Last week, Chinese writer and activist Liu Xiaobo was awarded the Nobel peace prize. He is imprisoned, as is his wife; no relative or representative could attend the ceremony. In his honor, instead of a video this Thursday, we have a single moving photo:
Liu Xiaobo’s empty chair.
Would Lee and Low be interested in doing a picture book about Mr. Liu Xiaobo? I have a deep interest in Asia (I speak Japanese, and lived in Tokyo for several years), and would love to depict the struggle for human rights in a picture-book appropriate way.
Jed Henry
New York Times Bestselling Illustrator
http://www.jedart.blogspot.com
Jed, we’re always looking for picture book biographies of courageous people of color. You should make sure to check out our submissions guidelines — for authors and for illustrators — and if you think your work is a match for us, submit following those guidelines.
JED: I went to the library yesterday and got my hands on a bunch of Caldecott winners. Before making that trip, I would’ve thought your Xiaobo idea would be too heavy for a picture book, but now that I’ve really looked at some of the winners, I don’t feel that way. Another great idea for you to pursue!
You’re absolutely right, Anita, serious doesn’t mean a story can’t be done as a picture book—it just needs to be dealt with in a sensitive, child-appropriate manner. But books like our Brothers in Hope and A Song for Cambodia are great for teaching children the reality of the world at a level they can understand.
I haven’t read his books but I suddenly feel sad when I saw that pictures above. I am going to find his book excerpt. I hope I can find it
JED: I went to the library yesterday and got my hands on a bunch of Caldecott winners. Before making that trip, I would’ve thought your Xiaobo idea would be too heavy for a picture book, but now that I’ve really looked at some of the winners, I don’t feel that way. Another great idea for you to pursue!
You’re absolutely right, Anita, serious doesn’t mean a story can’t be done as a picture book—it just needs to be dealt with in a sensitive, child-appropriate manner. But books like our Brothers in Hope and A Song for Cambodia are great for teaching children the reality of the world at a level they can understand.
I haven’t read his books but I suddenly feel sad when I saw that pictures above. I am going to find his book excerpt. I hope I can find it
Hello! I could have sworn I’ve visited your blog before but
after going through many of the posts I realized it’s new
to me. Regardless, I’m certainly happy I found it and
I’ll be book-marking it and checking back regularly!