Rebecca Bender is the author and illustrator of Giraffe and Bird (Dancing Cat Books), an irresistible picture book that was shortlisted for the 2011 CBA Libris Award for Children's Picture Book of the Year (who knew a cranky giraffe could be so adorable?).
Rebecca Bender talks to Open Book about Giraffe and Bird, upcoming projects and how Giraffe and Bird are a lot like siblings on a road trip.
Open Book:
Tell us about your book, Giraffe and Bird.
Rebecca Bender:
Visually it was inspired by a painting I conjured up of a giraffe suspicious of a bird sitting next to him on a wire. This turned into a story one day when I thought about their relationship and the space they share. It reminded me of the bickering back and forth we do with our siblings, especially when we're in close proximity for long periods of time (like on a roadtrip!). Fighting doesn't necessarily mean you don't like each other, it's a natural part of a relationship, and that's what Giraffe and Bird is about.
OB:
What are some of the challenges and opportunities that come from being both writer and illustrator of a book?
RB:
I suppose the challenge is to learn to trust your instincts, since you're the sole creator. I use my family as a sounding board quite often. On the other hand, there is a great opportunity to find that perfect marriage between the words and pictures when you are in control of both, and that's one of my favorite parts about creating picture books.
OB:
Are you drawn to writing for any particular age group? If so, why?
RB:
I'm drawn to writing for younger children because I enjoy exploring that time in your life when you're totally oblivious to social expectations and lacking self-awareness. It's very interesting to me, and such a precious time.
OB:
What is a typical day like while you're working on a book project?
RB:
For writing, I need to change up my surroundings. It seems to help with inspiration. For painting, it's quite routine — I listen to music or podcasts in my studio and happily work away, shooing my cats away from walking in my paint.
OB:
Who are some people who have deeply influenced (fellow writers or not) your writing and artistic life?
RB:
Memories from my childhood are central to most of my work. I was a very quiet child, a real observer, so I took a lot in. People, children, places I grew up knowing, Dr. Seuss, Sesame Street, old Disney movies — they all creep up, I'm sure.
OB:
Is there a book you?ve read recently that you wished you had written?
RB:
Oliver Jeffers, How to Catch a Star is such a charming story and I love the clever twist at the end where the little boy achieves his goal. Beautiful artwork too.
OB:
What are you working on now?
RB:
I'm working on a sequel to Giraffe and Bird called Don't Laugh at Giraffe.
Rebecca Bender began her drawing career at 5 years old, honing in mostly on animal characters. Before long she put words to her pictures, inspiring stories and more pictures. When she grew up she attended the Ontario College of Art and Design, graduated in 2003 and was awarded an OCAD medallion for illustration. Eager to round her skills further, she took on graphic design jobs in greeting cards and publishing, which lead to art directing many educational children?s books and youth graphic novels. On the side Rebecca pursues freelance illustration, working on book covers, editorial pieces and private commissions. Giraffe and Bird is her first book published as an illustrator/author. She is thrilled to share her pictures and words with you.
For more information about Giraffe and Bird please visit the Dancing Cat website.
Buy this book at your local independent bookstore or online at Chapters/Indigo or Amazon.
