Join Caldecott-winning author and illustrator Brian Selznick, known for his innovative storytelling in 'The Invention of Hugo Cabret', as he dives into the magic of finding your creative voice. He reflects on personal identity, discussing the evolution of queer narratives in literature. Hear about the alchemy of combining text and illustrations in his new book 'Run Away with Me'. Brian emphasizes the importance of reframing challenges and embracing synchronicity in creativity, inspiring listeners to connect authentically with their artistic journeys.
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Early Publishing Conviction
Brian Selznick wrote and published his first book, The Houdini Box, after college while living with his parents.
He insisted on a 48-page picture book despite industry pressure for 32 pages, showing early creative conviction.
insights INSIGHT
Queerness as Self-Portrait
Brian realized all his work is queer by nature, even if not explicitly so, because it's a self-portrait of his experiences.
Queerness in art can be inherent through perspective rather than explicit content.
insights INSIGHT
Progress in Queer Publishing
Publishing queer books was rare in the 1990s, making Brian's current work's visibility a significant progression.
Despite rising censorship, a much larger community supports queer literature today than decades ago.
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Brian Selznick's 'The Invention of Hugo Cabret' is a mesmerizing blend of illustration and prose that tells the story of Hugo, an orphan living in the walls of a Paris train station in the 1930s. Hugo's life takes an exciting turn when he crosses paths with an eccentric old man and a bookshop owner’s daughter. As Hugo tinkers with a broken automaton, he uncovers secrets about his father and a famous magician. The book is notable for its innovative use of images to advance the plot, creating a cinematic experience for the reader. It explores themes of loss, memory, and the magic of cinema, inviting readers into a world of wonder and mystery.
The Houdini Box
Brian Selznick
Boy Meets Boy
Boy Meets Boy
David Levithan
Haroun and the Sea of Stories
Salman Rushdie
In 'Haroun and the Sea of Stories', Salman Rushdie takes readers on a magical adventure with Haroun Khalifa, the son of a famous storyteller named Rashid. When Haroun's mother leaves and Rashid loses his ability to tell stories, Haroun embarks on a quest to the Sea of Stories, a mystical realm where all tales originate. There, he encounters various characters and joins a war between the kingdoms of Gup and Chup to defeat Khattam-Shud, who seeks to end all stories. The novel explores the power of storytelling, freedom of speech, and the impact of narratives on reality. Written during a time of personal hardship, including the fatwa against Rushdie, the book is a testament to the resilience and importance of stories in our lives.
Where the Wild Things Are
Maurice Sendak
In this iconic children's book, Max, dressed in his wolf suit, causes chaos at home and is sent to bed without supper. His bedroom transforms into a jungle, and he sails to an island where he encounters the Wild Things. Max tames the creatures and becomes their king, but eventually returns home, missing his mother's love. The book is praised for its honest treatment of children's emotions, particularly anger and the need for parental love. It has been adapted into a movie and an opera and remains a beloved classic in children's literature[1][2][4].
Wonderstruck
Wonderstruck
MacDonal
Brian Selznick's 'Wonderstruck' intricately weaves together the tales of Ben and Rose, two deaf children living in different eras. Ben's story is told through prose, while Rose's is conveyed through captivating illustrations, creating a unique reading experience. Both children embark on separate journeys to New York City in search of answers and a sense of belonging. The novel beautifully explores themes of communication, isolation, and the power of visual expression. As their stories converge, 'Wonderstruck' reveals profound connections across time and highlights the importance of empathy and understanding in a world that often overlooks those who are different.
Today on the show, we have a creative master who has done this at the highest level. In this episode, Caldecott winning author illustrator Brian Selznick joins me to discuss his new book “Run Away with Me”.
We deconstruct the elements that make this book both a quintessential piece of work for Selznick, and also an evolution of his creative voice.
If you want to develop a deeper sense of yourself in the work and find your place amongst the timeline of your creative hero's. This episode is for you!
Creative Pep Talk 
