I'm excited to have author/illustrator Sylvia Long here today for a blog interview. Sylvia Long is one of the many wonderful illustrators who has generously donated an original snowflake for the Robert's Snow auction to raise money for cancer research. Keep reading for a sneak peak at the snowflake!

1. How did you get involved in writing and illustrating?

It was an off-shoot of my 'regular art', but once I got the kid's book bug, I couldn't shake it. It's what I was meant to do all along.

2. What advice do you have for those of us who are trying to break into the world of writing for children?

1. Hone your skills. There's no shortcut.
2. Do your homework when ready to submit to publishers. Get Children's Book Writers and Illustrators' Market.
3. Don't get discouraged. It can take awhile.

3. What artists/writers have influenced your work?

Ernest Shepard, Beatrix Potter, Jane Dyer, Lisbeth Zwerger

4. What are some of your favorite picture books now and from your childhood?

All the A.A. Milne books (Christopher Robin, Pooh, et.al.), Wind in the Willows, Peter Rabbit. Current favs: All of David Wiesner's books.

5. Do you have a favorite book among the ones you have worked on?

hmm... A favorite is hard. Hush Little Baby and Sylvia Long's Mother Goose.

6. Was there a particular book that was difficult for you to make work? How did you overcome the difficulties?

My first two non-fiction books were a challenge. [An Egg is Quiet and A Seed is Sleepy] I worked with an excellent editor and book designer to solve the difficulties. 



7. Do you have any personal experiences with cancer?

Everyone does, I'm guessing. Three of my four grandparents died of cancer and 4 friends. My dad currently has cancer. On the more optimistic side, I also have 3 girl friends who are breast cancer survivors!



8. Please tell us a little bit about your snowflake.

I re-painted an image similar to one in Deck the Hall, publ. in 2000, but now out-of-print. Growing up in Iowa, I loved coming home from ice-skating on the flooded tennis courts, to hot cocoa and cookies. It's a fond memory and I like bringing those into my books when I can.

9. Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Just that you folks organizing and accomplishing this huge effort in fund-raising are amazing, generous people. My hat is off to you all. Everyone could take a lesson from "Robert's Snow" in how to make a difference in the world.

Thanks, Sylvia! And let me just say, I am a HUGE fan of An Egg is Quiet and A Seed is Sleepy. What beautiful, educational books they are!

Please take time out to visit all of these blogs, and read about these fabulous illustrators. And, if you're so inclined, think about bidding for a snowflake in the Robert's Snow auction. Each snowflake makes a unique gift (for yourself or for someone else), and supports an important cause.