"Draw, draw, draw"- an interview with illustrator, Gareth Conway

Gareth Conway is the illustrator of What Would You Say to An Astronaut? 

What inspired you to illustrate for children's books? 

I love the idea that someone can look at my work and giggle, either because of the story I'm helping to tell or because of chatracter pose or some little detail I've added.

What advice would you give to a child wanting to illustrate a book?

Draw, draw, draw... draw anything that makes you happy and the more you do it the better you will become.

What three children’s books would you take with you to the desert island?

Jack and the Flum Flum Tree by Julia Donaldson and David Roberts, There's a Lion In My Cornflakes by Michelle Robinson and Jim Field, and Whizz Pop Granny Stop by Tracey Corduroy and Joe Berger.

What would you want a child/parent to take from your book illustration?

I like my work to be silly so hopefully it will make someone smile or laugh, I think that would be amazing.

Is there a quote or value you live your life by?

Be kind and have fun. 

Gareth Conway is a Sunday Times best-selling illustrator, and he was nominated for the British Book Awards (Nibbies) in 2022. Gareth has worked on numerous projects, most notably as the illustrator of the Greg the Sausage Roll series. He is the illustrator of What would YOU say to an Astronaut? which is included in our first Klein Bo[o]kies (ages 4 -6) pack.