September 18th, 2018
Interview with illustrator of The Histronauts, Grace Cooke
Can you tell us a little about yourself?
Hello my name is Grace, I’m an Illustrator, I also enjoy sculpting and creating mixed media artwork. I studied Technical Arts and Special Effects at the Wimbledon College of Art, and Directing Animation at the National Film and Television School. I have a great love for animals and nature, and I’m really interested in astronomy, folklore and ancient history.
What made you want to become an illustrator of children’s books?
My family are very creative, and there was always a box of colouring pencils and a stack of grandad’s fax machine paper waiting to be drawn on. Watching The Looney Toons and The Muppets really sparked my love of telling stories and creating funny, exciting characters. There was never really a thought I could do anything else, It was a way of expressing myself, and at times it was very therapeutic. I have very fond memories of having my own library card at the age of 6 and renting out as many books as I could carry, and then pouring over all of the wonderful illustrations and stories. I loved Brambly Hedge by Jill Barklem, Winnie the Pooh, Roald Dahl, Enid Blyton, and so many others that just absolutely made my imagination burst and I knew from an early age that I wanted to be a part of creating children’s books.
What is your process when you illustrate a new book?
I’ll receive the story and start to form ideas; how do I best explain the action in a scene? What’s the setting? What will the characters look like? What will they be wearing? If it’s one of the Histronaut books a lot of research, with the help of Frances Durkin the author will begin into that particular time period. I’ll create rough sketches that are sent off to be okayed by the rest of the team. Sometimes details might change along the way that require the illustrations to be altered, always keeping the story at the forefront and making sure the story reads well alongside the images.
Who’s your favourite character in The Histronauts?
I’m going to say Hero, because he’s my favourite to draw, he’s always getting into trouble and it’s fun drawing him in various states of peril and panic, poor Hero.
Why do you think illustrated books are important?
They really help bring a story to life, and help children who are maybe reluctant to read. I think any age-range book for children should contain visuals to aid in comprehension, art in stories for adults is always a plus too. Anything that fires up your imagination, helps you to gain a better understanding of the topic and holds your attention a bit better, is important, they also create meanings beyond the text alone.
Do you have any tips to encourage reading together this week?
Making it enjoyable and having a playful approach, if that requires giving them a sticker for achievement it all adds to the fun! I think ultimately having the right book, and them feeling like they are really achieving something by reading it, will all help encourage children to be engaged when reading together.
Find out more about Grace and the Histronauts
here, and stay tuned for their next adventure (all about Vikings!!) in December 2018.
Don’t forget to take part in #TimeToRead this week, and let us know what you’re reading together!
