Debut Feature- Introducing Karin Akesson
Welcome to our inaugural Debut Feature! The world of children’s literature is a welcoming and bustling community of talented authors and illustrators. Being a new author or illustrator in this community is something special and we want to highlight new voices each month!
This month, we welcome Karin Akesson, author and illustrator of The Rainbow Snail, a picture book inspired by her two children.
Rainbow Snail is a beautiful picture book celebrating colour. Where did the idea come from?
Thank you! All my work is inspired by my own two children. The illustration came before the story.
The snail character started out as a regular snail on a print for my son, the snail was a well loved character in our collection but the snail had more to give and in lockdown when we were surrounded by rainbows and inspired by my daughter who loves rainbows the snail grew into the Rainbow snail!
What do you hope readers will take from The Rainbow Snail?
The book is about seeing and appreciating the small things around us, something children are really good at and we can all learn from them!
Why do you think reading to children is so vital and how can we help children develop a love of reading?
When I grew up my mum always read to us every day even when we got older and could easily read ourselves. The habit of reading is something I wanted to carry on for my children. Not only is it great for languages and imagination it is a lovely quiet time in our otherwise quite busy lives and a moment in the day both me and my children enjoy together.
As a debut, how have you found the journey to publication?
I thoroughly enjoyed the process! I run a company selling my prints and gifts for children featuring my illustrations and my publisher came across my work when I was trading at Old Spitalfield’s market. The rainbow snail character already excited and it felt like a very natural process to turn the Rainbow snail into a colour book.
Is there any advice you will give to others wanting to write or illustrate their own book?
Believe in your own work, work hard and stay positive. If you have a dream you will make it happen. The road to get there might not be straight and along the way embrace all opportunities and challenges. Find the right publisher for you. I was lucky to have the publisher approach me but I have been putting myself out there for years while selling at different markets and events. Always believed in good things will come.
The Rainbow Snail by Karin Åkesson is published by Union Square & Co., £11.99