3 Questions with Christopher Weyant
What’s your favorite part of creating a picture book?
I love the process of interpreting the story visually, creating the look of the characters and building the world that they live in. Often, the manuscript gives only a few clues and it’s exciting to take what the writer has created and filter it through your own eyes.
What was the first picture book you can remember reading?
The first picture book I can remember was The Naughty Bunny Book by Richard Scarry. It was a Little Golden Book, I think. The misbehaving bunny puzzled me to no end. Why was he misbehaving so much? Was it because he had to wear a little sailor’s suit? Although I had many questions to be answered, I loved Scarry’s brush work and the intimacy of his illustrations.
How do the arts influence your day-to-day life?
As a cartoonist and illustrator, the arts help me pay attention to the small details around me and find those small moments that can easily be overlooked. In general, art makes me more aware – of nature, of people faces and expressions, of the changing light throughout the day and so on. And because of that, I think it forces me to be more present and take time to appreciate life a little more (especially when I’m taking it for granted).
About Christopher Weyant
Christopher Weyant and his wife, Anna Kang, are the creators of Theodor Seuss Geisel Award winner You Are (Not) Small and its follow-ups, That’s (Not) Mine and I Am (Not) Scared, as well as Can I Tell You a Secret? and Will You Help Me Fall Asleep? Christopher’s work can be seen regularly in The New Yorker, and his cartoons are syndicated worldwide. As an author, Anna routinely goes through first, second, and third drafts; Chris wears down many erasers while making his art. This husband-and-wife team lives in New Jersey with their two daughters and their rescue dog. Visit Anna and Christopher at www.annakang.com and www.christopherweyant.com.
