As I said in my latest post here the fist interview to a children's author and illustrator. The guests of this first Writing Room are author Katia Novet Saint-Lot and illustrator Dimitrea Tokunbo who will introduce their "Amadi's Snowman". Amadi share with us the wonderful and mysterious world of books. His initial scepticism, his doubts on the importance of reading will turn into the most exciting discover of every child, learning the sounds of words and their meaning.When I first read this book to my daughters they were really partecipating at Amadi's journey through the awareness that reading can take you far and I'm sure many children will recognise themselves in Amadis' great adventure.
KABILIANA - Katia, you've lived in Nigeria for quiet some time and now you are living in India since 4 years, why did Amadi's story came out only now?
KATIA - The publishing process is long, and arduous, as you probably know. It also depends on so many things. I've heard editors at conferences or in interviews say that they sometimes have to reject a book that they would have loved publishing, for financial reasons, because the marketing department rejected it, etc, etc. The editor at Tilbury, Audrey Maynard, loved the story when I first sent it, but it was at the beginning of the war in Iraq, and school library budgets had been drastically cut, and she had to reject it. She sent me an email two years later, asking if the story was still available. I had made quite a few changes in the meantime, and they liked them. And then, there is the whole illustration process, and that takes quite a while, as well. And then the printing, etc. It takes time to publish a picture book.
KATIA - The publishing process is long, and arduous, as you probably know. It also depends on so many things. I've heard editors at conferences or in interviews say that they sometimes have to reject a book that they would have loved publishing, for financial reasons, because the marketing department rejected it, etc, etc. The editor at Tilbury, Audrey Maynard, loved the story when I first sent it, but it was at the beginning of the war in Iraq, and school library budgets had been drastically cut, and she had to reject it. She sent me an email two years later, asking if the story was still available. I had made quite a few changes in the meantime, and they liked them. And then, there is the whole illustration process, and that takes quite a while, as well. And then the printing, etc. It takes time to publish a picture book.
KABILIANA- Would have Amadi been written if you didn't have the chance to live in Nigeria?
KATIA - Absolutely not. The story was born within a certain context, and even though Amadi's experience has a universal feeling to it, and children all over the world can relate to it, it could only have been born in Igbo Land.
KATIA - Absolutely not. The story was born within a certain context, and even though Amadi's experience has a universal feeling to it, and children all over the world can relate to it, it could only have been born in Igbo Land.
KABILIANA - What is your relationship and feeling with the African Continent?
KATIA - This is a difficult question. I strongly resist discussing the continent as a whole. First, I don't know that many countries in Africa. I have lived in Nigeria, and I have visited Benin and The Ivory Coast, and that's it. I'm familiar with several cultures of West Africa, because I have friends who are from Senegal, Mali, Cameroon, etc. I also did a lot of Senegalese dancing when I lived in New York. It's called Sabar, and I used to take 4 to 5 classes a week. That's how much I loved it. But I don't know East Africa, nor the south of the continent. People who know Africa quite well always say that they're very different.
KABILIANA - In which way literacy can help economically disadvantaged population to change their life/future?
KATIA - Education is key. It's not only a matter of knowing more, it's also that an educated people can better defend themselves, against abuse, ignorance, superstition, and so much more.
Amadi has also a multicultural view as it introduces to Nigeria and a small village's life.
KABILIANA - How /When does diversity becomes a value when different people confront each other?
KATIA - Exposure to diversity opens up the world and the mind. If you experience others' ways of living, whether directly or through books, it becomes easier to realize that there is not one way of doing things, but millions of them, and your horizons broaden. My children have lived in Nigeria and India, they know life in France, the US, Spain and Haiti, and they take it all in stride. In India, people eat with their right hand, sitting on the floor. Fine. In France, or I should say the western world, we eat with a fork and a knife. That's not halfway as much fun as eating with one hand, but Oh well, if that's the way it's done. They understand that languages change from one place to another. They also understand that customs change from one place to the other. In India, Ganesh, Durga, Diwali, etc, are celebrated. In France, they'll go to the baptism of a cousin. They have been in churches, temples, mosques, and they understand that people worship in diverse ways, and none is better than the other. The risk that these children grow up to be narrow-minded and convinced that there is only one way to speak, eat, dress, act, worship, and/or think, is really quite unlikely. Tolerance is a component of their psyche. And the world certainly needs more tolerance.
