I came out of my illustrator cave

Hoo-hoo-hoo!

Last week I ventured out of my illustrator hermit cave and performed at The Children’s Book Show with one of my favourite picture book makers, Neal Layton.

The event was facilitated by The British Trust for Ornithology and The Children’s Book Show. The idea was to enthuse children with a love of birds and books. Being a proud member of the Young Ornithologists Club when I was a kid, I was right on board.

Neal and I at Thetford Theatre, Saving Mr Hoot and The Tree

Neal and I did an event on stage for a big crowd of over excited school children. You should have heard the hum of excitement as they all filed in and found their seats, and the number of hands shooting up to ask to go to the toilet. Ha! Teachers are amazing.

We did some live drawing, reading and chatting, and invited some kids on stage to draw with us. I love how when you ask a child their name, they take this task VERY seriously and you get their full name including middle names. Lovely.

I enjoyed seeing some behind the scenes pictures of Neal’s process, his studio and dip pens. I usually do these sort of events alone or with an author, it was so great to be paired with another illustrator. It led to lots of fun chat.

After a short break, where I enjoyed an ice cream in the sunshine, we visited each school from the audience to run some art workshops.

My children drew owls using a stick dipped in ink because that’s how I drew my book, Saving Mr Hoot.

Neal’s children made bird collages because he uses a mix of handmade and digital collage in his books. Look at that spotty beaked mallard!

On the final day we hung all the work in the Library. It felt like the completion of a very worthwhile project.

I love working with children. I say ‘Draw an owl’ and each one makes something completely different. I especially love some of the more out-there results. Imagine looking out of your kitchen window and seeing some of these nutters in your garden!

Oh and an extra fun treat that happened: we visited the BTO head quarters. They showed us some highlights from their collections: some personal papers, notebooks, drawings and correspondence of prominent figures in ornithology. Then we went for a peaceful walk on the reserve. A nice relaxing end to a busy day in schools. I restrained myself from doing my world class lapwing and curlew impressions — I didn’t want to intimidate the experts.

When I got home later that evening Gerry made me a special birthday dinner, and Pie sang some improvised ‘I’m glad your home’ songs which was gorgeous — and hilarious.

So to summarise: I came out of my illustrator cave, met one of my favourite illustrators ever, worked with some brilliant schools and enjoyed some nice falafel wraps at the river. I have a deadline now so it’s back to the illustrator cave. Bye until next time they let me out.

Helenx