By: Dwana Pinchock, Marketing & Public Relations Manager
Award-winning author and illustrator Matt Phelan wants young readers to know something important. You don’t have to be a great artist to start drawing, and you don’t have to be a great writer to start telling stories. In fact, making mistakes is part of the creative process.
When Phelan visits the Dauphin County Library System (DCLS) for Children’s Book Week on Saturday, Nov. 14, he’ll share more than the stories behind his books. He’ll give young readers a glimpse into the sometimes messy, often surprising process of turning an idea into a finished work.
A Childhood Filled With Creativity
Growing up in a creative household, he remembers drawing Snoopy over and over again. His mother enjoyed painting, his father was interested in filmmaking, and his brother was a musician.
Although he loved drawing and inventing stories, the young artist didn’t initially imagine becoming a professional author or illustrator.
His interest in children’s books developed over time, influenced by authors and illustrators such as Ezra Jack Keats and Chris Van Allsburg. While working in a bookstore after college, he began to recognize picture books as an exciting artistic medium.
Today, Phelan is a New York Times bestselling author and illustrator whose work includes picture books, middle grade novels and graphic novels.
His latest picture book, Bartleby, was inspired by Herman Melville’s classic short story, Bartleby, the Scrivener. He imagined a child who, rather than simply saying no, responds to requests with the memorable phrase, “I prefer not to.”
For the author, inspiration can come from almost anywhere, including literature, history and his personal interests.
The Importance of Not Being Perfect
One of his most memorable encounters with a young reader occurred during a school visit to discuss his graphic novel Bluffton.
In the story, a young boy becomes fascinated with entertainer Buster Keaton and attempts to develop his own talent for juggling. His performance at a local talent show ends in spectacular failure.
During the presentation, a student raised his hand to say how much he appreciated that the character never became particularly good at juggling.
The observation delighted Phelan.
The student had recognized something central to the story. Not everyone needs to become a superstar at everything they attempt.
The author believes children sometimes abandon creative interests when they begin comparing their work with others or expecting immediate perfection.
He encourages young artists and writers to enjoy the process of learning, experimenting and improving rather than worrying about whether their work is good enough.
“You don’t have to worry about a career or publishing or anything like that,” he said. “Just enjoy the act of creativity, drawing, making up stories.”
His advice is simple. Keep drawing. Keep writing. Start with a short story rather than a novel. Share your work when you’re ready.
A Lifelong Library Kid
Libraries have played an important role in his life since childhood.
He fondly remembers the cozy children’s department at Sellers Library in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania, where books and imagination were always within reach.
As his career developed, Phelan discovered another side of libraries through his relationships with librarians and the publishing community.
Those connections strengthened his appreciation for the people who introduce young readers to books and encourage their curiosity.
During his Children’s Book Week appearances, he hopes to offer that same encouragement to aspiring young authors and illustrators.
He plans to share early sketches, unfinished artwork, and examples of the revisions that eventually become the illustrations readers see in his books.
“I like to kind of pull back the curtain and show the process of how these books really come together,” he said.
By revealing the work behind the finished pages, he hopes children will understand that authors and illustrators aren’t necessarily people with extraordinary natural gifts. They’re people who develop their skills through practice, persistence, and creativity.
His message to young readers is reassuring. Even an award-winning author and illustrator doesn’t always get things perfect right out of the gate.
“I don’t get it right the first time either,” he said.
Meet Matt Phelan During Children’s Book Week
Join Matt Phelan for a free, one-hour program on Saturday, Nov. 14, at either of these DCLS locations.
10:15 a.m.
George & Hettie Love Memorial Library
530 S. 29th St., Harrisburg
12:30 p.m.
Northern Dauphin Library
683 Main St., Lykens
Every family attending will receive a free signed copy of a book to keep!
Registration is required, and space is limited.
For more information or to register, visit dcls.org/CBW.
