Author Views

Here's something interesting I found while puttering around the Annick Press blog. It's a site called AuthorViews, and is basically a collection of videos from a wide variety of authors (I believe American and some Canadian) discussing their books. From the words of the president, Steve O'Keefe, "AuthorViews is a nonprofit project to gather, edit, and distribute video profiles of authors and others in the book trade and related arts." Annick Press is one of the sponsors, so I assume that's why there's a smattering of Canadian authors and illustrators in the video collection.

One video in particular caught my attention, because it's the delightful and very talented children's author and illustrator Ruth Ohi. She's illustrated over 40 picture books and novels, and has written and illustrated at least six of her own picture books. She's a Canadian treasure in the world of kid's books, and she's just so darn sweet and giving when you meet her! She also has a very talented sister Debbie, and both these women astound me with their creativity, energy, generosity and zest for life.

In the video when Ruth discusses her career, and the fact that with what she is doing, she is "promoting a lifelong love of books", I think, yeah, that's what I want to do to – I want to make a difference, entertain kids, and share my love of books and reading with young audiences, who will hopefully carry that love of books with them for the rest of their lives. To get paid to do a job like that, for me, would be heaven.

When I grow up, I wanna be just like Ruth Ohi.

Comments

[Ellen]

Love for books really does all start in childhood doesn't it? I can't think of many other jobs that would be more rewarding than creating childrens books. As a parent, when I come across a picture book that my children love, I just feel so much affection for the author and illustrator for creating those moments of joy.

"When I grow up," :) I'm still working on that too.

[Patricia]

You know, Ellen, you've got a unique perspective on life, and some diverse art styles – if you're ever interested in looking into children's illustration, drop me an email, and I'll offer any advice I can.

[melanie]

What a wonderful mission to have...my mission is to finish my laundry today. :) I think I need to aim a little higher, no?

[Debbie]

Hey, I didn't know about this video! Thanks for the link...

[Steve O'Keefe]

Patricia,

Thanks for the nod to AuthorViews. We filmed 10 Annick Press authors in Vancouver, B.C., and Toronto, ON, last year. Ruth actually draws in the video -- it's very inspiring. We have strong videos from Robert Munsch ("Paper Bag Princess") and Loris Lesynski ("Boy Soup") from the same session.

After a slow 2007 trying to find money, we will be filming again this summer in numerous North American cities. As long as we can continue to find publishers and others to sponsor the project, we'll continue filming, editing, and syndicating videos at no charge to authors. More info is at the web site.

Again, thanks for mentioning our project.

STEVE O'KEEFE
President, AuthorViews, Inc.

[Patricia]

I'm happy to plug your project, Steve – it's wonderful what you are doing. Good to know there will be more films in the future, too.

[Nessa]

thanks for that! I bookmarked the link

[james grasdal]

Oh, yeah! I'm in the Ruth Ohi fan club. What a talent. I had the chance to meet her through the Children's Literature Roundtable in Edmonton. She gave us an amazing presentation, brought along some originals(drool) and even a dummy for one of her books. She really makes it look fun, doesn't she. Inspiring.