In each installment of "
Three Questions With" we ask a different PJ Library author or illustrator questions about their work, their process, and interests. This month we're chatting with
Barney Saltzberg, author and illustrator of dozens of popular children's books, including our June selection
Tea With Zayde.
What inspired you to start drawing? Do you have any advice for aspiring artists or illustrators?
I fell in love with drawing when I was in elementary school. My mother didn't believe in coloring books. She would say, "Why would you color in someone else's art? Make your own art!" She bought me lots of sketch books which I filled with drawings. My mother kept every sketchbook and I still have them in my studio. I would recommend drawing! A lot! Also, studying, perspective, life drawing, etc; If you find that you aren't able to draw the way you would like to draw, don't be discouraged. Keep drawing. Making art is like anything else, it takes practice to become good.
Do you remember what your favorite book was as a child?
My favorite picture book as a child was,
Are You My Mother? I thought it was hilarious! Plus, the pictures were and still are, wonderful! I also loved
Harold and the Purple Crayon. What an imagination!
What inspired you to write Tea With Zayde?
Tea With Zayde was inspired by my father, Irving Saltzberg. He had regular tea visits with his 'great' granddaughter, via Skype. I thought that was a mouthful for a title, so it was easier to keep calling him, simply, "Zayde." There is a wonderful video on of the two stars of this story, sharing tea in my backyard. My father was 97 at the time of this filming. I hope this story reminds people that even if you are far away from someone you love, that you can still be close and even, share a cup of tea!
Barney Saltzberg is the author and illustrator of close to 50 books for children, including Beautiful Oops!, Arlo Needs Glasses, Andrew Drew and Drew, and the bestselling Touch and Feel Kisses series with over one million copies in print. Additionally, he’s recorded four albums of music for children.
June 8, 2016