What inspired you to create Measuring Me!?
I wanted to make a book that introduced young children to concepts of measurement and scale in a playful, accessible way, introducing amazing facts without using sophisticated mathematical language. Young children are sometimes expected to learn quite abstract concepts in maths before they really understand why they are useful and this can be alienating, boring or scary. There are no rulers or scales in Measuring Me! Instead, we use familiar objects such as tin cans, toys and even a house to explore amazing measurement facts about the children themselves
I wanted to make a book that introduced young children to concepts of measurement and scale in a playful, accessible way, introducing amazing facts without using sophisticated mathematical language. Young children are sometimes expected to learn quite abstract concepts in maths before they really understand why they are useful and this can be alienating, boring or scary. There are no rulers or scales in Measuring Me! Instead, we use familiar objects such as tin cans, toys and even a house to explore amazing measurement facts about the children themselves
|
Can you describe your process in creating Measuring Me!? How did you decide on the materials you wanted to use for the artwork? I tend to work in mixed media which I then collage in photoshop to create a layered feel that’s similar to printmaking. For example, on the ten tin cans spread, each tin can is made in separate layers of different colours and textures using media including ink painting, pencil drawing and homemade ink stamps. These are then layered together digitally in the same way you might make a screenprint. |
What do you hope young readers might take away from this book?
I hope they’ll be amazed and surprised about some of the human biology facts (as I was when I researched them!) but also that they’ll see how measurement and scale can be playful and fun which will give them a positive context as they go on to develop a vocabulary in maths and measuring.
I hope they’ll be amazed and surprised about some of the human biology facts (as I was when I researched them!) but also that they’ll see how measurement and scale can be playful and fun which will give them a positive context as they go on to develop a vocabulary in maths and measuring.
|
How did you come to be a children’s book author and illustrator? I’ve loved writing stories and drawing pictures since I was a very small child. I could never choose which I liked best and at university studied Visual Art and English Literature. My first career was as a TV producer so I’ve always combined working with words and pictures. When I had my kids and started making little books for them, I decided to follow the dream of a career in children’s books. I went back to college to do an MA in Children’s Book Illustration and was lucky to be picked up by publishers at my degree show. |
|
Which children’s books from your childhood have had a lasting influence on you?
I’ve still got loads of picture books from when I was a child, which I then went on to read with my kids. I loved and still love the Harry the Dog books by Gene Zion and Margaret Bloy Graham. I particularly love how the limited colour palette and illustration design ties into the narrative – for me that’s picture book perfection. And the charming stories are timeless. I also loved Michael Bond’s Paddington Bear, A A Milne’s Winnie the Pooh and Maurice Sendak’s Little Bear – the Three Bears! On the non-fiction side, my favourite was the Usborne Book of Spycraft. I wanted to be a spy when I was little as well as an author!
I’ve still got loads of picture books from when I was a child, which I then went on to read with my kids. I loved and still love the Harry the Dog books by Gene Zion and Margaret Bloy Graham. I particularly love how the limited colour palette and illustration design ties into the narrative – for me that’s picture book perfection. And the charming stories are timeless. I also loved Michael Bond’s Paddington Bear, A A Milne’s Winnie the Pooh and Maurice Sendak’s Little Bear – the Three Bears! On the non-fiction side, my favourite was the Usborne Book of Spycraft. I wanted to be a spy when I was little as well as an author!
|
Would you describe your typical workday and workspace for us? Because I write and illustrate I don’t really have a typical day. My to-do list varies a lot depending on where I am up to in a book. But I always start the day with a bowl of porridge while I do the Strands and Connections puzzles from the New York Times. I have a cluttered, book-filled workroom at home where I can make a creative mess when I’m at the art stage of a project. But if I’m writing, you’re as likely to find me at the kitchen table, in a café or at the library, because at that stage is just my ideas and a laptop that’s needed. I make sure that I get out for a brisk walk every day – a lot of ideas are born on walks. |
How do you enjoy spending your time when not creating your books?
