From: Gillian Chan <gillian.chan>
Date: Wed, 7 Aug 2002 22:42:46 -0700

Wow, Wendy!

You put it all so beautifully.

As to the complex illustrations - we did exactly the same with Peepo. It had an added resonance for us as we could not only explain what life was like in post-war Britain, but also use it to launch into family stories, as I grew up at just that time and my son was entralled by stories about making castles inside the clothes horse, or having a bath in front of the fire.

Another writer/illustrator whose illustrations yield riches to all ages is Jez Allborough. His "Where's the Bear" was a big hit for us. Going back to Wendy's point about small children needing to explore the darker side of things, he deals beautifully with the whole being lost scenario, facing up to something frightening (the bear), and learning to put such fear in perspective - it's hard to be frightened of a bear who needs its own teddy bear to snuggle in bed.

All the best,

gillian chan

gillian.chan at sympatico.ca http://www.gillianchan.com
Received on Thu 08 Aug 2002 12:42:46 AM CDT