Forrest Dickison, an illustrator known for his work in children's literature, dives into the importance of embracing individuality in a conformist world. The conversation revolves around his character, Blah Blah Black Sheep, who represents joyful rebellion. They discuss the need for kids to distinguish healthy black sheep from mere rebels, all while sharing fun anecdotes about the creative process behind the character. Listeners also get to explore themes of artistic evolution and the value of critical thinking in navigating societal pressures.
Blah Blah Black Sheep embodies individuality and challenges societal norms, encouraging children to embrace their uniqueness and question conformity.
The transition from a board book to a picture book format enhances storytelling depth while maintaining the original character's charm and appeal.
The planned animated show aims to expand Blah Blah's universe, integrating educational themes to entertain and inspire both children and families.
Deep dives
Character Development and Origin
The podcast discusses the creation of a new character named Blah Blah Black Sheep, originating from a rhyme that inspired the author when his toddler mispronounced 'black sheep' as 'blah blah.' This character has a unique backstory, blending childhood memories with creative storytelling. The development process draws on personal experiences and familial influences, illustrating how children’s speech can shape storytelling. The mention of the character also highlights the relatable connection families have with the original rhyme and its playful nature.
Evolution from Board Book to Picture Book
The transition of Blah Blah Black Sheep from a board book to a picture book format is a significant focus. The original board book sold out due to its popularity, which led the creators to explore expanding the narrative into a longer format suitable for a broader audience. The podcast emphasizes the challenges associated with producing board books, including durability and safety for children, which played a role in the decision to switch formats. This evolution allows for deeper storytelling while retaining the charm of the original character.
New Design and Artistic Direction
The podcast also delves into the artistic evolution of Blah Blah Black Sheep, comparing the original claymation-inspired design to a new and more traditional illustration style. The aim was to create a character with more expressiveness and sophistication, appealing to a wider age range than just toddlers. The new design reflects a thoughtful approach to animation that balances playful charm with the ability to resonate with older children and families. This shift follows industry trends and personal artistic growth, contributing to enhanced storytelling capabilities.
Themes of Rebellion and Noncompliance
Blah Blah Black Sheep symbolizes rebellion and individuality in a world of conformity, challenging societal expectations. The podcast articulates the importance of instilling confidence in children to question norms, paralleling the character's journey to overcoming challenges and being a voice for the flock. This theme resonates deeply in modern contexts, where noncompliance is often a sign of strength rather than defiance. The discussion reflects on cultural anxieties, encouraging a narrative that celebrates those who dare to be different while promoting positive values.
Future of the Character and Expanded Universe
The creators announce plans for an animated show based on Blah Blah Black Sheep, expanding the character's universe and outreach. This endeavor aims to develop content that entertains and conveys meaningful messages, targeting a mixed audience of children and families. The exploration of the character's world not only enriches the story but also integrates educational themes, ensuring that it is both enjoyable and thought-provoking. With additional merchandise and promotional materials discussed, the character's potential for a lasting impact becomes increasingly apparent.
Is it a bad thing to be a black sheep? The answer used to be yes (a horde of shrieking Disney movies to the contrary). But after the 2020 shutdowns, our world has gone mad, and the SASF guys think every kid needs to learn how to be a black sheep. What does that look like? Be a sheep who's out of step with the status quo; willing to joyfully devote your life to working, worshipping, and having a family, no matter how many people say boo. To further this goal, the SASF pod welcomes illustrator Forrest Dickison, who just finished drawing your kids' new favorite character, Blah Blah Black Sheep. Blah Blah is a lamb who can't baa (he "blaaahs" instead), and the rest of the flock does not appreciate his boundless energy, curiosity, and desire to fight. Will Blah Blah's aunts realize too late that SOMEBODY needs to able to fight coyotes? (Blah Blah Black Sheep releases this October in a new rhyming children's book written by N.D. Wilson and published by Canonball Books). The Stories Are Soul Food podcast wants kids to distinguish between the "Rebels Without a Cause" and the healthy, happy black sheep -- because the world needs more of the real kind. You also get to add the phrase "Chestertonian Outlaw" to your vocabulary, and hear a discussion of Starlink, Papua New Guinea, and Forrest being an insufferable artist (it's his job). Stock up on the Blah Blah preorder special at blahblahkids.com.
