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Peter Carnavas: Author and Illustrator (and teacher/librarian/musician/great guy)
Peter Carnavas is a prolific author...READ MORE
Interview: Karen Erasmus
Karen Erasmus moved to Australia from the UK in 2004 with her husband and two tiny children, and settled on the beautiful Mornington Peninsula. Previously a primary school teacher, she returned to studying art at Chisholm Institute after her third child.A long admirer of illustrators like Freya Backwood and Emily Gravett, Karen was delighted to illustrate her first children’s picture book in 2011, and has now completed more than ten books. She works in watercolour, ink and pastel, and aims to create images that are engaging and lively for young readers.
When she isn’t drawing and painting, Karen loves to visit schools to read stories to young audiences. She also loves cycling, swimming, crochet, and hearing her children’s laughter. Karen's latest book is Santa's Tight Squeeze. You can buy the book in the UK here and in Australia here.
What do you try to achieve when illustrating a picture book?
I focus on a sense of fun, interesting characters that are engaging, and action that supports the words
Do you illustrate at home or do you have a studio?
I’m very lucky that I have my own room to work at home.
Which illustrators do you look up to?
Emily Gravett, Polly Dunbar, Freya Blackwood, Matt Phelan
Tell us about your latest picture book?
Santa’s Tight Squeeze is a light-hearted story of Santa travelling all around the world and enjoying all the treats that have been left out for him. It’s a story with a gentle message about the importance of sharing. I’ve illustrated Santa before so I had to change his look a bit from the traditional Santa. He’s got a bit of a ‘40s fighter pilot look and his sleigh has been updated.
What advice would you give to aspiring illustrators?
Draw every day and keep learning.November 28th, 2017READ MORE
Join Mr Darcy and celebrate Stir-up Sunday with family and friends
The festive season is here and to mark the start of the season we have a special Sunday coming up. This is the first big day prior to opening the first window on your advent calendar on December 1.This Sunday, 26 November 2017 is ‘Stir-up Sunday’, so put on your apron and gather family or friends to make a Christmas pudding. It’s the day when wishes come true, so get stirring!
According to tradition every person in the household including the children take a turn to stir the Christmas pudding mixture and make a wish.
The Christmas pudding is one of the essential Christmas traditions and is said to have been introduced to Britain by Prince Albert, husband of Queen Victoria.
Stir-up Sunday is the basis for Mr Darcy’s latest adventure in Mr Darcy and the Christmas Pudding. All his friends take a turn stirring the mixture. Can you guess Mr Darcy’s wish?
Join in the fun and get cooking with family and friends this Sunday. Good luck!November 22nd, 2017READ MORE
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