Author/Illustrator Interview: James Christopher Carroll

This month we’re featuring author and illustrator James Christopher Carroll. He is the author/illustrator of the new Fall 2022 Creative Editions title Mother Winter. Other Creative Editions picture books of his include A Song and The World Below the Brine, which was a recipient of a 2021 NCTE Award for Excellence in Children's Poetry.

Q: If you could tell your younger professional self anything, what would it be?

A: Find your voice, and then find others that want to listen.

Q: What was the first piece of art that made a lasting impression on you?

A: Paper that I held, folded and shaped with wings.

Q: What was your favorite thing about school as a kid?

A: The paints and clay and cardboard and wire and glue and pencils and knives and plaster; and the odd teacher that shared these with us.

Q: What inspired you to write and illustrate children’s books?

A: I make these books for us, and not specifically for children. I try to touch on the dance of light and shadow that fill our days. To balance this reality is a pleasure, and there is a wonderful tension in the making.

Q: When you’re not making art, what are your favorite things to do?

A: I’m somewhere in the woods, riding a bike through the shadows.

Posted October 25, 2022