Davide Cali’s and Serge Bloch’s The Enemy

DAY TEN. Today, we’re talking with Davide Cali about kids picture book illustration, thanks to Australian illustrator Ann James. She chats with Davide on her Books Illustrated blog about how he works with illustrators, his celebrated collaborations with French illustrator Serge Bloch and which other writers and illustrators inspire him. Says Cali:

The first time they asked me to give one of my texts to illustrate to someone else, I felt a little confused. I was used to working all alone, not sharing with anybody. Then I discovered that working with somebody is cool, I can write even more stories than before, sometimes just inspiring me towards another illustrator’s personal universe.

It’s a great example of two experienced creators talking about the craft of picture book making.

Books Illustrated is a centre for children’s literature in Melbourne, Australia. It specialises in exhibitions and sales of original book illustrations, limited edition prints and signed picture books. Its showroom is open by appointment and for advertised events.

The Davide Cali blog tour is taking place from 1 to 15 May, as a countdown to Davide’s first visit to Australia from 16 to 28 May. Every day, some of Australia’s most interesting book bloggers will be posting interviews with him, reviewing his books, offering giveaways and maybe giving a sneak peak of his award-winning new book, 10 Little Insects.

You can check out the full blog tour here.

Davide Cali’s 2012 Australian tour is an initiative of the National Year of Reading