"from SCREEN to BOOK" Event Held at Cambridge Public Library

Illustrators Offer Thoughts and Perspectives on Storytelling in Traditional and New Media

Illustration Copyright (c) 2012 Helen Oxenbury

In celebration of their twentieth anniversary, Candlewick Press hosted an engaging and informative picture book panel discussion for the public yesterday at the Cambridge Public Library titled "from SCREEN to BOOK."  Participating in the panel discussion were illustrators and book makers Tony Fucile, Scott Nash, Peter H. Reynolds, Holly McGhee, and Ann Stott. Shelf Awareness Children's Editor Jenny Brown moderated the discussion.

Regarding the topic of how newer media have influenced the illustrators in the art of storytelling, Scott Nash emphasized the importance of the narrative itself, noting that he prefers to ask the question, "What is the best and proper medium to tell the story?" Peter Reynolds noted his belief that the most powerful technology is the picture book itself, stressing, "There is nothing more interactive than a picture book."

Candlewick Art Director Ann Stott explained that from an editorial point of view, the usage of computer-generated art for picture book illustrations has made it easier to request changes and for the illustrator to make those changes. Stott also noted that digital technologies have improved so much that it is almost impossible to tell now if the art was created using a traditional or digital method. 

Ending the discussion, Peter Reynolds addressed aspiring  writers and illustrators by encouraging them to investigate the new avenues to publishing now available, noting that some stories just need to be told! For guidance, he recommended the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI.org).  And Holly McGhee emphasized that November is National Novel Writing Writing Month (NANOWRIMO.org).

To learn more about how and why Candlewick Press is celebrating picture books, check out their website ReadingStartsHere.com, a year-long video celebration!