We Planted a Tree by Diane Muldrow and Bob Staake.
Published by Random House
Miss Beers’ class of third graders at Edison Elementary School in Tonawanda, NY read We Planted a Tree and asked the author Diane Muldrow and the illustrator Bob Staake some thoughtful questions. Today we’re sharing the answers from Mr. Staake. We appreciate his support of NY students!
From Bob Staake:
1. Why did you use so many colors?
Because if I didn’t, then your eyes wouldn’t explode!
2. What did you use to create the pictures (markers, paint, etc.)?
I draw with a mouse — it isn’t furry, but it IS attached to my computer.
3. How did you become an illustrator?
A teacher told me I would make a terrible doctor. I figured I could get in less trouble as an illustrator.
4. When did you learn to draw?
I am STILL learning!
5. Do you like being an illustrator?
Yes, but I’d rather be an astronaut.
6. Why is there a goat in several pictures?
Everybody draws dogs and cats. I figured goats were about due some respect in children’s books.
7. How do you come up with ideas for the pictures?
I close my eyes and I dream, then I open them up and I draw before I forget what I was dreaming about!
8. Tell us about a problem that you had with illustrating and how you solved it.
I once had to draw an elephant flying an airplane. That was hard to do, so I drew an dinosaur driving a car. That was easier. Problem solved!
Bob Staake, May 2011
Pingback: Resources for We Planted a Tree | The New York State Reading Association Youth Book Blog