Celebrated book illustrator Quentin Blake takes us through the story, ideas and illustration techniques behind two of his own books, Clown and The Green Ship. Clown is told entirely through pictures. Quentin shows us some of his original drawings, the storyboard around which the story was planned, and he redraws the Clown character. Looking closer he shows how a storyteller and illustrator chooses key moments in a story to illustrate, and how this draws a reader in, compelling them to turn the page. The Green Ship does have words and we are shown some of the early versions of its cover. Quentin takes an original drawing of The Green Ship and shows how adding colour introduces emotion and stimulates the reader’s imagination. He also reflects on how words and pictures are two languages which introduce different and sometimes contrasting elements to a story. The programme is invaluable for all those concerned with reading and the power of illustrated stories to engage kids.

Video Series: Inspirations
Release Date 2008