Kidlit creature week

Kidlit Creature Week (a social media group) is a collaboration that happens once a year. Illustrators from around the world have come together to show off their favorite illustration of all things wacky, scary or other-worldly.

Creature: Bulbo by the moon ~~ © Patricia Pinsk

I have to admit, there is something fun about being able to tap into my alter ego and illustrate a character completely from my imagination. These creatures are usually exaggerated representations of what I find amusing in my world around me. When I illustrate a creature, my intent is to make people – most specifically children smile or laugh when they see them, rather than scare the bejeezes out them. That’s not something I want to be responsible for.

I feel that the perfect children’s illustrated creature needs just the right mix of silliness and monster-like qualities. It needs to be on the child’s level, and also appeal to an adult’s inner child.

Historically though, not all books took children’s psyches into consideration. Some books, as noted in 10 of the most terrifying children’s books from around the world and Terrifying French children's books - in pictures actually made it to the publishers. Perhaps kids were tougher back then and weren’t fazed by reading them.

Hopefully all of the creatures from the Kidlit Creature Week appeal to your inner child, and give you some amusement.  You can see more creatures on my  Pinterest Creature board – many which are from this event.

My submission to Kidlit Creature Week: Xavier the fly ~~ © Patricia Pinsk

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Follow Patricia Pinsk's board Creatures on Pinterest.