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An interview with award-winning children's author and illustrator Yuval Zommer
Recently, we had the pleasure of author and illustrator Yuval Zommer visiting the Coach House Gallery at Waddesdon to see his book The Lights That Dance in the Night brought to life! This display was created by the Waddesdon Learning Team and 14,541 local school children, in collaboration with artists Michelle Dufaur and Woody Fox. We caught up with Yuval to discover the inspiration behind his work.
Inspired by the magic of the Northern Lights’ journey from space to Earth, transporting you to snowy Arctic landscapes, hear from Yuval as he shares what influences his work…
Q: What makes a great story?
A: One that transports you away and has an uplifting message!
Q: What influences your work?
A: Mother Nature, I try to celebrate nature’s beauty in all of my books.
Q: Why children’s books?
A: This is a golden age for children’s literature with wonderfully produced books and ever widening subjects.
Q: How did you find your illustrative style?
A: It probably found me, your style is a bit like your handwriting, everyone’s is unique.
Q: What was it like seeing your book come to life?
A: I was more than impressed by the schools’ art works, they really captured the essence of the characters and more! From the large polar bears to the smallest snowflakes, there is so much joy in each of their creations.
Q: What has been your favourite collaboration? Is there anyone you aspire to work with?
A: I collaborated on a special book with Sir Michael Morpurgo; a collection of poems and stories celebrating trees. I would also like to work with an explorer and go on a real life exploration of the rainforests.
Q: Which one of your books is your favourite? If you had to pick?
A: They are all my babies, so if I had to pick one it would be my latest; ‘The Wild’.
Q: What do you want people to take away from your books?
A: To appreciate and respect the natural world, it’s biodiversity and all that it means for us.
For every one of Yuval’s books purchased, the Rothschild Foundation will match the total sum raised, and donate the money to our Charity of The Year Chiltern Music Therapy. Come down to the Christmas Shop at the Stables, or our Manor Christmas Shop to pick up your copy this Christmas!