Author/Illustrator Jason Chin Visits Briarcliff's Todd School

“How did you get so good at illustrating?” one Todd School student asked award-winning author/illustrator Jason Chin when he visited kindergarteners, first and second graders in Briarcliff Manor. “Practice makes progress,” replied Chin. And, he said, “I am still learning.”

He shared how he extensively researches for each of his nonfiction books, including interviewing experts and visiting such locations as the coral reef, Grand Canyon, and redwood forest. Once while scuba diving for research he came really close to a sea lion and the animal blew bubbles in his face! He told the Todd students that he verifies facts with at least two sources.

Jason Chin shared specific drawing tips, such as using darker lines for up-close parts of your drawing, and softer lines to show distance. For his Caldecott Honor award-winning book Grand Canyon, he first wrote the words and then created a storyboard, laying out the entire book. His illustrations are meticulous. It took him ten days to paint a two-page spread.
This program at Todd School was made possible through the generous support of the Briarcliff PTA.