When the weather’s good my favourite thing is to potter around in the garden. I also love to read or go to the cinema or theatre. Anything to do with storytelling really! And my family and I play a lot of cards and other games.
When the weather’s good my favourite thing is to potter around in the garden. I also love to read or go to the cinema or theatre. Anything to do with storytelling really! And my family and I play a lot of cards and other games.
|
You included some adorable pets in Measuring Me! Do you have any pets, and would you tell us a bit about them if you do? I have a cat called Firelight and a dog called Milly. Firelight sleeps a lot in all sorts of funny places like bags, boxes and baskets. She loves sitting next to me while I work and I find her purring very calming. Milly is much more energetic and bouncy, and I love the way she’s excited by every new day and every new walk. |
|
What do you like best about where you live?
I’ve lived in London all my life and love being here. My house is five minutes from a lovely park and about 15 minutes from an old cemetery full of wildlife which are both great for walks. We are a half hour bus or bike ride into the liveliness of central London. I also love that we have a Turkish shop at the end of our road that sells just about every food ingredient you’ll ever need and literally never closes!
I’ve lived in London all my life and love being here. My house is five minutes from a lovely park and about 15 minutes from an old cemetery full of wildlife which are both great for walks. We are a half hour bus or bike ride into the liveliness of central London. I also love that we have a Turkish shop at the end of our road that sells just about every food ingredient you’ll ever need and literally never closes!
|
Have you ever visited the US? Would you like to do so? I’ve been to the US a few times, including New York and Vermont where I have friends and family. When I was very young a friend and I took a fantastic circular road trip from San Francisco to Los Angeles. But I haven’t been for many years so I’d love to visit again soon. |
What’s been the most rewarding thing about being a children’s book creator?
The process of making a book is an amazing privilege – I have a busy creative brain that hatches lots of ideas and it’s wonderful to be able to channel them in this way. I am passionate about the importance of children and childhood, so it’s my perfect job. The most rewarding thing of all is when you hear how a child has reacted to a book. When you’ve made a reader laugh or think or want to read a book again, that’s what it’s all about.
The process of making a book is an amazing privilege – I have a busy creative brain that hatches lots of ideas and it’s wonderful to be able to channel them in this way. I am passionate about the importance of children and childhood, so it’s my perfect job. The most rewarding thing of all is when you hear how a child has reacted to a book. When you’ve made a reader laugh or think or want to read a book again, that’s what it’s all about.
|
What’s been the most challenging thing about being a children’s book creator? Because you’re working alone a lot of the time, it’s really important to make sure you’re getting out to meet up with other authors and illustrators and getting some of the social contact that’s automatic if you work in an office setting. |
|
What words of advice would you share with aspiring young writers and artists?
For me the most valuable thing when I was starting out was to do courses and workshops. Not only do they help you hone your craft, but they provide structure for you to develop your work and a ready-made community of fellow creators. Also, it’s crucial to accept the importance of mistakes. Sometimes you have to write or draw something really badly before you can make it good. That’s just part of the process!
For me the most valuable thing when I was starting out was to do courses and workshops. Not only do they help you hone your craft, but they provide structure for you to develop your work and a ready-made community of fellow creators. Also, it’s crucial to accept the importance of mistakes. Sometimes you have to write or draw something really badly before you can make it good. That’s just part of the process!
about Measuring me!
|
Explore the concept of measuring in a personal way! From finding out how tall you are in food cans to how much electricity your body can generate, Measuring Me! includes plenty of relatable and exciting ways to explore the concepts of measuring. Discover more about the human body in this book that is all about YOU. It’s an accessible introduction to measuring and relativity for children that uses familiar household items to make abstract concepts relatable and engaging. The book also includes a pull-out height chart that children can use to track their growth. Awards: Mathical Book Prize Winner, Grades PreK Eureka! Nonfiction Children’s Silver Book Award |
