Where did you grow up?

San Jose, California.

 

What were your favorite books growing up?

The Snowy Day by Jack Ezra Keats and No More Monsters for Me! by Peggy Parish, illustrated by Marc Simont.

 

What was your favorite toy growing up?

I had a Raggedy Ann doll that I took with me everywhere.  I used to put lots of colorfully patterned Band-Aids on her.

 

When did you first think about becoming an author / illustrator?

When I was 15, I had got my first job working in a children’s bookstore.  After meeting many different authors and illustrators during book signings and events, I realized I wanted to create books too.

 

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Process

 

We love your cut paper illustrations!  What’s the craziest / funniest / most unexpected source of material you’ve used for your cut-paper illustrations?

Most of the paper I use for my cut-paper illustrations is recycled or vintage.  Stuff that people would typically just throw away.  The most unexpected thing I’ve used so far has been old math journals.  I found these amazing notebooks full of math equations at the estate sale of a teacher years and years ago.  She had lovely handwriting—elegant and systematic.  I’ve used her notebooks for a few different books.

 

What’s the most exciting part of the book writing / publishing process?

That moment when I get a really good idea.  Everything starts to click into place and I get really excited about the whole creative process.

 

What’s the funniest / most surprising piece of advice you’ve ever gotten?

Pull the goalie.  I try to live by this one.  If you’re not willing to put everything on the line, then you probably aren’t all that interested in it, to begin with.

 

What’s one piece of advice you’d like to give to aspiring picture book authors and illustrators?

Keep writing.  Keep drawing.  Be your work’s biggest advocate and don’t be afraid to fail, it will help you develop as an artist.

 

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Books

 

What do you think makes for a great children’s book?

The best books are able to tap into something universal. They connect with kids. They open doors to new possibilities. They give a sense of wonder.

 

Have you ever read your books to your own children?  What’s that experience like?  Have they reacted to those books in any unexpected ways?

Oddly enough, I don’t actually read my books often with my boys.  My husband does though.  But for me, it’s feels a bit strange for some reason.  We read every night, but mostly books by other authors/illustrators that I love.  My oldest, who is three, does love Don’t Forget Dexter, but I think that’s mainly because he likes dinosaurs.  He sings the song regularly, but he doesn’t really understand that I write and illustrate books yet.

 

My kids have definitely shaped the types of books I create.  A lot of my ideas come from them and the things they are interested in.

 

What’s a little known book that you love reading with your kids?

Traction Man Is Here! by Mini Grey.  I’m not sure if that counts as a little known book—it is a series—but I find that when I recommend it or tell people about it they aren’t familiar with it.  It’s a wonderful superhero picture book with witty narration and dialogue and charming illustrations.

 

What are your five all-time favorite children’s books?

Oh man…I only get five?!

 

1. The Snowy Day by Jack Ezra Keats

2. I Can Fly by Ruth Krauss, Illustrated by Mary Blair

3. In the Night Kitchen by Maurice Sendak

4. Wave by Suzy Lee

5. If You Want to See a Whale by Julie Fogliano, Illustrated by Erin Stead

 

What’s your next project?

I just wrapped up the final art for Vacation for Dexter, the third book in the Dexter T. Rexter series, which will be released April 2019.  Followed by Let's Go!, a new original board book series all about vehicles with HarperCollins, the first of which will come out June 2019.  And last, but not least, I’ll have a new picture book coming out Fall 2019, titled This Book is Gray.

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You can keep up with Lindsay by checking out her website or following her on Twitter @lindsaymward.