KATIA - This is a difficult question. I strongly resist discussing the continent as a whole. First, I don't know that many countries in Africa. I have lived in Nigeria, and I have visited Benin and The Ivory Coast, and that's it. I'm familiar with several cultures of West Africa, because I have friends who are from Senegal, Mali, Cameroon, etc. I also did a lot of Senegalese dancing when I lived in New York. It's called Sabar, and I used to take 4 to 5 classes a week. That's how much I loved it. But I don't know East Africa, nor the south of the continent. People who know Africa quite well always say that they're very different.
KABILIANA - In which way literacy can help economically disadvantaged population to change their life/future?
KATIA - Education is key. It's not only a matter of knowing more, it's also that an educated people can better defend themselves, against abuse, ignorance, superstition, and so much more.
Amadi has also a multicultural view as it introduces to Nigeria and a small village's life.
KABILIANA - How /When does diversity becomes a value when different people confront each other?
KATIA - Exposure to diversity opens up the world and the mind. If you experience others' ways of living, whether directly or through books, it becomes easier to realize that there is not one way of doing things, but millions of them, and your horizons broaden. My children have lived in Nigeria and India, they know life in France, the US, Spain and Haiti, and they take it all in stride. In India, people eat with their right hand, sitting on the floor. Fine. In France, or I should say the western world, we eat with a fork and a knife. That's not halfway as much fun as eating with one hand, but Oh well, if that's the way it's done. They understand that languages change from one place to another. They also understand that customs change from one place to the other. In India, Ganesh, Durga, Diwali, etc, are celebrated. In France, they'll go to the baptism of a cousin. They have been in churches, temples, mosques, and they understand that people worship in diverse ways, and none is better than the other. The risk that these children grow up to be narrow-minded and convinced that there is only one way to speak, eat, dress, act, worship, and/or think, is really quite unlikely. Tolerance is a component of their psyche. And the world certainly needs more tolerance.
KABILIANA - You have started presenting the book in Indian Schools, what was your first impression meeting directly the students? What do they like most reading and what do they ask you when you share Amadi's message with them?
KATIA - Children love Amadi because he's so real. He's nto perfect, but he's smart, and he grows throughout the story, and the ending is satisfying. A lot of them, here, also seem to relate to the fact that he has never seen snow.
KATIA - Children love Amadi because he's so real. He's nto perfect, but he's smart, and he grows throughout the story, and the ending is satisfying. A lot of them, here, also seem to relate to the fact that he has never seen snow.
KABILIANA - As a mother and a writer how would you propose a book to somebody who is not interested in reading? What will you suggest him/her or which kind of approach will you think to stimulate him/her?
KATIA -I find it very hard to believe that a child would be totally opposed and allergic to books. So, it's really a matter of offering the kind of material that will stimulate them, and catch their attention, exactly like Amadi in the story. He won't hear about learning how to read, but as soon as his curiosity is peeked, that's it, he's caught.
KATIA -I find it very hard to believe that a child would be totally opposed and allergic to books. So, it's really a matter of offering the kind of material that will stimulate them, and catch their attention, exactly like Amadi in the story. He won't hear about learning how to read, but as soon as his curiosity is peeked, that's it, he's caught.
KABILIANA- We writers all know that without reading we would never be able to write… how much do you read children's literature and how do you choose what to read in this field?
KATIA -I read constantly. And my tastes and interests influence what I choose to read, of course. Anything multicultural is likely to interest me. I also keep informed, see what comes out, what my friends read and recommend, etc, etc.
KATIA -I read constantly. And my tastes and interests influence what I choose to read, of course. Anything multicultural is likely to interest me. I also keep informed, see what comes out, what my friends read and recommend, etc, etc.
KABILIANA - Can you give us three titles of the three children's books you ever loved in the last year?
