We Don't Make Fuzzy-Bunny Books (part 1)
I am in the thick of finishing the 30+ illustrations for my upcoming chapter book, Kenny and the Dragon. As I’ve mentioned in previous posts, it is inspired from Kenneth Grahame’s short story, The Reluctant Dragon, from his book Dream Days.
Originally, my idea was to set this story in the 1950′s -very Americana, very Norman Rockwell. But there were some plot issues that I just could not seem to resolve, so I wandered creatively for a bit. Then my agent, Ellen, proposed a horrible idea over dinner one night while up on the set for Spiderwick:
Tony: “So this story is one of my favorites, and it was written by the guy who wrote The Wind in the Willows.”
Ellen: “Wind in the Willows? Why don’t you make the characters all animals like in that story?”
Tony: “Animals? I don’t know…I don’t make ‘Fuzzy-Bunny’ books”
The term is actually one my editor, Kevin, and I often use. It refers to the idea that there are plenty of insipid, saccharine-y books out there for children, and that all the books we create will have some kernel of truth, of realism, that is planted in their heart.
But then, I DO LOVE Wind in the Willows, Watership Down, Redwall, Beatrix Potter books, heck, even Aesop’s fables. Perhaps (like the dragon design situation I faced early on), it was less about the physical skin the character wore, and more about what was inside.
And, to my knowledge, I haven’t seen a dragon book with talking animals. Perhaps there was something there after all…
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Thanks for posting your behind the scenes sketches. As an artist they are what sometimes inspires me the most.
As always your work is fantastic.
Cool! But why not replace the characters with faeries? Honestly.
Kenny: Hob (but still a tint of cuteness)
The Dragon: Um…duh
Saint George: An elf or a hired goblin mercenary.
I Love the book by Kenneth Graham and your art, so I think it will be a good combination. You’ve really got my reading list booked; A Giant Problem is number two,a follow up to this one….
I always keep an eye out for your posts and love to read them! I LOVE how you include sketches almost every time. It’s amazing to see perfect, loose sketches. I sent you a letter a while ago and got your reply last week! I was so, SO excited! My jaw hung loose as the letter unfurled. I can’t believe you sent me an original sketch!!! I appreciate it sooo much. Thank you! It was incredible seeing the master’s work first-hand. Thank you so much.
Your art is so amazing,
Can’t wait for the new book.
Thanks
It was an inspired idea to go with animal characters. No need to worry about sentimentality. Your characters–animal or human–will always have depth and uniqueness. You mentioned a lot of great sources of inspiration, and I’d add Garth Williams in “Mister Dog” and “Home for a Bunny” who came up with really charming and enduring animal characters. I feel sure “Kenny” will become a classic and do KG proud.
This is so exciting! I think, from what little I’ve seen, it looks like some of your very best work. Looks more Harry Roundtree in crazy fantasy land rather than fuzzy animal stuff.
Can’t wait!
The cover definitely makes me want to get the book! I look forward to reading it when it comes out. Your work is incredible! Thanks!
You said “And, to my knowledge, I haven’t seen a dragon book with talking animals”. Just in case you want such a book, try The Enchanted Forest Series by Patritia Wrede. The animals talk and the dragons too.
How much I like to hear this comment of yours about not doing ‘Fuzzy-Bunny’ books’. Nothing against them but I think is great that people like you are offering an alternative to the fuzzy-saturated children’s book market.
And talking about amazing non-fuzzy animal illustration, let’s not forget about the uncanny Norman Lindsay’s illustrations for “The Magic Pudding”. I bet that’s another favorite of yours