Chatting with Sarah Howden and Sabina Hahn (The Wise Pickle), Plus Giveaway~ US/CAN ONLY!

YABC:  What came first, the concept, landscape, characters, or something else?

The pickle character came to me first. I remember picturing it on the street, leaning against a wall. And then when I started writing, what was most clear was its voice—the matter-of-factness and simplicity of it. Once I had that, everything else sort of came together around it.

YABC:   What can readers expect to find in your books?

I hope I have a certain offbeat sensibility in my books. And I’m fond of staying light on text, when I can. I do like to make readers chuckle but I also don’t mind a good serious story, so long as it’s on a kid’s level. I was a serious kid and I know kids can handle dark topics, if they’re presented interestingly and relatably.

YABC: What is your favorite snack when writing?

It’s kind of funny but it’s a category of snack that is “tasty things in small pieces.” Like Goldfish crackers, Shreddies (without milk), M&Ms, Nibs, that kind of stuff. Crunchy or chewy is best.

YABC: What daily thing do you see that brings you joy?

I get a lot of joy from my cats. There’s something so grounding about hanging out with them, petting them, hearing them purr, and seeing their fur shine in sunlight. We also have a great neighbourhood for dogs. There’s always someone out walking a dog, and I so enjoy seeing everything from a wiener dog to a giant Bernese mountain dog to the waggiest Samoyed. I like how animals in general take me out of myself.

YABC: What is your favorite thing to draw?

My favorite thing to draw is whatever book I am currently reading. Sometimes it is poetry, or fiction, or non-fiction, It just has to be a book that makes me feel playful and free. I also really like to draw overheard or misheard conversations.

YABC:  How long did it take you to create the artwork for this book?

This book took about 4 months to make, not including the cover. Covers can be difficult to do.

YABC: What inspired you the most for the artwork in this book?
The story itself was so inspiring – it was so funny and strange and slightly melancholy and I connected with it immediately.

YABC: What scene in the book are you most proud of, and why?
The page where the pickle is laying on a pillow with the earthworm is my all time favorite. It just cracks me up, still, even though I have seen it now so many times, and even though it was I who drew it.

YABC: Who is your favorite character in the book?

It’s nearly impossible to pick a favorite here. Or if I do, it’s all the animals together. The chorus of animals.

YABC: Which techniques are your favorites to use?
I love watercolors. I love that they do some of the work for me. I love watching the color spread and at the best of times, that can be an inspiration in itself.

YABC: When did you know you wanted to be an illustrator? 
I always loved to draw and wanted to draw, but it took me a long time to convince myself I can BE an illustrator.

YABC: Do you have a favorite genre to illustrate?

I love drawing mythological creatures and all other sorts of hybrids.

YABC: What’s up next for you?
I am finishing up two of my own books.

The first one is a story of a little girl who is on a quest to become Baba Yaga, but until then she is known as Baby Yaga. It is almost ready, except for the cover (covers!).  I am also working on the final art for Catastrophe (edited by Samantha Swenson and designed by Sophie Paas-Lang, just like the Wise Pickle) – which is a story about a cat who is reeeeeaaaly upset about moving to a new place.

YABC:  What would you say is your superpower?

I love making sketches. My favorite sketches are straight forward but also slightly sideways.

YABC:   Is there anything that you would like to add?

My favorite pickles are half sour and brightly green.