PICTURE BOOK REVIEW w/ Author & Illustrator INTERVIEWS : Unicorns in Uniforms by Beth Ferry & A.N. Kang
ABOUT THE BOOK
No job is too big or too small for magical uniformed unicorns in this adorable and empowering picture book from New York Times bestselling author Beth Ferry!
We’re Unicorns in Uniforms!
We know just what to do.
We’re hoofed and horned and well-informed
And ready to help you!
Come join these caring unicorns as they work, play, and save the day—because when you’re a unicorn, U can do anything if you work together!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR & ILLUSTRATOR
Beth Ferry is the author of numerous picture books for children including Roar for Reading, Prunella, and the New York Times bestseller Stick and Stone. She is an avid reader who believes that any day spent with a book is a perfect day. Beth lives with her family by the beach in New Jersey where she finds inspiration in the salty air. In addition to writing picture books, Beth also writes chapter books and graphic novels. She’s the author of the New York Times bestselling middle grade book Growing Home. You can learn more at BethFerry.com.
A. N. Kang started her career designing giftware, greeting cards, and holiday installations all over New York City. In 2016, She debuted as an author and illustrator with the picture book The Very Fluffy Kitty, Papillon. Since then, she has been working as a children’s book author and illustrator. Her books include My Big Bad Monster, Celebrate You! by Sherry Duskey Rinker, Squirrel’s Family Tree by Beth Ferry, and I Worked Hard on That! by Robyn Wall. You can see more of her work online at AnnaKangDesign.com.
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What is the 'story behind the story'?
I am a big fan of alliteration so when I was pondering a story about unicorns, the title, Unicorns in Uniforms, popped into my head. In addition to alliteration, that title also had a lovely assonance. And the idea of examining careers through the lens (or the horns) of unicorns appealed to me. I shared the idea with Anna who immediately began sketching unicorns and the idea just grew from there.
When did you first call yourself a writer?
I began writing for children about 17 years ago.
What part of the book was the most fun to write?
I really enjoy writing in rhyme so coming up with all the different jobs and how to rhyme their job descriptions was really fun (and challenging).
Can you give us some insights into what you’ll be working on next?
I’m currently finishing up edits on my first novel in verse called Sea Glass Girls. It is a story about a middle grade friendship and involves one of my most favorite things – searching for sea glass.
Where do you begin when illustrating someone else's words?
I really enjoy illustrating other authors’ stories. It feels like I’m making a movie and my illustrations become the storyboard for that world. I usually start by printing out the manuscript on big sheets of paper with lots of space around the text. Then I just sit and read it over and over. As I read, I start doodling - character ideas, scenes, and just random thoughts. This part is honestly the most fun for me. I love trying different visual ideas and figuring out the layouts. That’s when the story starts to feel real in my head.
What was your favorite thing about illustrating this book?
I always love working with Beth Ferry. We’ve worked on a few books together now, so over time we became friends through the process. Beth brings so much excitement and energy into every project, which makes the creative process really fun. There’s a lot of back-and-forth brainstorming, sharing ideas, and building on each other’s thoughts. It was just joy!
What did you find difficult about illustrating this book?
This book was definitely a lot bigger and more involved than I expected at first! Usually I work with fewer characters and simpler settings, but this one just kept growing and growing. When Beth and I first talked about it, it started as a pretty simple introduction to uniforms. Then somehow it turned into unicorns, creatures, villages, parades, and all kinds of parties! It was exciting, but also a lot to keep track of visually because there were so many moving parts. In the end though, seeing everything finally come together was really satisfying.
What has surprised you about illustrating for children?
I honestly never thought of what I do as being “just for children.” I make books that I would want to read and look at myself. Even as an adult, I still love children’s books. I think picture books are their own special art form. They can be funny, emotional, beautiful, comforting, and all at the same time. I think good children’s books connect with people no matter how old they are, and that’s something I appreciate even more now.
Thanks to Beth & A.N. for answering my questions!
REVIEW
Unicorns delivering the mail, teaching ballet, and putting out fires jump off the pages in this entertaining look at community. While each unicorn has a role in the community, they also live with trolls, pixies, fairies, and gnomes quite happily. When a dragon storm roles into town the unicorns band together (in superhero outfits) to fight it with their various talents. Some use magic, others put out fires and rescue gnomes and fairies. After the storm they work together to clean up the mess. While the message is pretty clear, the fun rhyming scheme and cute illustrations balance it out to create an enjoyable book that unicorn lovers will enjoy. Humorous touches add to the fun (ever seen a unicorn with a mustache? or glasses?). Unicorns riding on a bird carousel and riding in a hot air balloon or a unicorn with dreadlocks DJing a party makes for some delightful scenes. Not only a fun way to introduce children to community helpers but also to enjoy the author and illustrator's creativity. Recommended.
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