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Michael Wrede and Annabelle von Sperber convey in their book”... and then? — How children's books take shape“Basics of children's books. What is needed to attract attention? What makes for a convincing character? How do illustrations become lasting images in the mind?

Interview with Michael Wrede and Annabelle von Sperber

You write that every one of us remembers at least one favorite book from childhood. What is your favorite children's book from back then and what makes it special for you?

Michael Wrede: There are a few, hard to say, “Momo” by Michael Ende really impressed me because of the image of the gray men collecting time. An example of how good children's books offer a meta-level that also appeals to adults.

Annabelle von Sperber: If I had to choose one, it would be “Krabat” by Ottfried Preußler, Krabat has had a great influence on me as a young reader, in my inner surrealist images, my love of mysticism, the belief in intuition and the striving for intimate friendship and love.

Can you briefly summarize what is particularly important when designing children's books in general?

Michael Wrede: “Briefly, generally and particularly! “(both laugh)

Michael Wrede: The very first question is. Who is the children's book for? For what age? Let's talk about a picture book (2—6 years). The introduction to the book should be short and concise, preferably with an event, the protagonists and the setting are presented en passant. In a film, not everything is explained across pages right from the start. The introduction is often too long and does not leave enough space for the actual story. It should take up the lion's share of space. Events, hurdles and goals are incorporated.

Annabelle von Sperber: And the ending should be surprising and friendly. A double end is particularly charming. This means that the action has come to a good end, everyone is in their beds, or the ship is finally setting sail. It all ends well, but then someone has to crawl out of bed again on the very last page of the book or a strange passenger comes out on the ship — a prelude to a new story, a nice cliffhanger and happy booksellers.

Michael Wrede: A good children's book also depends on the characters. These should be charged, as we call it when we develop profiles with our students and course participants: What are your character's preferences, fears, aspirations, goals. Which external and internal attributes, which unique selling points.

Annabelle von Sperber: And when you have developed your main character well, the other characters come out much more easily by thinking the opposite, and the action often comes naturally. Was that short enough?

Have you noticed a development in the world of children's books in recent years, for example in terms of topics or categories? If so, what do you think it is and what challenges do illustrators and authors face?

Annabelle von Sperber: The topics in the children's book are always adapted to the current world situation. A great many books on the subject of anger have been published at the moment. The pandemic, homeschooling, isolation and quarantine have probably made children and adults particularly angry. Following the Greta Thunberg World Climate Saving Wave, the political topic LGBT IQ A plus has now also arrived in the children and youth book. And now unfortunately highly topical: the topics of war, death, dealing with grief and loss... (The cloud under the roof: The picture book about grief and loss (Chris Silber Annabelle von Sperber) — now published at the Franfurt Book Fair)

What advice would you give illustrators who are struggling with their style?

Michael Wrede:. As teachers, we view Pinterest critically. Many up-and-coming illustrators are guided by this visual language. The development results in a one-size-fits-all style. It would be refreshing to see other worlds of images again, or also an opportunity for creative people to stand out with them.

It helps to try out different techniques and to be interested in exploring the world, partying the nights away, visiting museums and keeping a sketchbook. The style comes naturally over time.

Is there anything else you would like to share with readers?

Annabelle von Sperber: Our book is suitable for everyone who deals with children's books, i.e. not only illustrators and authors, but also editors, booksellers, teachers and lecturers. Anyone can (learn) to draw and illustrate! It's helpful to turn off the filter instance in your head that tells you that you're not talented enough or don't have your own style. Stay tuned! If you giggle at your own characters, you're on the right track. And in our experience, it takes three to four years to grow into the market.

Michael Wrede: Creating their own children's book is an object of longing for many. With our book, we have systematically put together the building blocks, from storytelling, character development and style finding to marketing. But one step at a time. We are happy to accompany anyone who feels like it. Happy work!

Michael Wrede and Annabelle von Sperber have published the textbook together ... AND THEN? How children's books take shape written, published by Hermann Schmidt Mainz.

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More information and seminars can be found at www.kinderbuchseminar.de

Annabelle von Sperber: self-employed illustrator. Known for numerous top titles and series in books for children and young people, which were sold in many countries, she made a name for herself internationally with her art and architecture hidden object books. These were published by Prestel Verlag in Munich, London and New York. Her pictures are characterized by warm colors, a fine sense of humor and attention to detail. Together with Michael Wrede, she gives the seminar on the book at www.kinderbuchseminar.de She teaches illustration at the Academy for Illustration and Design in Berlin (AID-Berlin), and is responsible for the illustration department at the Faber Castell Academy. Annabelle von Sperber lives in Berlin and in the Black Forest. More pictorial worlds at www.annabellevonsperber.de and on Instagram.

Michael Wrede: Is an independent illustrator for books for children and young people, usually also author of his works, after many years of teaching, including at the BKA-Hamburg, Design Academy Berlin, was co-founder of the Academy for Illustration and Design in Berlin (AID Berlin) in 2011. Together with Annabelle von Sperber, he teaches books for children and young people. He is the initiator of the “Buntspecht” children's book competition, which was held for the first time in 2017.

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