Students at Bobin Public School received a very special guest last week, when celebrated children’s author Stephen Michael King came to visit.
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Stephen Michael King, who recently won the 2016 WA Premier’s Book Award for ‘Best Children’s Book’, has illustrated more than 100 books and written more than 20.
Bobin students had plenty of questions prepared for their favourite author. They wanted to know how he gets his ideas, how he develops them, how long it takes to create a book and how old he was when he had his first book published.
“It takes me about three months to paint a book. I’ve always loved to draw. I was about 20 when I realised I could scribble again. I realised that I could start off messy,” Stephen said as he demonstrated his technique for the class, starting with a couple of shapes and developing them into a moving horse.
“I was 29 years old when my first book was published,” Stephen said, referring to The Man Who Loved Boxes.
Stephen draws inspiration from his life and those around him and said The Man Who Loves Boxes was inspired by his dad.
“My work is mostly about relationships, creativity and love, but I don’t drive the point home. I allow lots of space for the reader.”
When asked about his favourite book, Stephen said Leaf was very special to him.
“When I was growing up I couldn’t hear very well. I didn’t get my first hearing aid until I was in grade eight, so I always wanted to create a book without sound.
“I feel like Leaf is me. It’s about the creative energy that can thrive despite the environment,” he said.
When asked about which comes first, the drawing or the writing, Stephen said it was a little bit of both.
“I let my ideas develop. I have bursts of thoughts, sometimes in the middle of the night,” Stephen said.
“If you’re an artist you can’t help yourself, you have to keep drawing. I’ve drawn every day since I was 24 years old.”
“I want to be an artist when I grow up,” said more than one student, watching Stephen transform an empty page into a vivid picture of his main characters from Henry and Amy.
Bobin Public School principal, Diane Myer said the impact of Stephen’s visit was immediately visible.
“The students were completely inspired and full of ideas for their own picture book projects.
“To receive a visit from their favourite author is something they’ll never forget. It shows them what’s possible in life if you’re willing to work hard,” Diane said.