Collaboration Between Writer and Illustrator

Susan Cooper and Carson Ellis emphasize the collaborative process between a writer and an illustrator in bringing a story to life. Cooper’s initial communication with Ellis guided the direction of the illustrations, revealing the deeper themes embedded in her poem beyond mere visual representation. Ellis’s artistic vision took a significant turn as they exchanged ideas, leading to illustrations that capture the essence of historical dread and hope associated with the solstice. The integration of wordless spreads in the book further enriches the narrative, allowing readers to engage with the emotional weight of the story without reliance on text.