Advanced copies of LET ME HELP available today + An Interview with Angela Dominguez

As we mentioned in a previous post, Let Me Help! / ¡Quiero ayudar! is our newest release for Spring, and we couldn't be more excited about it. So we're offering our loyal website visitors (i.e. YOU) the chance to be one of the first people to own it. Starting today, we are making the book available (in advance of its publication date) exclusively on our website! Go ahead, add it to your cart.

For those of you hungry to know more about the book, below is an interview with illustrator Angela Domínguez. Angela was born in Mexico City and raised in Texas. Growing up, she loved to read and to draw. In 2007, she received her MFA in illustration from the Academy of Art in San Francisco, where she is now teaching a class on children's book illustration. Below, Angela shares some of her thoughts on working on Let Me Help!, which is her first ever picture book and second children's book, as well as some sketches.

And lasty, we have to plug Angela's book signing at CABE next week on March 10th. Actually, author Alma Flor Ada will be there as well, so it will be double the fun.

So Angela, take it away!

What motivated your artwork in this book?

I was inspired by Mexican Movie Posters and Toulouse Lautrec. I began with very tight character sketches. It was important for me to depict a wide range of Mexican faces and body types. As a Mexican who immigrated to the United States and grew up in Texas, I felt it was my duty to try to show a variety.  Also, I always give my illustrations a sort of soundtrack. What inspired me this time was the James Bond theme music and Earth, Wind & Fire.

What would you like your artwork to communicate to children who read the story?

I’d like for children to understand that you never can predict what a person (or in this case a parrot) can do. I want the children to identify with Perico, who is good-natured, and has only the best intentions. Despite being told repeatedly that he is in the way, he remains true to himself and able to save the day. In addition, I want children to understand and enjoy the imagery associated with the Mexican American Holiday.

How did you create the illustrations for Let Me Help?

When I’m researching my characters, I spend a great deal of time at my local bookstores and libraries. I also spend countless hours drawing from life, and going outdoors for inspiration. I’m on the hunt trying to process what I think the character should look like. This stage can take quite awhile, but it is both necessary and exciting. When it came to the actual illustrations, I worked on a taupe surface and used acrylic, ink and watercolor. I did not use any specific models, but I did a ton of research. I have an older brother that still lives in Texas, and he took countless pictures of the San Antonio Riverwalk on my behalf.

What do you like about illustrating children’s books?

I love children’s books because you are presented with two challenges. First, you have to build an entire world where the characters and story are taking place. Second, you have to make the artwork look effortless. If you don’t address both challenges, the book does not look sincere and lacks that spark. Also, I love making artwork that is not pretentious, but instead approachable and enjoyable to everyone. There is nothing more rewarding than making someone laugh, smile, or feel inspired.

What would you say to children who like to draw and who are thinking about becoming an artist one day?

I recommend just to keep drawing everyday. If you can, try taking an after school course or attend a workshop. Learn as much as you can from museums, books, and classes. Be open to suggestions to your artwork, and understand that criticism is helpful.  Being a successful artist has less to do with talent, and more with passion, practice, and perseverance.

Submitted by Childrens Book Press on Tuesday, March 2, 2010 4:21pm