Q&A with Karl Newson and Duncan Beedie
The work of both author and illustrator is celebrated with this Q&A. We asked both Karl Newson and Duncan Beedie a few questions about their new book, I Really Really Love you So.
Bush Baby is a fun character- one not often seen in picture books. In terms of developing her, how easy was it to create her, both in terms of text and illustration?
Karl:
When I was thinking about this story, I knew the character needed to be something relatively small (and cute!), and it needed to be able to move much like bears do in illustrated books – in a very human way! – so that we, the reader, would be able to relate to them, but there are too many bear books already (both Duncan and I have our own separate bear books!) so I searched for an alternative animal – something small and cute, that lives in trees, and isn’t a regular character in books. It was between a koala and a bush baby in the end. Bush baby won because I thought a koala sounded too slow and our character needed to be quick and jiggly! The story was pretty much already there in my head, but her being a bush baby definitely gave her a personality that’s not directly said in the story. She’s great fun to write! Cheeky. Silly. Daring. Brave and independent! Duncan worked his magic bringing her to life!
Duncan:
In terms of drawing Bush Baby, I based her on some ring-tailed lemurs I saw at a wildlife park. I was impressed by how bouncy and agile they were and I wanted to try and give her the ‘jiggly-wiggliness’ that befitted Karl’s text. Her massive eyes really helped with conveying expression, both in this book and her first outing in I Really, Really Need A Wee.
How does your collaboration work? What is the key to your communication in terms of bringing a picture book together?
Karl:
Well, we were strangers when we first teamed up! Our publisher, Little Tiger, put us together – we share the same agent (Jodie Hodges of United Agents) so it was just lucky timing on my part, I think, that Duncan had a free slot. I was delighted when I heard he liked the story! Since then we’ve shared some fun and interesting times at events, mostly sweating our socks off dancing the ‘jiggle-wiggle’ dance in our bush baby onesies! Making a book together is quite an individual process mostly, but we’re regularly in touch nowadays to discuss events and book goings-on. It’s great working together to make a series!
Duncan:
For me, the literal link between Karl’s text and the illustrations is the art director – in this case Rebecca Essilifie. I have worked with Rebecca on a number of titles for Little Tiger now and we have a great working relationship. By and large, with us living in different cities, Karl and I don’t cross paths very often – although we are getting to lark about at school visits and launch parties more often – so the editorial team are a vital bridge between the text and the images they inspire.
Will there be more from Bush Baby?
Karl:
Yes! Next year. We can say no more other than it rhymes with number two and will create a rather memorable book sandwich of the series!
What do you hope readers will take from reading this story?
Karl:
Ooh this is an interesting question because there are two answers. One: I always hope readers will take whatever it is they find inside it, as quite often they’ll see things I haven’t even considered. And Two: if anything, I’d like them to see this as a little nudge on the arm that says it’s OK if you don’t know how to say ‘I Love You’ (or anything you’re trying to say or do) because it’s not an easy thing to do for everyone. And if you find it more You to make someone a rocket instead of giving them a box of chocolates, then you do that! We too often fall into the trap of assuming things must be done in a certain way to fit in, but that’s not true, it’s just what the shops want us to think so we all go out and buy the same thing! So do it your way. And for me, nothing is better than a hug. 6. The message of this story rings very clear to the readers and I wonder whether either of you have been gifted with some special ways of showing love?
The message of this story rings very clear to the readers and I wonder whether either of you have been gifted with some special ways of showing love?
Karl:
I guess in my line of business it’s always been things like cheesy poems but it’s evolved into picture books now. I dedicate most of my books to my children, but they aren’t impressed at all. I need to up my game!
Duncan:
Not that I know of…. maybe ask my friends or family. On second thoughts, probably best you don’t.
You are both so talented and hard working- do you have more projects in the works? Either collaboratively or independently?
Karl:
Well collaboratively we’ve got the one I mentioned previously… my bit is done on that now, so it’s over to Duncan to work his magic once more! I’ve got a few other books in the making, too, some of which are coming out in 2023 and others in 2024. My next picture book will be Beware the Blue Bagoo (illustrated by Andrea Stegmaier), publishing in February. We’re always a good year ahead of time in the behind-the-scenes-book-world, so I’ll be keeping my fingers crossed you’ll enjoy all those too! In the meantime I’m wondering what’s next for bush baby… does she have another story to tell?!
Duncan:
Aside from the third instalment in the Bush Baby saga, I have just finished writing and illustrating a story for Little Tiger about a badger who loves heavy metal music – it’s imaginatively titled Heavy Metal Badger. I am also about to start the artwork for a third book in my Bear series with Templar.
I Really Really Love you so is published by Little Tiger Press and is available now.
Views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the Federation.