Books Illustrated in Melbourne launched Elise Hurst‘s 50th book in 11 years, The Night Garden, with a champagne party and an exhibit of illustrations from the book. A big crowd showed up! Before reading the book to a thrilled and energetically participating audience, Elise explained that two years ago she had only the germ of an idea–a garden “where everything happens, with each picture extraordinary.” A publisher was interested, but, big surprise, wanted a story. It’s an “escape artist” story, Elise discovered, of looking out on a magical garden in the middle of the night. She remembers falling asleep herself at the window as a child, dreamily gazing out the window into a possible magical garden she herself has now escaped into through her young character, Sally.

Elise’s husband, Peter, talked about the hard work of getting the text and the illustrations right. Discussing two particular pages, he explained that “in 40 words, with illustrations, Elise first got across the idea that Sally is adventurous and feels the magic, but her cat, Strange, is reluctant. Then Elise transitions into the mystical world outside, ‘to the edge of here and there.’ The garden is like an opera set, and the whole garden appears on the end papers.”

PaperTigers recognized Elise’s work some time ago with a gallery feature, and Elise remembered us when I introduced myself. I’m looking forward to writing more about the vibrant community of illustrators, publishers, and writers that I’ve met through Ann Haddon and Ann James of Books Illustrated. Thanks for a great launch party!

Posted by: Charlotte | This entry was posted on Tuesday, November 13th, 2007 at 1:40 pm and is filed under Australia, Eventful World, Picture Books. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site. Tags: Children's Books, Elise Hurst, Illustrators, The Night Garden