PICTURE BOOK REVIEW & AUTHOR INTERVIEW: Elves are the Worst! by Alex Willan
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
REVIEW
In this fourth book in the ...Are the Worst series by Alex Willan, Gilbert is once again complaining about another creature. This time it's 'hardworking and so perfect' elves. Gilbert sets out to prove that he works just as hard and just as perfectly as elves do, but finds to his chagrin that maybe there's more to the elves great work than he thought. As in previous volumes, the clever text combines wonderfully with the cartoon-like, appealing illustrations. In fact some of the most amusing parts show up in the illustrations such as Gilbert attempting to water his plant while the plant holds him upside down. And the kitty canes are just plain adorable. The references to well-known elves and not just Santa's elves provides a clever touch and made me laugh, kids will be delighted to identify them based on the clues given. In fact, there are so many clever touches the book is worth reading numerous times just to catch them all. A perfect combination of humor and art that touches on themes of teamwork and kindness.
AUTHOR/ILLUSTRATOR INTERVIEW
What is the 'story behind the story’?
Thank you so much for talking with me about Elves Are the Worst! I think the biggest challenge with each installment of a book series is to make it feel familiar to the previous titles, but still tell a unique story. In the first book, Gilbert the Goblin is jealous of the unicorns’ popularity, before realizing how great they actually are (and that really he is just projecting his insecurities). So with each new character introduced, it’s about figuring out the ways in which Gilbert compares himself to them. In Elves Are the Worst!, he feels the elves have a reputation of being so perfect, which makes him unable to see their true strength; their ability to work together. I think most people struggle with some form of jealousy and a natural tendency to compare ourselves with others, which often gives us a skewed view of them as well as ourselves.
What do you enjoy the most about doing a series?
My favorite part about working on a series is getting to spend more time with these characters that I love. With Gilbert in particular, I feel like I get to know him a little more with each new book. Plus, I get to hang out in a magical land filled with mythical creatures. It’s truly a pleasure every time I get to dive back in and explore a new corner of Gilbert’s world, even if he spends the whole time complaining about it.
Which comes first: words or illustrations?
Weirdly enough, I feel like this has shifted for me over the years. Originally, most of my story ideas came from a character I drew in my sketchbook, but more recently I’ve found the words coming to me first. Having studied illustration, I think that my sketchbook was a place where I felt comfortable/safe exploring ideas. I had the tendency to dismiss any ideas that didn’t come from that safe place. Thankfully, I have been able to slowly quiet that dismissive part of my brain and allow myself to be open to story ideas, regardless of where they originate. I will add though, that even when I start with a story idea first, I always feel like I learn so much about the characters through drawing them.
What risks have you taken with your writing/illustrating that have paid off?
Similar to what I just mentioned, the biggest risk I’ve taken in my career was starting to write my own stories. When I first started to pursue this career, my goal was to get hired to illustrate other people’s stories and hopefully, after doing that for a few years, someone might let me write my own. The only problem with that plan was that the offers from publishers to illustrate other people’s stories weren’t exactly rolling in! It wasn’t until I dove in with both feet and began writing my own stories that I got noticed. I still have imposter syndrome when it comes to my writing, and there is nothing scarier for me than sharing something new I’ve written. In hindsight I wish I had taken the risk sooner, but I guess I had to wait until the scary option felt like the only one left to try.
What is the most interesting question a child has asked you?
Oh gosh, kid’s questions are the best! That’s part of why I love doing school visits. I can’t say I’ve gotten anything too outlandish. I get a lot of “Do you have a car and if so, what color is it?”. They also really like to ask me how old I am (my answer is always followed by a collective gasp) and then tell me how close my age is, or isn’t, to their parents’ age. I once had a kindergartener ask if I had ever considered writing any nonfiction, which seemed like a surprisingly mature question to come from such a young student.
What are you currently working on?
I am happy to say that I am working on two new Gilbert books that have yet to be formally announced, as well as a brand new title. Hopefully I can share more about those projects soon, and I encourage people to follow me on Instagram at @alexwillan. I’m so grateful to have the opportunity to make these books, to work on them with so many incredible people, and to be able to share them with readers of all ages.
THANKS TO ALEX FOR TAKING THE TIME TO ANSWER MY QUESTION! BEST WISHES!
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