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Q&A with Quentin Blake: Read his answers here!

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TinaMumsnet · 30/08/2016 12:05

We're very pleased to announce that legendary illustrator Quentin Blake will be answering your questions about his work and latest illustrations in The Tale of Kitty-in-Boots.

Beatrix Potter wrote The Tale of Kitty-in-Boots in 1914 but did not find time to illustrate it. Now, over 100 years later, Quentin Blake has brought Kitty to life with his witty and charming illustrations.

Quentin Blake is one of Britain's most successful illustrators. He has illustrated nearly 300 books and he was Roald Dahl's favourite illustrator. He has won many awards, including the Whitbread Award and the Kate Greenaway Medal, and taught for over 20 years at the Royal College of Art. In 1999 he became the first ever Children's Laureate and in 2013 he was knighted for services to illustration.

In Beatrix Potter's own words The Tale of Kitty-in-Boots is about 'a well-behaved prime black Kitty cat, who leads rather a double life' and will be available in all good bookshops from 1 September.

Post your questions to Quentin Blake before 9 September and you'll be entered into a prize draw to win one of five copies of The Tale of Kitty-in-Boots

Q&A with Quentin Blake: Read his answers here!
OP posts:
Geraniumred · 30/08/2016 22:15

Just a thank you for your books and illustrations. I have loved 'Lester and Lorna' as a child and reading the joyful 'All Join In' as an adult to my own child. I've also been very moved by your work for hospitals.
My dd would like to ask how do get so much emotion into your characters and animals? And how did you develop your own style of drawing?

AbbieLexie · 30/08/2016 21:40

A huge thank you for all the wonderful illustrations I've had the pleasure to see over the years. Your work is distinctive - easily recognisable. Have you ever tried a different medium to work in - like oils? Do you ever do portraits?

iklboo · 30/08/2016 21:17

Huge Quentin Blake fans here. Of all the books and stories you've illustrated, which has been your favourite to do?

WhatamessIgotinto · 30/08/2016 21:14

We all love your illustrations, they really bring the characters to life. How did you find your 'style' of drawing?

Cherrysoup · 30/08/2016 20:04

How did you come up with the Twits? Loved those illustrations!

BearAusten · 30/08/2016 16:56

You can never fail to recognize a Quentin Blake illustration. My son loves your vibrant drawings, especially the ones for The Twits. We also have fond memories of Cockatoos.

Which classic children's book would you like to illustrate?

Why do you prefer to use watercolours for your illustrations, as opposed to other mediums?

Witchend · 30/08/2016 16:43

A question my dd has asked several times is why don't more illustrators include different disabled people in the illustrations-they may put a token person in a wheelchair if they think about it.
Dd2 is missing her left arm from below the elbow and you get that very rarely in books.

SteamTrainsRealAleandOpenFires · 30/08/2016 16:35

Not a question, but we really enjoy reading/singing your book "All join in". Grin

MrsGosling71 · 30/08/2016 13:09

My dd(13) has always adored your drawings and wants to become an illustrator. What advice would you give her? How did you start?

SuburbanCrofter · 30/08/2016 13:06

Here is my question for Quentin:

When we visited the Roald Dahl museum, we were fascinated to see that you and Roald Dahl exchanged letters about how he thought the characters should look. Your illustrations were so intrinsic to the books, could you tell us a bit more about that process?

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