In lane Publishing Industry
Celebrating Family and Culture in "Family Feast" with Brooke Graham and Kristen Willis
Description
Join authors Brooke Graham and Kristen Willis as they discuss their vibrant new picture book "Family Feast," which explores cultural diversity and family joy.
In a delightful interview, authors Brooke Graham and Kristen Willis share insights on their new picture book, Family Feast, a story that encapsulates the lively chaos of family gatherings. This heartwarming narrative showcases love, culture, and humor, making it a relatable read for families everywhere.
Congratulations to Brooke Graham and Kristen Willis on the release of Family Feast!
The story presents a vivid depiction of a chaotic family dinner that reflects real-life dynamics, filled with cultural richness and warmth. Each moment of mayhem ultimately lends itself to an abundance of laughter and a deeper appreciation for familial bonds. Brooke, how did your family history inspire your writing for this book?
BG: My aim was to create a story that resonates with children from diverse backgrounds, particularly those underrepresented in literature. My father's Maltese heritage is pivotal, as our gatherings were always emotionally charged with loud conversations and heartfelt connections. Growing up, I found our family antics both charming and embarrassing compared to my friends' more subdued experiences.
Kristen, your illustrations are vibrant and full of life. How did you infuse your family traditions into the artwork?
KW: The essence of Family Feast mirrors my own upbringing. The chaotic beach picnics of my Italian family provided plenty of inspiration—who doesn't bring crumbed steak and arancini for lunch? My illustrations reflect this reality, capturing the din of conversations, the abundance of food, and the small but significant family details.
Kristen, can you elaborate on your illustration process?
KW: This book strikes a personal chord for me since it was my first picture book project, serving as a learning ground for my creative expression. I love character explorations and backstory creation, compiling my thoughts in sketchbooks dedicated to each project. I often review my childhood photos to capture the authentic essence of family life. From initial thumbnails to final color palettes, I use gouache and colored pencils to breathe life into the narrative.
Brooke, what resonates with you most about Kristen's interpretation of your characters as ‘wild animals’?
BG: I adore how Kristen portrays Tallula’s family members with such playful chaos; it encapsulates the story's spirit brilliantly. The wildness adds dimension, particularly the character choices depicted at the end.
Your writing style is playful and expressive, Brooke. How do you approach your writing process?
BG: Writing isn’t my most natural skill; it typically takes around 20 drafts for me to feel ready for publication. However, with Family Feast, I found inspiration flowed more smoothly, resulting in just four drafts. I often employ literary devices like alliteration and metaphors to enhance the read-aloud experience since I struggle with rhyming.
Ultimately, Family Feast celebrates cultural diversity and the joy of family connections. What key messages do you wish to convey to readers?
BG: I hope readers embrace their true selves without fear of judgment while nurturing unconditional love for their families—family is everything.
KW: I want readers to feel pride in their unique identities and to celebrate the qualities that make their families special. We all have our ‘wild' sides, and that’s part of the charm!
What educational opportunities do you see stemming from Family Feast for young readers?
- Create a family recipe for pastizzis together.
- Illustrate the family members as animals.
- Identify instances of alliteration within the story, like Family Feast.
- Craft a meaningful family poster to share.
- Invite a friend for a shared meal.
- Compile a booklet of favorite family recipes.
Finally, is there anything else you’d like to add about your journey while creating Family Feast?
BG: I want to express my gratitude to my critique group for suggesting Kristen as an illustrator. It's rare for an author to have input on their book's illustration, and I couldn't be happier with her work.
KW: I would like to dedicate this book to my husband, Simon, who has embraced the joyful chaos of my family with open arms. Merging families is a delightful experience, especially within an Italian context!
Thank you, Brooke and Kristen, for sharing your experiences and insights! What a feast for the imagination!
BOOK LAUNCH!
ABOUT BROOKE GRAHAM
Brooke Graham is a passionate author and primary school teacher who loves crafting picture book stories and young adult fiction. She advocates for mental health awareness and enjoys adventures with her daughter and her horses during her free time.
Connect with Brooke Graham on her website: Children’s Author | Brooke Graham and on Instagram and Facebook.
ABOUT KRISTEN WILLIS
Kristen Willis is an illustrator and graphic designer whose work is deeply influenced by her heritage and family. She combines fine art with illustration to create picture books rich in emotional connection, viewing them as engaging experiences that invite readers to explore time and again.
Visit Kristen Willis at her website: www.tondo.com.au, and on Facebook and Instagram.
More information about Family Feast can be found through EK Books, with availability for purchase via Simon & Schuster.
Thanks to KEAN & Creative for their collaboration in publicity efforts.
Join the FAMILY FEAST celebration with Brooke Graham and Kristen Willis!
Follow along at Books On Tour PR & Marketing and KEAN & Creative.
For book marketing inquiries, please contact [email protected]
The post A Banquet of Joy – Conversing with Brooke Graham and Kristen Willis on Family Feast appeared first on Just Write For Kids Australia.
