We were delighted that the Booktime storybook for 2009-10 was Ed Vere's Mr Big. Ed's bold illustrations combined with a classic tale of learning to be yourself makes this a perfect Booktime picture book.
Madelyn Travis spoke to Ed about his work for children and how he created the heart-tugging gorilla Mr Big.
How did you create Mr Big?
‘Before any book I’ll be doodling away and thinking of possible characters. I start by drawing two circles, which are the eyes.
"In the case of Mr Big, a gorilla started emerging, and he was wearing a tail coat and playing a piano."
'Very often after that I don’t know what creature I’ll be drawing. In the case of Mr Big, a gorilla started emerging, and he was wearing a tail coat and playing a piano, and he looked quite aggressive and surly, but also he had a vulnerable, sensitive side.
The primate’s threatening appearance frightens off potential friends, and he expresses his loneliness through his music.
'Gradually, a crowd gathers outside to listen to the mysterious pianist and eventually Mr Big is appreciated for who he really is.'
Did you want to write a book about the power of music?
‘I wasn’t clear that he was definitely going to find his salvation through music. You slowly find your way along a story with a mixture of a bit of writing and drawing. It doesn’t happen for me that in the beginning of a story I know what will happen at the end.
I wanted to draw a parallel with a child who might find group situations difficult: that “lonely child in the playground” syndrome.
'It’s a bit like a blind man tapping his way along with a white stick: you’re exploring the terrain as you walk over it. As I carried on with Mr Big and saw what sort of a character he was, and his predicament, I wanted to draw a parallel with a child who might find group situations difficult: that “lonely child in the playground” syndrome.I wanted to show that there’s light at the end of the tunnel.’
How creative were you as a child?
‘I find the uninhibited quality of children completely fascinating. As we grow older we learn to inhibit ourselves. Picasso was always interested in getting back to the state of childhood where you don’t overanalyse things and you get on and do it, and that’s how children do things. It’s hugely interesting.
'As a creative person I think I’m always trying to get to that point, not to overanalyse or think, but just to spontaneously create, and that’s something that children have. It’s that way of attacking the world with glee. I really envy children that.’
