Interview with Simon James

Monday, February 4, 2008.

Simon James As a child, he spent much of his time drawing and stapling stories into little books. His path to eventually becoming a children’s book author and illustrator — and ambassador of learning — included stops as a police officer, restaurant worker, real estate agent and farm worker.

On this edition of Just One More Book, Mark speaks with Simon James about illustrations as a tool for creative development, single books that become book series and the globalization of children’s literature.

As a bonus, at the very end of this podcast, Mr. James tells the story of how his book Baby Brains came to be.

Book mentioned:

Baby Brains
Baby Brains and Robomum
My Friend Whale
Dear Mr. Blueberry
Leon and Bob

Authors mentioned:

Photo: www.simonjamesbooks.co.uk/sj/main.htm

Filed under: Author,Illustrator,Interviews,Podcast,UK

8 Comments »

Comment by christine tripp

February 4, 2008 @ 8:15 am

This conversation with Simon James was so much fun for me, thanks Mark and Andrea for yet another great one!:)
What I really love about JOMB is getting to “meet” new people. With so many authors/illustrators in this world, no one could ever discover them all on their own and till today, I (I must be living under a rock, yes?) had not heard of Simon, nor “Baby Brains” and now must rush out to pick up a book or two.
As an illustrator and a cartoonist, it was great to hear Simon talk about both. I agree, the age of making our living as “gag” cartoonists is long gone. Once every magazine in the world ran 20 or more cartoons in an issue. Now only a handful feature a cartoon or 2. The rest of the magazines seem to be “above” funny little drawings and gags. The NYer being the exception (though I applaude anyone that can full “understand” or “get” every cartoon in a given issue:)
That said, with his wonderful storytelling ability and his hilarious and at the same time sweet drawings, he might consider a comic strip based on “Baby Brains”… quick though, before newspapers too stop running cartoons!!!:)
Once again, enjoyed my morning coffee and “conversation”!
I’m so addicted to this site…is there a 12 step program for podcastism?
Cheers,
Chris

Comment by Just One More Book!!

February 4, 2008 @ 9:58 am

Christine,

Thanks so much for your enthusiasm and for sharing your thoughts on the cartoon and illustration world.

We’re glad you’re addicted! We’re addicted too!

Andrea

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February 29, 2008 @ 7:16 am

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Comment by Julie

March 5, 2008 @ 10:33 am

Great interview. Thanks so much!