Acts of Imagination with Will Hillenbrand

Children’s book author and illustrator Will Hillenbrand discusses his origins as a young artist; why “instant art” is a myth; his attempt to kiss a cow for research; his breakthrough after being diagnosed with dyslexia; how his son inspired the Mole and Bear book series; the power of giving voice to ideas; the literary magic available to us in books; the importance of play and joy in art; and why, as a child, he wanted to grow up to be a fire truck.   Visit willhillenbrand.com to learn more or follow Hillenbrand on Twitter or Facebook.   Books mentioned in this episode: MIKE MULLIGAN AND HIS STEAM SHOVEL by Virginia Lee Burton KISS THE COW by Phyllis Root and illustrated by Will Hillenbrand ZEE GROWS A TREE by Elizabeth Rusch and illustrated by Will Hillenbrand SPRING IS HERE by Will Hillenbrand THE MOLE FAMILY'S CHRISTMAS by Russell Hoban and illustrated by Lillian Hoban STARTING FROM SKETCH by Will Hillenbrand TURTLE-TURTLE AND THE WIDE, WIDE RIVER by Will Hillenbrand (forthcoming) CHARLOTTE’s WEB by E.B. White MIGHTY READER AND THE READING RIDDLE by Will Hillenbrand THE VOICE IN THE HOLLOW by Will Hillenbrand (coming January 3, 2023) KATIE AND THE BIG SNOW by Virginia Lee Burton LITTLE RED by Will Hillenbrand (coming Fall 2023)   Produced by Ohio Center for the Book at Cleveland Public Library and hosted by Laura Maylene Walter. For a transcript of this episode, visit the episode page. To get in touch, email [email protected] (put “podcast” in the subject line) or follow us on Twitter or on Facebook.