Acts of Imagination with Will Hillenbrand

Children’s book author and illustrator Will Hillenbrand discusses his origins as a young artist; why “instant art” is a myth; his attempt to kiss a cow for research; his breakthrough after being diagnosed with dyslexia; how his son inspired the Mole and Bear book series; the power of giving voice to ideas; the literary magic available to us in books; the importance of play and joy in art; and why, as a child, he wanted to grow up to be a fire truck.

 

Visit willhillenbrand.com to learn more or follow Hillenbrand on Twitter or Facebook.

 

Books mentioned in this episode:

• MIKE MULLIGAN AND HIS STEAM SHOVEL by Virginia Lee Burton
• KISS THE COW by Phyllis Root and illustrated by Will Hillenbrand
• ZEE GROWS A TREE by Elizabeth Rusch and illustrated by Will Hillenbrand
• SPRING IS HERE by Will Hillenbrand
• THE MOLE FAMILY'S CHRISTMAS by Russell Hoban and illustrated by Lillian Hoban
• STARTING FROM SKETCH by Will Hillenbrand
• TURTLE-TURTLE AND THE WIDE, WIDE RIVER by Will Hillenbrand (forthcoming)
• CHARLOTTE’s WEB by E.B. White
• MIGHTY READER AND THE READING RIDDLE by Will Hillenbrand
• THE VOICE IN THE HOLLOW by Will Hillenbrand (coming January 3, 2023)
• KATIE AND THE BIG SNOW by Virginia Lee Burton
• LITTLE RED by Will Hillenbrand (coming Fall 2023)

 

Produced by Ohio Center for the Book at Cleveland Public Library and hosted by Laura Maylene Walter. For a transcript of this episode, visit the episode page. To get in touch, email ohiocenterforthebook@cpl.org (put “podcast” in the subject line) or follow us on Twitter or on Facebook.