Books that Shaped My Journey as a Children’s Author
A Cartoonisan Post – From the Desk of Pete Zin
On my journey to becoming a children’s book author and illustrator, many stories caught my eye with comforting words and beautiful art. A few stand out as true inspiration behind my own book, See You Soon!
Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown, illustrated by Clement Hurd
I’ll admit I didn’t grow up with Goodnight Moon. But when we got it for our son, I quickly understood why it’s a classic. The simple bedtime ritual of saying goodnight to everything in the room is soothing, and the illustrations have subtle details that reveal themselves over time.
After reading it countless times, I noticed (embarrassingly late!) that the moon rises higher in the sky as the pages turn. In See You Soon! I made a similar design choice: the light source follows the path of the sun across the sky throughout the day. Even the red balloon made it in there but I can honestly say it wasn’t a conscious nod to Goodnight Moon!
Looking back, I realize Goodnight Moon inspired me with its balance of comforting narrative, timeless illustrations, and the recurring theme of the rising moon.
Images from Goodnight Moon — Text by Margaret Wise Brown, illustrations by Clement Hurd. Harper & Row, 1947. Click images to buy on Amazon (US).
Bedtime 123 by Eric Walters, illustrated by Josee Bisaillon
I got this book because of its artwork – my son loves owls, and the richly textured illustrations and mood-inspired colors speak to me too. The story is simple and soothing: baby animals settle down to sleep while children learn to count.
I have a vivid memory of reading it with my son, both of us comforted by the gentle words and layered illustrations. The textures create a calm mood as the sun sets, the moon rises, and the cuddly animals drift off. That warm and comforting tone is something I wanted to capture in See You Soon!
Writing my own book has made me appreciate the skill it takes to craft a narrative that feels simple and easy to understand yet deeply comforting.
Images from Bedtime 123 — Text by Eric Walters, illustrations by Josée Bisaillon. Published by Orca Book Publishers, 2015. Click images to buy on Amazon (US).
Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What do You See? and Polar Bear, Polar Bear, What do You Hear? by Bill Martin Jr., illustrated by Eric Carle
These books are deceptively simple. The rhythmic text is easy for children to follow, while the illustrations burst with colour, shape and texture. I’ve read these with my son countless times, and each time the playful images leap off the page.
Carle’s art is so unique that I’d never try to replicate it, but his work inspires me to keep my own illustrations simple, fun and focused on what matters most: the readers – kids!
Images from Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? — Text by Bill Martin Jr., illustrations by Eric Carle. Published by Henry Holt and Company, 1967 and Polar Bear, Polar Bear, What Do You Hear? — Text by Bill Martin Jr., illustrations by Eric Carle. Published by Henry Holt and Company, 1991.
Final Thoughts
These books have shaped the way I think about storytelling and illustration. They remind me that comfort, simplicity and joy are powerful tools in children’s books.
If you’re looking for something new to read with your own child, I recommend these titles.
And if you’d like to explore a book inspired by them, please pick up a copy of See You Soon!
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