Windows into illustration: Peter Brown


US author illustration Peter Brown is best known in this country for his young fiction The Wild Robot and picture books Mr Tiger Goes Wild and My Teacher is a Monster. Clever and stylish his books celebrate individuality and self-expression deftly and with immense amounts of humour. Here he explains the inspiration for his new picture book Fred Gets Dressed, and the technique used in its creation.


One day, when I was a little boy, I sneaked into my parents’ bedroom and began rummaging through my mother’s makeup drawer. I loved my mum, and I loved making art, so it makes sense that I was curious about the ‘paint’ she put on her face. But I didn’t know what to do with makeup, and when my mother found me, her makeup was smeared across my cheek.


on the needs of the story. 2) In addition to trying on his mother’s makeup, Fred also dresses up in her clothing and jewellery. 3) Since the story is all about Fred getting dressed, it made sense for him to start off completely undressed. 4) I included Fred’s father in a minor but important role.


Her reaction spoke volumes. She just calmly cleaned my cheek, and then showed me how to put on makeup, and we had a fantastic time trying on makeup, together.


That lovely moment was the inspiration for my new picture book, Fred Gets Dressed. At first, I thought I’d simply retell that true story, but as my ideas developed, I decided to change the story in four important ways. 1) I named the boy character Fred, instead of Peter, which helped me let go of my own experience and focus


6 Books for Keeps No.248 May 2021


Fred’s home is a loving, nurturing place, filled with plants, books, rugs, art, and a family dog. I painted the illustrations digitally, and used only four colours: pink, green, black and white. By overlapping those colours and changing their transparency, I was able to get a surprising variety of colour and texture that creates a sense of warmth throughout the book.


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