Lisa Shanahan - Parenting a Picturebook.
Have you ever wondered what it is like to produce a picture book? And how it is possible for more than one person to involved in its creation? How do authors and illustrators work together? And whose book is it anyway when it’s finally finished?
These were some of the questions which were answered by Australian children’s author, Lisa Shanahan, as she spoke at the NSW Australian School Library Association conference this weekend at the King’s School.
The focus of her session, ‘On knitting a vision: picture book collaboration’, was the way in which author and illustrator were both intensely involved in the birth of a picture book. Following this analogy through, Lisa likened a good collaboration to a good marriage, where both partners are involved in bringing their offspring into the world, and dedicating different time and talents to the resulting ‘child’. She even spoke of 2 births for the book - the first being when the writer has finished (the first edited draft at least), the second when the artist has completed their interpretation of the text of the book.
Lisa described the source of her first inspirations (a child’s comment, a snippet of conversation in her head) and how she develops the story by asking why? how? and what if? Much of her writing is triggered by dialogue, and relying on her aural instincts to develop her stories. With an inner recognition - a tingle, she allows a story to evolve.
With reference to books such ‘Bear and Chook’ and ‘Daddy’s Having a Horse’, Lisa then spoke of the partnership, and how a good illustrator contributes to a book. She believes that illustrator, Emma Quay, helped widen the perspective of ‘Daddy’s having a horse’ with her interpretation of the reaction of Lachlan and his sister to the imminent birth of a baby in their family. Clever additions to the pages as the story progressed, display Lachlan’s inner world realistically, and also give a true picture of family life once the baby arrives.
Very often, the visual story extends from the text - lending further meaning to the story, (as with Caitlin’s development of love for her baby brother, after initial indifference and disappointment). Wordless comments are also possible with the illustrator’s interpreation giving great impact, even to the end pages.
The relationship between author and illustrator appears unique, and when combining great talents like Lisa Shanahan and Emma Quay or Wayne Harris, both parties can sometimes be in for a surprise. It can also be valuable to to be open to changing parts of the story - especially after trialling books with young friends and family. Thus, there is professional sharing from both sides as the story reaches its birth. And aren’t we glad when the parents are as talented as Lisa, Emma and Wayne?
Have you ever wondered how a picture book develops? Have a careful look at some of Lisa’s books and try considering the parts (text & illustrations) in isolation? Then comment on the whole.
NB Visit Inside a Dog and you can read/listen to a chapter of Lisa’ novel for young adults, ‘My Big Birkett’.
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