Welcome to The Quick Six Interview with Rae Tan!
Rae Tan‘s debut picture book as an Author and Illustrator was a real standout for me so far this year. I love the character of Plum and Rae’s masterful use of watercolour and pastels to create Plum’s pom pom skirt and furry outline, as well as the contrast of the golden pancakes against the pale pastel colours. It’s also a story that is easy to relate to about not feeling good at anything, having talented siblings and the journey to find her own talents. It was a pleasure to find out more about Rae’s artistic process and what her debut picture book means for her, I’m sure it will the first of many more to come.
About the Author/Illustrator
Rae Tan is a writer-illustrator working mainly in pastels and watercolour. She was born in Singapore and now lives in Perth with her husband and cat. She holds a BA in international politics from King’s College London, and performance diplomas for piano and violin from Trinity College London.
Please find Rae and more of her beautiful artwork on Instagram @itsraetan
Pancakes for Plum is available for purchase via the Hachette Australia website.
WHO wrote, illustrated and published this book?
Rae Tan wrote and illustrated the book. Lothian Children’s Books (Hachette Australia) published it.
WHAT is it about?
It is a book about a little panda, Plum, who worries she’s not good at anything. Big Brother is good at climbing trees and Second Brother is good at painting, but those activities aren’t really for Plum. Then Plum hears piano notes for the first time and her heart flips over like a pancake on a hot pan. This book celebrates finding yourself, the value of trying, and the wonders of music.
What is your favourite part of this book?
It will have to be the collage pancakes! When Plum first learns how to play the piano, her music is represented by plain brown pancakes. As she gets better and better, the pancakes transform into magical golden ones. I hope that the metaphor of warm, fluffy pancakes will be very relatable to little readers.
WHEN is its release / launch date?
Pancakes for Plum was launched on 26th June 2024.
WHY is this book meaningful to you?
It is meaningful to me as, just like Plum, I grew up learning the piano! Music was a huge part of my childhood. It is my hope that Pancakes for Plum will gently help children to see that in order to be good at something, passion and hard work are necessary ingredients.
Why would its message resonate with readers?
I think lots of little ones will be able to identify with Plum, who worries about finding something she is good at and is feeling a little overshadowed by older siblings. Plum eventually discovers her love for music, which I hope will inspire readers to follow their hearts and seek out the things that make their heart sing.
How long did it take to illustrate?
It took me about 6 months to illustrate Pancakes for Plum.
How do you feel about the illustrations? Do they convey the feeling or mood?
The illustrations for this book are soft and whimsical. I especially love Plum’s fluffy pom pom skirt, which I did with soft pastels. Hopefully the illustrations match this gentle and imaginative story!
They certainly do Rae, thanks for sharing more about your delightful debut picture book, can’t wait for your next one!
Interview by Gemma Creegan.
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