Want to get to know one of the incredible creative minds behind the Your Next Read junior fiction novels? Read on!
Sara Acton is an award-winning author and illustrator. Sara grew up in the Cotswolds in England and always loved drawing, especially people and other strange creatures. She studied BA Hons Fine Art and trained as an Art Teacher in London. After teaching and practicing art in England and New Zealand Sara moved with her family to Australia.
Sara now lives in a small seaside village on the Central Coast of NSW, where she enjoys writing and illustrating for children in her studio, whilst drinking tea and eating far too many biscuits. When not in her studio she can be found out and about sketching and visiting schools, libraries and bookshops to deliver presentations and workshops.
Her first picture book Ben and Duck won the 2012 Children’s Book Council of Australia Crichton Award for new illustrators.
And now Sara is bringing her illustrating talents to ‘Gabi Makes Room’, written by Jane Godwin, one of four launch titles in the Your Next Read Gold series (for readers aged 7-9) released this month.
We asked Sara to share some insights about herself and her creative process, and to take our Your Next Read Icons challenge!
YKNR: What were your first impressions when you read ‘Gabi Makes Room’ as a manuscript?
Sara: ‘I love creating characters for books and when I first read the story I couldn’t wait to start drawing Sylvia, the larger-than-life guest who bursts into Gabi and her family’s life and turns it upside down. The story made me giggle out loud and think about my own family and funny incidents.’
What are you thinking about when you are illustrating a story for readers 7+? How are they different from younger or older readers?
Sara: ‘When I am working on ideas for illustrations, I think about memories I have of that time in my life and when my children were that age and expand upon this with research and through using my imagination.
‘Gabi’s character reminded me of my 7-year-old self, who loved to draw and make up imaginary worlds. I would have loved Gabi’s school project of designing a dream bedroom! And still would!’
What’s the hardest thing about illustrating a story for this age group?
Sara: ‘One of the hardest things is narrowing down what illustrations to include. There is a big pile of sketches that don’t make it to the book, but that you make when imagining the characters and the world the story is set in. Sometimes I have to stop myself from getting too carried away or I would never finish the book!’
Why did you want to be part of the Your Next Read Gold series?
Sara: ‘I jumped at the chance to be part of this series alongside some amazing authors and illustrators. The series is fun, thoughtfully designed and full of super stories. The icons that connect the stories to individual interests are ingenious and offer the perfect trail of breadcrumbs (clues) to follow to find your next read.’
Discover more information about the Your Next Read icons here.
If you had to describe YOURSELF in three Your Next Read icons, which would you choose?
Sara: The Arts / Animals / Family
Choose the three icons that describe the kinds of STORIES that you love to read
Sara: Mystery / Fantasy / History
What’s your best tip for young illustrators?
Sara: ‘Keep a sketchbook to draw and write down your ideas, things you see around you and things you imagine. It doesn’t need to be neat, mine have shopping lists scribbled in them and lots of doodles of my dog!’
About ‘Gabi Makes Room’ by Jane Godwin, illustrated by Sara Acton
Do you like FAMILY, ART and HEARTWARMING STORIES?
Then this book is YOUR NEXT READ.
Gabi has to give up her room when Mum’s friend Sylvia comes to stay. Sylvia is loud, bossy and nothing like Mum. Gabi doesn’t like her at all. But could they have more in common than Gabi thinks?
Buy here from your favourite online retailer
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