Meeting Canadian Writers and Illustrators of Children’s Books
What inspires the writers of the books your students read? How does an illustrator decide what to draw? Is it true that most authors and illustrators don’t know each other? This column features a different Canadian children’s book creator in each issue and shows you the story beyond the covers.
Her gorgeous books are full of little treasures— realistic pinecones, shimmering starfish, shells waiting to be picked up from the moist sand. Meet Sarah Grindler, a talented illustrator and a new mom. She lives in a rose-covered cottage on Salt Spring Island, BC.
You attended art college and studied children’s picture book illustration at Emily Carr University of Art and Design. When did you know you wanted to be a book illustrator?
Illustration was always something that I loved and wanted to pursue. Growing up, many careers interested me, but I kept coming back to illustration. When I was a kid I would draw for hours, write stories, and create books. I attended the Camosun College Visual Arts program, then went on to a continuing studies program at Emily Carr University of Art and Design, specifically in picture book illustration. It was a great course, and I learned a lot in a short period of time. I also learned a lot from being really disciplined with drawing every day.
Growing up, your father was an artist. Tell me about him and how he influenced your choice.
My father is an amazing illustrator and a wildlife lover. He illustrated so many wildlife books for kids (and adults) and won awards for his cartoons. He was always so encouraging and welcomed my sister and me to use his art supplies. I remember the first time I used his watercolours. I used them like oil paints, and used up almost the whole tube! He said, “Oh! I should teach you how to use watercolour.” I will always be grateful for his constant encouragement.
For your first books you illustrated writing by others. Usually, writers and illustrators don’t meet each other. How is it different to illustrate someone else’s words from doing your own books? Do you have a preference?
I do enjoy both. Doing the illustrations for another author, I find that I put more pressure on myself while trying to bring the author’s vision to life, hoping they will be happy with the end product. However, it can be a great stretch artistically, as the subject matter is often something you wouldn’t have thought of yourself. If I am writing and illustrating, I don’t feel the same pressure. There is always collaboration with the editors as well, which I love, and their input is welcomed.
Now you write your own texts as well as do the art. Your books all seem to be inspired by nature. Do you plan to diversify?
I would love to diversify. I have many fiction book ideas in different stages of completion, and it would be really exciting to bring one to the forefront. It would also be nice to do a book that is a little less detail-heavy on the illustration side. The illustrations for my last three books took so long to complete, and, of course, in non-fiction, they have to be accurate.
You have a very young son. Does he influence your topics or your work? Sarah: Yes, he sure does! Jackson is such a fountain of inspiration. Since he was born, two and a half years ago, I have added several more book ideas to my ongoing list. His constant wonderment is infectious and he comes up with characters daily. Currently, he has a pet spider (one of many) that he named Ida. He yells: “Ida the Spida!” He paints a lot as well and has so many interests that inspire me.
Which writers or illustrators are your shining examples?
There are so many! Since childhood, I have loved the Brambly Hedge series by Jill Barklem. Her series was so charming. I also loved Janet and Allan Ahlberg’s books, Beatrix Potter, and any books about farm animals or sharks.
What is your advice to young, budding artists?
I would encourage budding artists to draw or write (or whatever the artistic endeavour is) a little bit every day. Bring a journal or sketchbook with you everywhere. Whatever your goal is, just keep working towards it. I have a large stack of rejection letters from publishers, but I kept submitting my projects until I eventually got published. I would also encourage artists to be open to trying new mediums and to keep learning.
How can teachers use your books in the classroom?
Great question! The Little Explorer’s series is for an age range of 4 to 8. They can find inspiration for different projects or crafts from Seaside Treasures and Garden Wonders, and I have heard of Forest Magic being used for story walks quite frequently. As the books are nice and small they can fit in a backpack and go on a field trip. There is a handy spread about things that are safe to touch and not safe to touch in the forest, but mostly these books are a great encouragement to get outside and explore. ‘
What do you enjoy when not making books or painting?
I find painting and writing to be fairly still processes, so my hobbies always seem to be quite active. I used to do a lot of kayaking, biking, search and rescue, circus performing, and theatre, but since having Jackson we spend a lot more time enjoying activities with him. We go on nature walks, garden, build forts, beachcomb, and these days, we watch excavators at work (if we can find one).
Check out Sarah Grindler’s art and her books here: https://www.sarahgrindlerart.com/about-sarah
Margriet Ruurs
Margriet Ruurs is the author of over 40 books for children and conducts (ZOOM) school presentations: margrietruurs.com
Enjoy her travel-and-books blog here: globetrottingbooklovers.com
This article is featured in Canadian Teacher Magazine’s Fall 2023 issue.