is a contract illustrator and comedian artist based mostly in Mississauga, simply exterior of Toronto. Her illustrations additionally seem in Fred & Majorie: A Physician, A Canine, and the Uncover Of Insulin by Deborah Kerbel (Owlkids). Extra about Angela and her work at Angela-Poon.com, Twitter, and Instagram.
Writer: Teresa Robeson ~ Illustrator: Angela Poon
Writer: Penguin Workshop
Publication date:
: Uncover the story behind the Fourteenth Dalai Lama’s journey from Tibet to everlasting exile in India on this charming graphic novel written by 2020 APALA Award-winning writer Teresa Robeson and illustrator Angela Poon. Comply with the Fourteenth Dalai Lama’s harrowing escape to India in 1959 as he fled Chinese language suppression of a nationwide rebellion in Tibet. A narrative of threat and political pressure, this graphic novel invitations readers to immerse themselves within the unimaginable story of the Tibetan non secular and political chief — delivered to life by gripping narrative and vivid full-color illustrations.
Teresa’s reply:
WHO IS TIBET’S EXILED LEADER started in an uncommon manner. Slightly than my agent submitting a manuscript that I’d written, my agent noticed a tweet from an editor that she was on the lookout for individuals who might write biographical graphic novels for the well-known WHO HQ sequence. My agent requested if I’d have an interest, and naturally I mentioned sure (as a result of my WNDB mentor Jane Yolen mentioned to at all times say sure to alternatives).
I shortly realized the format by wanting by way of the LUMBERJANES books which my agent beneficial and in addition the assets listed on Kidlit411.com’s graphic novel web page. Then, I put collectively a brief proposal for the editor.
The editor’s staff favored my proposal and supplied me a listing of the folks Penguin Workshop needed to showcase. I picked the Dalai Lama, as a result of I’ve admired him for years, and Bruce Lee, due to our Hong Kong connection.
My editor, Rachel Sonis (now with TIME journal), was a pleasure to work with. She has unimaginable persistence and taught me a lot in regards to the graphic novel format, as was accomplished at Penguin. It was much more work than I had thought beforehand, and I already knew it will be quite a lot of work.
I don’t know at which level of the method they employed illustrator Angela Poon, however after they confirmed me her preliminary sketches, I virtually cried with happiness. Her artwork is superb! It’s much more lovely than I might have imagined. And she or he was capable of do the illustrations for a 64-page ebook so shortly. I imagine she works miracles!
Angela’s reply:
I used to be approached by Jay Emmanuel, the lead designer of the Who HQ graphic novel sequence, who got here throughout my work in particular person on the Toronto Comedian Arts Competition a couple of years again. I had lately left my day job and was studying find out how to create 3D Sketchup fashions. Drawing environments was not my forte however it was a ability I needed to enhance as I used to be updating my portfolio and on the lookout for alternatives in background artwork and design. Little did I do know I’d quickly conform to illustrate a complete graphic novel for the subsequent yr that might contain a variety of environments, together with ornate palaces and temples!
I began utilizing 3D fashions for the idea artwork, however quickly discovered it to be too time consuming for the variety of instances I’d have to vary the angles and repeatedly draw the environments. Nonetheless, the 3D fashions have been an excellent assist to initially visualize the varied areas, making them simpler to attract!
I spent a lot time immersed in picture searches, movies, and articles on Tibet’s geography, tradition, and artwork. A lot of my references have been offered by Teresa and the picture financial institution she developed alongside the manuscript, and a few have been offered by the copyedit staff and the Tibetan historical past and tradition skilled reader we had on board. At any given second drawing a web page, I’d have a number of browser tabs open and a number of downloaded photos on display screen to reference!
Although I’m flattered by Teresa’s sort feedback, I’m positively no miracle employee! For me it was about following a gentle schedule of pages to finish every day, and the effectivity of digital artwork instruments. It was my first time working fully digitally!
Teresa’s reply:
I’m not normally one for hero-worship however there’s a lot to admire about His Holiness, the Dalai Lama. It’s my hope that by studying about his journey on this ebook, younger readers shall be impressed by his tenacity and bravado in addition to his message of hope and happiness for the world.
Teresa’s reply:
I don’t have quite a lot of free time, however once I’m not writing or researching, I like to bake (as a result of I like to eat greater than the rest on this planet), knit or crochet or sew helpful issues, and study new abilities like making cleaning soap or weaving. I additionally spend an extreme period of time in the summertime and fall serving to to course of our homegrown or foraged fruit and veggies; we are able to beans and tomatoes and I make completely different jams and jellies. I hope to function all of those enjoyable issues in future books!
Angela’s reply:
A lot of my ‘downtime’ nowadays goes in the direction of coaching and caring for my household’s energetic adolescent canine. Coincidentally, he got here to our house across the similar time I had began engaged on the illustrations for WHO IS TIBET’S EXILED LEADER. It hasn’t been in the least simple, however I’ve him to thank for breaking apart lengthy work days by getting me up and transferring!
Teresa’s reply:
I feel the most effective recommendation I might give younger writers is to at all times be curious and be a lifelong learner. So many doorways may be opened to you for those who’re prepared to place within the work to analyze and discover out about issues. If I hadn’t been prepared to learn to write the graphic format, I wouldn’t have had the chance to work on this ebook and the upcoming one on Bruce Lee. Additionally, studying for the sake of studying gives you extra concepts to jot down about.
Angela’s reply:
Some recommendation for younger illustrators, particularly current graduates, is to keep away from evaluating your self to your friends and setting unrealistic expectations! For a lot of new graduates it may be disheartening when work isn’t instantly rolling in, however do not forget that your profession is an extended highway forward. Let your private voice shine by way of your work! And also you’ll discover that there are folks on the market, and shoppers, that share the identical pleasure in regards to the stuff you love illustrating and creating.
Teresa’s reply:
I’m enthusiastic about a number of issues! To begin with, I’m actually enthusiastic about my image ebook in regards to the astronomical phenomenon of nebulae that’s popping out with MIT Children/Candlewick in 2024. I’ve had the most effective time working with my fantastic editor, Olivia Swomley, on that ebook. And talking of my fantastic editor, I’m additionally excited a few nonfiction center grade manuscript she purchased that I’m doing analysis on proper now. I can’t speak extra about it because it’s not been introduced but.
I’m additionally enthusiastic about one other nonfiction center grade ebook on a hilariously enjoyable matter with one other editor…that I can also’t speak about as a result of it’s not been introduced but.
One final thing I’m enthusiastic about is an early reader science-themed graphic novel that I’m engaged on as each writer and illustrator. The 2 major characters are humorous (and, I hope, endearing) as a result of I wish to use humor to entice children to get pleasure from science. It’s not at the moment underneath contract however simply one thing I’m doing by myself that offers me nice pleasure.
Angela’s reply:
One thing that I’ve been enthusiastic about is the 2023 Yellow Cedar Award nomination that FRED AND MARJORIE: A DOCTOR, A DOG, AND THE DISCOVERY OF INSULIN acquired! Written by Deborah Kerbel and illustrated by me, FRED AND MARJORIE is a graphic novel in regards to the life-saving discovery of insulin. I’m excited for the ebook to be shared with younger readers in colleges and libraries throughout Canada as they learn and vote for his or her favorite titles in this system.
Due to you each for visiting my weblog!
Additionally see different Interviews with Guide Creators and Recommendation For Younger Writers And Illustrators.