Welcome to #TheQuickSixInterview with Sarah Zweck!
It’s such a beautiful pleasure to welcome talented author-illustrator, Sarah Zweck to the blog to share her newest, stunning picture book, Ray. Her sweet narrative and mixed-media illustrations meld together just perfectly, creating something gentle, hopeful, and simply beautiful to read, look at and ponder – just as you would being captivated by a fluttering butterfly! Big feelings of loss and disappointment turn into heartwarming happiness when a child finds joy and comfort in the little things around them. Gorgeous!
Thank you, Sarah!
About the Author – Illustrator
Sarah Zweck is an illustrator, mark-maker and collage mess enthusiast who loves trees (specifically pine), fresh air and running along the beach. Sarah graduated from Leeds with a BA in Fashion Design and worked as a childrenswear designer in London. When she is not in the kids’ section of the library or gawking at contemporary art, she will be making a glorious mess, in a world where words meet pictures. She currently lives in Melbourne with her family where she does all of these things.
Please find Sarah Zweck at her website: Sarah Zweck Writer and Illustrator and on Instagram.
Ray is available for purchase from Little Book Press.
WHO wrote, illustrated and published this book?
I’m the author & illustrator for Ray. It’s published by Little Book Press.
WHAT is it about?
Ray is about a child who loses a very special butterfly. It explores the themes of disappointment and loss. Happiness is rekindled when the child stops intentionally looking for it, and instead embraces life’s little joys.
The message was inspired by a Henry David Thoreau quote.
“Happiness is like a butterfly, the more you chase it, the more it will elude, but if you turn your attention to other things, it will come and sit softly on your shoulder.”
What is your favourite part of this book?
I’m particularly proud of the characterisation. I love adding energy to the page with dynamic characters that are full of expression!
What media did you use to illustrate it?
I use traditional media. Gouache, collage, pencil, ink, chalk pastels, pan pastels, neocolours & fineliners. You name it, I used it!
WHEN is its release / launch date?
The publication date was 1st August 2024.
WHY is this book meaningful to you?
In December 2022, my family and I moved from London to Melbourne. We were excited to start our new adventure, but sometimes missed our community and the familiarity of our old home. One sunny beach morning I stumbled across a quote by Henry David Thoreau, written on a cafe’s blackboard.
It was a beautiful reminder that happiness doesn’t need to be chased and, in my case, life in Australia will slowly come together, with a little patience. And so, as life imitates art, Ray was born!
Why would its message resonate with readers?
Children experience strong feelings. Books like Ray are fabulous at opening up the conversation and normalising big emotions with little ones.
How long did it take to illustrate?
The whole process from initial talks with my publisher, storyboards, roughs & final art took roughly a year.
How do the illustrations convey the feeling, mood and themes of the book?
Through my characters & their expressions. My style is also very loose for a naive, playful feel, perfect for the pre-school age group!
OTHER information or experiences you’d like to share?
My pearls of wisdom for any aspiring illustrator and author are to keep showing up. Keep practicing your art. Draw daily and immerse yourself in children’s books! I have a design eye, but I was no means the most talented illustrator. I trained myself and adopted the same philosophy as I would to something like running a 10K or half marathon.
Please share some of your favourite promotional ideas for this book.
Within the book you learn all sorts of amazing and fun facts about butterflies! Nature is incredible!
Thank you so much, Sarah, for sharing your beautiful story with us! Congratulations! 🙂
#thequicksixinterview #ray #happiness #loss #disappointment #picturebooks #justkidslit
Interview by Gemma Creegan.
