Dear Readers:
There is nothing more enjoyable to be than sitting down with my grandchildren and talking with them, playing with them, doing arts and crafts, and read with them. I love to watch their faces light and their eyes glisten as we get into a story and figure out what is about to happen. I also love it when my two-year-old and my granddaughter and other grandson, both four-years-old read back to be. Today's book, "Happy Piglets" written by Michal Splho is one of those books for all to enjoy. I loved the story and the illustrations. I think you will too. So, without further ado, I present "Happy Piglets," and the author interview with Michal Splho.
ABOUT THE BOOK
The traditional story for children narrated in a fresh, new way and accompanied with amazing watercolor images. The classic illustration plays an important role in telling the storyline. A feature like an increasing number of flowers instead of page numbers adds another dimension and level of use to this book. It is meant to get the children closer to the essential point behind the story: to enjoy and to have fun.
Happy Piglets
Tell your readers a little about
yourself, where you grew up, where you live now, where you went to school etc. Let
them get to know the personal you.
I am an artist, graphic designer, business owner, enthusiastic chef of his kitchen, and amateur chess player living in Bratislava, Slovakia.As the owner of Design Amorandi I designed book covers, magazines and book layouts for hundreds of titles in USA and Europe. Quite a few were illustrated with my unique and specific style.
I am the father of two wonderful kids, husband of one amazing wife and driver of one very old car.
My children would tell you that I am a very good storyteller. I make up fantastic unbelievable funny stories just before they go sleep. Each evening a different story. But you should not believe much to what I tell you during the day :-)
It was always my dream to
illustrate books. Occasionally I had a chance to do illustrations for other
publishers. Recently I got an idea: I can illustrate and self-publish stories
for children. Seemed to be a great idea and I started with a well-known story
about three piglets. I just narrate it in my own way.
Who has been the most significant influence
on you personally and as a writer?
Well, I am more illustrator than a writer. Main influence comes
from historic giants as Rembrandt van Rijn, Picasso, and Czech artist Adolf
Born. I deeply studied their works in the past. I like the personal universes
they created with their amazing imagination.
What were your struggles or obstacles you had to overcome to get this book written?
Looking back I think it went quite smoothly. I could envision the story and the characters. It was quite easy for me to find proper depiction and scenes.
It is the traditional story for children narrated in a fresh,
new way and accompanied with nice watercolor images. The classic illustration
plays an important role in telling the storyline. A feature like an increasing
number of flowers instead of page numbers adds another dimension and level of
use to this book. It is meant to get the children closer to the essential point
behind the story: to enjoy and to have fun. The book has 38 pages, 16 full-page
watercolour illustrations. Size of the book is 191 x 235 mm / 7.5 x 9.25
inches, hardcover.
The children aged 2 - 7. It is an essential story they learn at this age. They as well interact with the hand made illustrations, which are much different from the mainstream digital pseudo-Disney style. I think the illustration here delivers essential emotional information to kids. This can be very influential and can last for the whole life. I believe we all have such a book from childhood. I have a couple of them, and when thinking of them I still can feel that emotional space of home, of safety, of feeling good. Perhaps it is a bit challenging goal to have, but I strive to create such an impact on my readers' life with the illustrations and book I created.
What do you consider your greatest
success in life?
My family. I have amazing kids who are growing very quickly, and
as an observer, I am aware of the moments which passed and cannot be returned.
Of course, new moments are coming and it is as well a journey into undiscovered
realms too.
What one unique thing sets you apart from
other writers in your genre?
My watercolor painting style is different from what I could see
in the market. I as well believe each of us is unique and original. Each of us
has a unique observing and interpreting of the world we see and experience. If
we have the courage to reflect that unique and original essence in our artwork,
then we clearly are set apart from others. Ten people can make illustrations of
the same story. If they are true to themselves, the result will be ten
original, interesting artworks which are set apart from each other. I just made
an effort to reflect my unique essence in the illustrations and book I created.