KATIA - "Henry's Freedom Box," by Ellen Levine, illustrated by Kadir Nelson. It's the story of Henry "Box" Brown, a slave who mailed himself to freedom. It's a story of amazing bravery, and Kadir Nelson's illustrations are absolutely stunning.
"Burn My Heart" by Beverly Naidoo, about the uneasy friendship of two boys, one white, one black, in colonial Kenya. It's about hard choices and children being caught in political turmoil and the kind of frightening mess that adults are so good at creating.
"Amazing Grace" by Mary Hoffman, illustrated by Caroline Binch. I only discovered this book, and others in the series, recently. They are wonderful. Grace is an energetic, confident, imaginative child, and a perfect role model for any girl.
"Burn My Heart" by Beverly Naidoo, about the uneasy friendship of two boys, one white, one black, in colonial Kenya. It's about hard choices and children being caught in political turmoil and the kind of frightening mess that adults are so good at creating.
"Amazing Grace" by Mary Hoffman, illustrated by Caroline Binch. I only discovered this book, and others in the series, recently. They are wonderful. Grace is an energetic, confident, imaginative child, and a perfect role model for any girl.
KABILIANA - Officialy from today Amadi is on a World Virtual Tour. Would you like to explain how does it work and who will involve?
KATIA - The idea is to engage children from several countries around the world in a conversation about reading, books, and each other. As I've mentioned before, kids are not encumbered by the many prejudices that adults carry around - unless they've already been influenced by those adults, of course. They are naturally interested and curious about other children. Having lived in many places, and having also contacts in quite a few, I thought it would be fun to virtually visit schools, libraries, etc. We'll see children in Nigeria, in the US, in India, in Italy (thanks to you), and maybe in Ethiopia and in Haiti (we're still working out the logistics, but it's looking good.) There will be interviews, conversations about the process of writing, and reviews on blogs dedicated to children's literature. We'll have some video clips, quizzes and trivia, and a photo challenge, and there will be prizes at the end. I didn't realize, as I embarked on this adventure, that it would entail so much work, but it's been great fun, and I made some wonderful contacts all over the world. What I want, aside from trying to get the book out there as much as possible, is for children to have fun, to learn about each other, and to acquire or renew their conviction that reading is THE thing to do.
KATIA - The idea is to engage children from several countries around the world in a conversation about reading, books, and each other. As I've mentioned before, kids are not encumbered by the many prejudices that adults carry around - unless they've already been influenced by those adults, of course. They are naturally interested and curious about other children. Having lived in many places, and having also contacts in quite a few, I thought it would be fun to virtually visit schools, libraries, etc. We'll see children in Nigeria, in the US, in India, in Italy (thanks to you), and maybe in Ethiopia and in Haiti (we're still working out the logistics, but it's looking good.) There will be interviews, conversations about the process of writing, and reviews on blogs dedicated to children's literature. We'll have some video clips, quizzes and trivia, and a photo challenge, and there will be prizes at the end. I didn't realize, as I embarked on this adventure, that it would entail so much work, but it's been great fun, and I made some wonderful contacts all over the world. What I want, aside from trying to get the book out there as much as possible, is for children to have fun, to learn about each other, and to acquire or renew their conviction that reading is THE thing to do.
KABILIANA- What inspired you to become a children’s book illustrator?
DIMITREA -I think my mom was my first inspiration to become an illustrator. She encouraged me to draw from the time I could hold a crayon, she would ask me what story went with my picture and then she would write it on my drawing word for word. Looking back at some of the drawings she saved from before I was two are pretty funny. Anyway, she taught me to associated words and pictures as a team, which is what children’s picture books often do.
KABILIANA - Which emotions inspires you when you have to transform words in pictures?
DIMITREA -I think emotions are broadcasted from our faces. I’ve always been interested in drawing faces. Happiness, Anger, Curiosity, Fear are a few emotions that are very clear expressions to paint and draw. I also think that color conveys an emotional state and I absolutely love to play with color.
KABILIANA - Dimitrea you are from Nigeria and living in the Us. How does your african background feeds your American Life and viceversa, how does the mutlicultursl US society enrich your being African?
