Holly Hobbie
Describe your latest project.
After 11 years of Toot and Puddle, I decided to try something new. My character, Fanny, is a determined girl who wants a particular sort of celebrity doll. When her mother says no, Fanny decides to create her own doll, but the result is a far cry from what she wanted. The story becomes a kind of journey dealing with themes of identity, conformity, independence, and acceptance. The challenge and joy for me is in making the pictures.
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From beloved artist and storyteller Holly Hobbie comes a new tale about a little girl named Fanny, who desperately wants a Connie, the glamorous doll that all of her friends have. When her mother says no, Fanny soon takes matters into her own hands and makes a doll herself.
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"[T]he book and its heroes are endearing, and readers will want to see more of Woodcock Pocket soon." Kirkus Reviews
Introduce one other author/illustrator you think people should read, and suggest a good book by him/her.
The minimalist sculptor Anne Truitt wrote several meditative books, based on journals, which have meant a lot to me: Daybook, Turn, and Prospect.
What do you do for relaxation?
I spend a lot of time outdoors, gardening, which has become a crucial part of my work process.
What makes your favorite pair of shoes better than the rest?
I bought them in Florence: they remind me of a wonderful holiday.
What is your astrological sign? If you don't like what you were born with, to what sign would you change and why?
Scorpio, which is fine with me because I've never paid attention to astrological signs.
Name the best television series of all time, and explain why it's the best.
The Sopranos. The writing, the acting, the humor, and the suspense made it irresistible. Going way back, Upstairs, Downstairs, Brideshead Revisited, and The Forsyte Saga are three other shows I always looked forward to.
On a clear and cold day, do you typically get outside into the sunshine or stay inside where it's warm?
I spend a lot of time outdoors, sun or snow, which has made me vigorous and weathered.
Aside from other writers, name some artists from whom you draw inspiration and talk a little about their work.
For inspiration, I'm always looking at Winslow Homer (the watercolors), John Singer Sargent, Alice Neel, David Hockney, Lisbeth Zwerger, and Maurice Sendak, to name a few favorites.
Recommend five or more books on a single subject of personal interest or expertise.
Five Wonderful Picture Books:
Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak
Tuesday by David Wiesner
Priscilla and the Pink Planet by Nathaniel and Jocelyn Hobbie
Ginger by Charlotte Voake
The Mole Sisters by Roslyn Schwartz
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Holly Hobbie has worked as an artist for more than 30 years and is the author of eight previous and highly acclaimed Toot & Puddle picture books, as well as an illustrated memoir, The Art of Holly Hobbie.
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