Where Are You, Bronte? Barbara McClintock on Honoring Tomie dePaola, Creative Journeys and the Transformative Power of Storytelling

Dr. Diane's Adventures in Learning

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Where Are You, Bronte? celebrates its book birthday this week -- and this book should come with complementary tissues for the adults reading it! Beloved illustrator Barbara McClintock took on the herculean task of illustrating Tomie de Paola's final manuscript. The result is a beautiful collaboration that pays tribute to his style while exploring the universal themes of love, loss, and memory. In the end, our stories and the connections we build with others outlive us and leave a lasting legacy.

With a focus on love, loss, and moving forward, Barbara discusses the challenges of honoring Tomie's distinctive style while infusing her own creativity and vision.

We also chat about the journey from childhood sketches and wanting to be a cat to becoming a renowned illustrator. Barbara talks about mentorship from Maurice Sendak and the power of self-education through libraries. Barbara continues to pay her early mentorship forward through the work she does in unlocking the stories of college students.

0:54: Where Are You, Bronte? and adapting Tomie's style

9:47: Our shared favorite spread

13:31: Barbara's Origin Story and Adventures in Learning (Cats, Maurice Sendak, and Lots and Lots of Paper)

15:07: Libraries as Art Education

19:09: Teaching and Mentoring Young Authors and Illustrators

27:16: New Projects In the Works

32:01: The Importance of Mentors -- Books and People

34:47: Hope -- Bonding With Pets Like Bronte

Links:

Purchase Where Are You, Bronte?

Barbara McClintock's Website

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*Disclosure: I am a Bookshop.org. affiliate.