My Favourite Spreads by Lu Fraser!
Lu Fraser’s top illustration picks from her latest book with Kate Hindley
Picking a favourite spread is almost impossible when you are fortunate enough to have great illustrating partners so, for me, my favourite illustrations are usually the ones where the illustrator has developed the world of the book in their own unique way.
I absolutely love the first time we see inside Grandad’s shed, for example. There are so many brilliant ‘extras’ from illustrator Kate Hindley here – from the message on Grandad’s mug to the titles of the books on his shelf (‘Dovetail Joints for Beginners’) and check out the blueprints on Grandad’s wall, too… there might just be a clue to Nora’s next invention!
There’s no doubt about it, I am always drawn to an illustrator who can wield light well.
Night and day, light and dark, the sun versus the stars – they are all things I think about a lot in my stories, so working with an illustrator that thinks about them too is a big ‘YES!’ from me! As a result, I absolutely love the penultimate spread in The Busiest Beaver, when night falls and they all gaze up at the stars – it’s the only nighttime spread in the book and Kate has delivered the most glorious starlit scene. I also find the gentle hand of Grandad on Nora’s shoulder incredibly moving – it’s one of my favourite moments in the whole book.
And, of course, Kate is fantastic at delivering humour, too, from the many small subtleties that pepper the book to the huge laugh-out-loud moments. I absolutely love the illustration where the animals make their escape from the flood in Nora’s ‘big beaver boat’ – the way they all squash together as the boat pitches on the waves always makes me laugh! And my very favourite image of Nora is, in fact, also a humorous one – you simply can’t beat Kate’s illustration of Nora the beaver with a face mask on, sanding some wood! Hilarious!
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Nora doesn’t spend her time doing the things other beavers do. When they are gnawing and nibbling, she can be found drilling and sawing.
What will happen to the beavers when the river rises and a flood is on its way? Can Nora take Grandad’s words to heart and be her own beaver in her own way?
For those who truly love words this book is an absolute treat, with superb word choices and a lovely rhythm for reading aloud.
Proof that it is always best to be true to yourself.
The illustrations by Kate Hindley are so full of humour and detail. I loved the expressions on Nora’s face!
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