tBk Talkback

Emily, a former traveller who spent eight years on the road after leaving school at 16 with almost no formal qualifications, graduated from Brighton University’s Illustration degree course just two years ago in 2004. Her career as a picture book illustrator took off immediately when she won the 2004 Macmillan Prize for Illustration for Wolves and a publishing deal followed.

Congratulations, how does it feel to win the Kate Greenaway Medal for your first book?

Excited! I keep trying to come up with a phrase that describes how I feel without resorting to cliches, but I just can't The nearest I can get , is to tell you that I keep doing madwoman grins at inappropriate moments! When I think about all the previous winners, the fantastic books that I grew up with, and have read to my daughter... I find it unbelievable that my name is now part of that! It's slightly unreal.

What books did you love as a child?

My favourite book was The Giant Jam Sandwich by Janet Burroway and John Vernon Lord. I loved all the details. I used to spend hours looking at the illustrations, but it has left me with a lifelong fear of wasps! Also Raymond Briggs' Fungus the Bogeyman for the rudeness, and like a lot of kids in the 1970s I was madly into Snoopy.

Well that's all you're getting! This interview appears exclusively in the next issue of tBk magazine. Published in September!

Other questions that Emily answers include :

Where did the idea for Wolves come from?
Do you have a favourite image or spread in Wolves?
What's the best thing about being an author and illustrator?

Emily also talks about her second book, Orange Pear Apple Bear and her new book Meerkat Mail. Maybe potential medal winners again next year?

tBk Issue 14 / Autumn 2006

Don't miss this issue of tBk! Double check that your subscription is up to date or to subscribe to the magazine contact us on 0121 666 6646.

Return to tBK Talkbacks

Need Directions to Peters?

AuthorZone - Author Profiles.

tBkmag.

Latest Promotions.

The Kit Shop.

Visit our Showroom!

Contact Us?

Previous News Items.

The Charter Range

Site Guide.