DIMITREA - My father was born in Nigeria and my Mother was born in the US. I was born in the US. My last name Tokunbo is actually my middle name and I had it legally changed a few years back because it means Born Away from Home which I feel speaks to that part of me that longs to no more about Africa and Nigeria specially. My daughters and I are going to Nigeria soon and they are very excited to be visiting for the first time. Sometimes I feel isolated by my differences to the two sides of my family but most times I feel luck and blessed because I feel it broadens my experiences and gives me more things to love.
KABILIANA- I know Amadi in travelling far also in Africa, did you have the chance to notice any difference in the perception of the story with African children and Us ones?
DIMITREA - That is an interesting question, I have only read it to American children so far and I look forward to sharing it with my Nigerian cousins soon. I will have to revistit the is question later.
KABILIANA- Amadi’s illustrations looks so captivating, they have essential shapes and the colours are wonderfully warm and deep. It seems that the colour was much more important then anything in this book.Isn’t it? Can you also tell us the tecnique and how do you choose your style every time.
DIMITREA - You are very right about the importance of the color in this book. One of the things that struck me during my visits to Nigeria was the vibrancy of the color. From the fabrics to the landscape to the baskets and wood carvings, I felt a warmth and energy. I was really hoping to give that same feeling to the readers of Amadi’s Snowman.
KABILIANA - According to you what children and parents, same or differently, look for in an illustrated book?
DIMITREA - Hmmm…according to me, I think children look for repletion of sounds and a musical quality to the narrative. I also think children like to see children that look like themselves and people they know. I think parents are concerned with teaching opportunities books can provide. They want the books to influence good behavior but they also want the books to feel fun, since most kids I know want to hear their favorite books over and over again. I think both children and parents are attracted to beautiful paintings whether they are soothing, scary or funny.
KABILIANA - How did it happen that you were asked to illustrate Katia’s Book?
DIMITREA - I think the publisher was looking for diverse artists and they found work I had done for another publisher that create great multicultural titles.
KABILIANA - How was your collaboration with Katia?
DIMITREA - Katia and I didn’t actually have any direct contact until the book was completely finished.
KABILIANA - How does reading contribute in helping disadvantaged children to raise looking forward a different future for themselves?
DIMITREA - I think that reading opens up worlds and choices that don’t otherwise occur to disadvantaged children because of the limitations of their environments. I speak from personal experience. From the time that my daughters were very small (we lived in Indiana for the first seven years of my eldest daughter’s life) we stayed in the library. We took out tons of books of stories from all over the world. People were often surprised at how cultured and sophisticated my children were to be so young and not to have traveled farther than New York. It was the books that allowed us to travel and to dream of things outside our experience. Now that we live in New York City we get to meet people from all these places and we truly appreciate the diversity.
KABILIANA - How are American children readers according to your experience? What do they prefer most?
DIMITREA - The American children readers I know the most about are my children. My mom just retired after many years of teaching kindergarten and special reading. She says that if a book is written at their reading level, the kids like to read books that have characters that are familiar to them. They like funny pictures and bright colors. She agrees that repetitious and musical phrases are attractive to American children. I think that her observations are probably applicable universally.
KABILIANA - Which illustrators do you admire? Why?
DIMITREA - I love Trina Schart Hyman, Leo & Diane Dillon, Brian Pinkney, Kadir Nelson and Patricia Polacco. Something that they have in common is the richness of their art and their ability to tell a story, even without words. They have all done books where they were both the author and illustrator and that is what I would like to do soon.
KABILIANA - Have you ever tried to write yourself a story?
DIMITREA - I am working on a few right now.
KABILIANA - Would you tell us three illustrated books you read and liked most in the last year?
DIMITREA - I recommend The Girl Who Spun Gold by Virginia Hamilton, illustrated by Leo and Dianne Dillon, The Fortune-tellers by Alexander Loydd, illustrated by Trina Schart Hyman and The Shark God by Rafe Martin, illustrated by David Shannon.
Thank's to Katia and Dimitrea and best luck for the Virtual Tour! And many thank's to Katia Dimitrea and Tilbury Publisher or donating their copy of "Amadi's Snowman" for the Kabiliana Library Project.
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