Welcome Author-Illustrator Molly Cranch – Giveaway Alert

I’m always happy to share a new book on my blog. An interview with an author or an illustrator is exciting because it allows us to learn about their inspiration and maybe find out some behind-the-scenes tips that will inspire our own creativity. Today I welcome Molly Cranch whose artwork I have had hanging in my office for two years when she designed the logo for our PictureBookGold promotion group. https://picturebookgold.wixsite.com/website

Molly is a talented artist and teacher who was kind enough to come to one of my events in Chicago so we met in person in 2022! Her debut book HIDE-AND-SEEK, published by Clavis Publishing was released in 2023 in Dutch and today we celebrate its US book birthday release!! HIDE-AND-SEEK, written and illustrated by Molly is now available in English wherever books are sold! My preordered copy is on it’s way and I can’t wait! Since HIDE-AND-SEEK is about animal camouflage and it’s a birthday, that means CAKE! I’ve made chocolate cupcakes with chunks of chocolate hidden inside and red velvet cupcakes with cherries hidden inside.

Molly is generously offering a choice of a 30 minute Zoom Ask-me-Anything or a classroom visit to one lucky winner. Comment on the post to enter.

What were you like at the age of your target audience? 

I write and illustrate picture books for children in the 3-7 age range. When I was that age, I remember being very quiet and introspective. I loved to draw, even then! One time, there was a heavy snowstorm and we couldn’t leave the house for several days. I sat at the kitchen table and drew everyone in my family, including grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. I cut out the drawings and taped them to the wall, creating an entire mural of my family and community. I think of this as a precursor for who I am today, for I still love to spend hours in my studio drawing and painting.

What inspires you?

I love spending time with my family. We cook, watch movies, talk about current issues and travel. I also love to take yoga and dance classes because they are so important for my well-being.

In my work, I am most inspired by nature. I love to take walks in nature, and will occasionally sketch and draw along the way. Before I became a children’s book author-illustrator, I was a fine artist. I would often study plants, seeds, birds and other small creatures up close and paint them. My bird paintings have been shown in galleries all around the country. I really admire birds for both their strength and grace. The main character of my picture book is even a bird!

What’s the one thing you hope your readers take away from your books?

As an educator, I am very interested in arts integration as a teaching modality. I try to incorporate this into my stories. For example, HIDE-AND-SEEK incorporates science, math and social-emotional learning. My hope is that by doing this, my readers will learn something in a fun and engaging way. 

What’s next for you?

I am continuing to write and illustrate picture books related to science and social-emotional learning. I hope to publish another book one day!

I am also currently working on my MA in Illustration from Falmouth University. It is a challenging program involving not just illustration but a lot of reading and research. I can see that my illustration process is changing, and I am excited to see how my work will evolve. 

To learn more about Molly’s amazing artwork and find her on social media:

https://www.mollycranch.com/

@MollyCranch on Instagram and Twitter/X

@mollycranch.bsky.social