Katy Bratun – Children's Book Author & Illustrator

I have always loved to tuck animals and birds and bugs into unexpected places in my illustrations,   so I was challenged and delighted with this  project  – my first lift  – the – flap book.   I discovered right away that designing the pages correctly was critical from the first page to the last;  flaps must be designed in a flap book so that they are never back to back.  With that in mind,  I loved choosing  animals to illustrate in the story as Noah collects his guests for the ark.  We all have favorites;  mine include tigers, zebras,  elephants……oh,  well,  way too many I guess.  Having so many animals to choose from was bliss!

Chunky board books are always fun to illustrate.  Their small size inspires me to paint pictures that seem more intimate and cozy,  with a tight focus on the images inside.  I think of all the books I have illustrated,  I just may like these small gems best,  because they are tiny enough for small hands to hold,  sturdy enough to chew on,  and they may serve as a baby’s first experience with pictures and words,  pages that turn, and stories waiting to be told.