivered illustrations for a highly successful video animation production.

Additionally, Katrin conducts illustration workshops for both children and adults.

https://www.katrindreiling.com/

ABOUT CICADA SING SONG

Free teacher notes written by Kellie Nissen can be downloaded from Pat’s website. They appear under, ‘Latest News.’

The cicadas are above ground at last. This is the loudest sing song ever. Who knew that cicadas could rap?

Come along to the Festival of Sound.

THE HARDEST THING ABOUT WRITING

The hardest thing about writing a book for me is getting started. I spend ages thinking about an idea. Will it work? Where to begin? I write lots of messy notes before a story starts to take shape.

THE HARDEST THING ABOUT ILLUSTRATING CICADA SING SONG

My characters never really look realistic but of course require a certain recognition value. With this book, the text aims to introduce different kind of cicada species to children in a fun yet educational way and so it was important that the main characters looked cute and appealing AND could be identified as cicadas. I went for very round shapes (and let’s not forget the Rapper clothing) and was happy with how the cicadas turned out in the end but I can also see that some kids will think they are ‘green potatoes’ maybe…? 😊 I do believe though that at some point the artist/illustrator has to let go and let the creation speak for itself and just see what happens.

THE MOST FUN THING ABOUT WRITING THE BOOK – PAT

The most fun thing is watching my ideas come to life. What if? What if cicadas actually plan a music festival? What if they’re rapping in their own little way?

The very best fun thing is seeing how the illustrator interprets my words. That is so special.

THE MOST FUN THING ABOUT ILLUSTRATING THE BOOK – KATRIN

Exactly what I have described above – figuring out how to create cicada characters in my style. I love that challenge. Also, I really enjoyed illustrating the end papers for this book. I used a combination of mixed media and digital, as usual, but in this case also tried an etching technique for the tunnel system. There is something immensely satisfying about scratching paint off paper while other parts of creating this book require more of a steady hand and detailed elements. Apart from the technique, I really love showing what is happening in “secret places” and make it visible to the audience.

THE WRITING PROMPT

  • ‘If you could be any insect in the world, which one would you choose and why?’
  • Compose a haiku or rap about this insect.

THE ILLUSTRATING PROMPT

  • Draw a parade of cicadas with different instruments together
  • Draw a tunnel system for your cicadas in the shape of a maze. How do the cicadas get out and up to the surface?
  • Illustrate a cicada habitat: collect leaves and use them for printing, create paper collages for leaves, mushrooms, branches, flowers and combine with your prints. Lastly, hide a little drawing of a cicada somewhere in your nature illustration

Cicada Sing Song is published by Little Steps

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