Champ by Reza Dalvand
Champ is a newly translated picture book from talented Iranian author and illustrator duo, Payam Ebrahimi and Reza Dalvand. A powerful and honest story of continuing to be yourself, despite the pressure to conform Champ was originally published in Iran, and is a book for those around the world who have resisted and continue to do so, no matter what. Illustrator Reza Dalvand has published more than fifteen books in Iran, Europe and Asia. Here he talks to us about his part in creating this remarkable story.
Can you tell us a bit about Champ?
This book was kind of my lifeline when I was younger. Everybody expected me to study medicine, but I found my own path and demonstrated that art was my true passion. Fortunately, my mum and family supported me, but I recall the pressure from both family and society at that time. I was fortunate to have the courage to pursue my passion, and I am grateful for the support of my family. I hope to share this positive experience with younger audiences and parents alike, encouraging them to follow their children’s talents and nurture their growth to the fullest.
What did you think when you first read the text?
As I mentioned, I found myself immersed in the story and fell in love with it! I visualized every single page in my mind, including the colour tones, the scale, and my perspective on this family. I believed it was a winning project, and I was very happy to be part of it. I also endeavoured to leave my personal mark on the story and add something extra to the book.
The perspective and scale in the illustrations is particularly striking, between little Abtin and his gigantic family members, and enhances the text beautifully. Is this something you planned with Payam (the author)?
The first thing that struck me was the size difference between the father and son! There was a significant gap between them, and I thought, ‘Okay, I’ll clearly depict this in my illustrations!’ When I shared my idea with the writer and the publisher, both of them agreed and I began my artwork, exaggerating the sizes of the characters to emphasize the contrast between them.
Did you find it difficult to balance the message of resistance with the dark humour?
Yes and No. The effect of message transfer is so powerful if you add some humour to that, especially in a platform like children’s books. Actually, it made my job easier; I used a dark humour to make fun of strictures.
What do you hope readers will take from the book?
In general, accepting differences in all cases, avoiding humiliation, refraining from imposing strictures. I hope parents believe in their kids, and kids believe in themselves. I wish for the new generation to grow stronger and more successful than the previous generations, and I hope that after reading this book, they see a hero within themselves!
How do you hope schools might use the book?
Hosting Q&A sessions with students about their talents, skills, and career aspirations is invaluable, so I hope this book will help teachers to lead sessions like this. Talent searches should begin in schools and families, and this book could initiate a new dialogue with students about their aspirations. Additionally, a workshop where students can paint their dreams for the future would be really fun.
What are your top tips for budding young illustrators?
Keep going and don’t give up. Persist in becoming a creative illustrator. For example, choose a well-known story and work on it like no one has done before. Create your own narrative and build your own world. Study other illustrators’ works as much as you can. If possible, participate in book fairs, engage with other illustrators, and showcase your artwork to editors and art directors. Sometimes, these small acts can shape your future.
Are you working on anything now?
Yes, as an illustrator-author, I’m currently working on my own new book. It’s a humorous story about a journey featuring a charming boy. The trip’s impact on the character and his pure joy from the experiences contrast with the adults’ perspective! Additionally, I’m developing new stories and have several book ideas focusing on diversity, critical thinking, and education.
Do you have any favourite picture book illustrators or artists that inspire you?
Between the painters, I am inspired by Hockney, Matisse and Toulouse-Lautrec. Also, Persian Miniature is one of the most important sources of my inspiration. I admire and follow a lot of talented young illustrators, like Valerio Vidali, Victoria Krylov, Marc Majewski and Jesus Cisneros.
Champ, written by Payam Ebrahimi, illustrated by Reza Dalvand, translated by Caroline Croskery, is published by Greystone Kids (4th April 2024)hardback. www.greystonebooks.com
