Sally Anne Garland Writes Feature For Love Reading 4 Kids

Our author Sally Anne Garland has recently written a feature for Love Reading 4 Kids, sharing her reflections on the influence of established artists upon our contemporary children’s book illustrators, and the inspiration behind her latest book The Chalk Garden.

Shirley Huges and Helen Oxenbury are two author/illustrators who Sally particularly admires. Sally mentions the consistent detail in the words and illustrations of Shirley Huges, saying “this attention to detail brings her illustration alive making the story relatable and believable.” She also points to the illustrations by Helen Oxenbury, specifically in We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, remarking that the words are “beautifully expressed in the simple, well-observed interactions of a young family.”

The skill of both these writers/illustrators, in catching believable observations in illustration – enhancing the stories, has greatly inspired Sally. Sally’s latest book, The Chalk Garden, is a delightful story of studying everyday details. Over the course of the year, Emma watches her garden grow, observing and drawing every detail with her chalk.

Sally says children “are also the ultimate truth seekers and it is important that details in a story match that need so they can imagine themselves in it.” The Chalk Garden is a story that shows the beauty of the everyday and represents children’s interest in studying everyday life. This is shown in both Sally’s words and illustrations.

Read the full article on the Love Reading 4 Kids website here.

Buy a copy of The Chalk Garden here.