Jacob Grant, Children's Author/Illustrator, Visits Library

ELMHURST, IL -— Jacob Grant, picture book author and illustrator of Bear Out There, visits Elmhurst Public Library on Saturday, June 22.

Grant is based in Chicago and has published several children’s book, including Cat Knit, Little Bird’s Bad Word, and Bear’s Scare. Bear Out There, published in 2019, is a story about the friendship between Spider, who loves the outdoors, and Bear, who does not.

Recently, Jacob Grant took a moment to talk with Elmhurst Public Library about his books and weigh in on creativity, the topic of EPL’s Common Connection summer programming:

EPL: When did you realize you wanted to be a writer/illustrator?

JG: Going back to the days I studied graphic design and illustration in art school, I remember thinking about what a dream job it would be to make art for children’s books. But, at the time I had never met anyone who had done such a thing. It seemed impossible. After five years of working professionally as a graphic designer, rarely making art, I found inspiration while book shopping for our baby niece. There were so many wonderful children’s books on the shelf, and I thought to myself, I should make one of these! Of course, it would take another several years of getting my skills up to snuff, to finally attempt writing and illustrating a picture book – and some years after that to finally have one published!

EPL: When did you write your first book and how old were you?

JG: I’m fortunate enough to have a couple books from first grade that my parents stowed away in storage. One about a pet seal that could live in my Grandparent’s swimming pool, and another about a sandwich so big it had to be assembled with trucks and cranes.

EPL: How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?

JG: Up to now, I’ve written six published picture books, illustrated 1, and have 3 more coming out over the next couple years. My favorite? It’s like choosing your favorite child! Though, I’m especially partial to Through With The Zoo. I worked on the book throughout the year I spent at home with our first baby. If you look at the back cover, you’ll find a little toddler following all of the other children – that’s my boy!

EPL: Do you have any tricks to get your creativity flowing?

JG: No tricks here! Just old-fashioned, unexciting discipline. I find the best way to come up with a creative idea is to simply show up to work. If I’m at my desk, I’ll be ready when the good idea happens. When deadlines allow, I set aside an hour of the day to sketch and write without an objective. To experiment and see where it takes me.

EPL: What do you think makes a good story?

JG: A good story can be a very subjective thing, so instead, I’ll say that the best way I know how to make a story is to start with a character who wants something. It doesn’t even matter what it is! As long as your character wants something. That’s the start of any good story.

EPL: As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?

JG: Make art, and be a marine biologist. Halfway there!

Event Info:
Out of This World with Jacob Grant
Saturday, June 22 • 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Elmhurst Public Library
For families
FREE • Tickets available at the Library the morning of the program
elmhurstpubliclibrary.org