We have a visually stunning treat for you on the blog today. The Liszts, a rather gorgeous and unique picture book written by Kyo Maclear and illustrated by Júlia Sardà, is published by Andersen Press today (originally published in the US by Tundra Books). Quirky and off-beat, The Liszts introduces us to a family of obsessive list-makers. Mama makes lists of 'ghastly illnesses and the greatest football players of all time', while Papa lists 'dreaded chores', along with 'small winged insects'. Edward's days are full of lists (except on Sundays - which are listless), even the cat makes lists (of his enemies, naturally), until one day a stranger comes calling....
Júlia's illustrations work beautifully alongside the text, bringing another layer to the story. The artwork has truly been allowed to shine here with an embossed cover, bronze foiling and the decision not to disrupt the design with any sort of blurb on the back of the cover.
We thought we'd share some of Júlia's rough work with you, showing the progression from sketches through to final colour...
We thought we'd share some of Júlia's rough work with you, showing the progression from sketches through to final colour...
For an interesting post by author Kyo Maclear on a prevalent theme within the book and her own writing influences, do head over to her website. Júlia Sardà has also talked a bit about her creative process for The Liszts in an interview on the blog Let's Talk Picture Books.