Editor’s Note:Daniela Kulot’s "Crocodile and Giraffe Tales (5 volumns)" by China's Juvenile & Children's Publishing House, has made it to BookDao's book list many times. BookDao invited Daniela to join the 17th Good Book Recommendation Sharing Session on its live stream room and introduce the book series and share her experience on the creation of the books with the book club members.

Daniela Kulot is a renowned artist, children's book author, and illustrator. Born in Schongau Germany in 1966, she studied art education and German studies at the University of Augsburg before pursuing graphic design and illustration at the Augsburg University of Applied Sciences. Since 1993, she has worked as a freelance painter, author, and illustrator, with numerous book publications in esteemed publishers. Her books have been translated into over 30 languages, reaching a global audience and captivating readers with her imaginative storytelling and vibrant illustrations.

At the end of this article, you can find the recorded video of the interview.

BookDao：Could you please provide us with an insight into your design process of "Crocodile and Giraffe Tales" series?

Daniela Kulot:I would like to present some details to you, starting with the cover of a book as a basis. Let's begin with the cover draft. Here, you can see the sketches I create to design a cover. Initially, the sketches are quite rough as I explore different ideas. For example, one concept involves Crocodile Giraffe holding a string while children dance on it. Another idea features a box, a present, with children sitting on it while Crocodile Giraffe opens the string. There's also an alternate concept where Giraffe spots children running towards the string. Eventually, one particular motif stands out, and I further developed it the next day. Of course, I always have to incorporate the title script, and I have various options for integrating it. Ultimately, this is the final design it became.

The back cover of the book also requires design attention. The string continues onto the back, and I created a painted picture that represents the finished front cover design with text. This is just a glimpse of the overall cover design.

Now, I would like to provide you with a brief insight into how the story unfolds. Naturally, the story doesn't exist right from the beginning. It requires numerous ideas, which I initially sketch roughly. For me, text and images always go hand in hand. I generate various text ideas and explore different visual concepts. Initially, it's a process of collecting a plethora of ideas until a story gradually takes shape through the synergy of text and images. At the outset, I may not even have a clear idea for the story, but through the progress of sketches and text, an idea gradually emerges.

Here are some more image ideas I've developed, such as Giraffe supporting the family, which doesn't actually occur in the story. Many ideas are discarded along the way, but this exploration is crucial for generating creative concepts. Another example is the little crocodile developing a javelin for pole vaulting. While these ideas may not appear in the final story, the process of generating ideas is essential.

During the later stages of story development, I utilize storyboards as a means to maintain an overview of the narrative progression. These storyboards serve as a visual representation of the story, allowing me to preview and organize the pages from 1 to 24. Each page must contribute to the overall tension and provide a diverse range of content. To achieve this, I create small sketches for each individual page. These sketches are compiled into a miniature book format, enabling me to assess the impact of page-turning and the build-up of tension. In picture books, the act of turning the page plays a crucial role in creating suspense. By examining the storyboard and the assembled miniature book, I can ensure that the desired level of tension is present. This is how the book gradually takes shape throughout the process.

BookDao：I noticed that two books in the series explore the theme of romance. As someone from a different cultural background, I am curious to know why you created this work and what your intentions were?

Daniela Kulot:In these books, the themes of friendship and solidarity take center stage. To begin with, let's delve into the concept of "affirmation" or "confirmation." Additionally, it's worth exploring the term "love" in a closer light. In Germany and other European countries, there are numerous children's books that touch upon love, not in a sexual sense, but rather in an emotional sense. It refers to the deep connection one feels towards another person inwardly or in their heart. This can be the love of a child for their parents, or vice versa, the love between partners, or the strong bond shared with an animal like a cat or a dog. This topic resonates with individuals of all ages and holds particular importance for young children.

Of course, when it comes to love, there are often little disruptions and challenges. These include unrequited love, jealousy, or the feeling of experiencing something alone. These aspects can create tension even in children's books. However, these topics can be addressed in a humorous and entertaining manner, especially in children's literature. Children have a keen understanding of these dynamics, as I have witnessed during my readings at schools. They laugh at the right moments and intuitively grasp the underlying themes. For instance, when I ask very young children, around 4 to 5 years old, if they have ever experienced love, most of them raise their hands and share stories of having "butterflies in their stomachs," as we say, or falling in love with a friend. Some even mention falling in love with their parents. Therefore, love is already a significant and important topic for children. I believe that the sooner we discuss it with children, the more natural it becomes. It shouldn't be treated as a separate subject but rather integrated as an inherent part of life. Perspectives on love may differ, but this is my approach to addressing the topic.

Initially, the primary intention for this book was to create a humorous story. I aimed to develop a narrative in the style of slapstick comedy, akin to Charlie Chaplin or Buster Keaton, though I'm unsure of their popularity in China. To achieve this, it was important to have contrasting characters, such as a small crocodile and a tall giraffe, which naturally lend themselves to mishaps, slapstick humor, and things going awry. This was my original idea—to write a funny story. However, as I began reading the story in schools, the children started asking when the two characters would have children or get married. Eventually, I thought, "Okay, I'll also write stories about that." This idea actually originated from the children I read to, and it led me to expand the scope of the narrative.

BookDao：Can you elaborate on the sources of your creativity and how they manifest in your artistic pursuits, including the influence of your upbringing and the natural environment?

Daniela Kulot:My parents, who work as artists alongside their main professions, instilled a love for drawing, painting, and music in my siblings and me from a young age. This upbringing fostered a great deal of creativity within our family.

As the years went by, I discovered that expressing myself through drawing and painting became an essential aspect of my life. It is a deep-seated need within me, and engaging in these artistic pursuits brings me immense satisfaction. Additionally, being in nature, whether by the river or in the forest, greatly uplifts my spirit and provides abundant inspiration. The act of observing, creating, drawing, and writing has become my primary focus. Interestingly, these creative endeavors often inspire new ideas as I progress. It's as if creativity functions like a flowing river, constantly evolving and generating fresh concepts.

BookDao：What are the advantages of incorporating illustrations in children's books compared to books without illustrations?

Daniela Kulot:When it comes to comparing children's books with illustrations to regular books, there are distinct advantages to having illustrations. Picture books offer a unique storytelling experience that differs from traditional books. In picture books, the illustrations play a primary role in conveying the story, while the text complements and enhances the visual narrative.

As an illustrator and graphic designer, my background lies in the art of illustration. For me, the illustrations serve as the primary means of storytelling, capturing the essence of the narrative. The text, on the other hand, serves as a supplementary element, conveying aspects that cannot be fully depicted through the pictures alone. I take on the dual role of both writing the text and creating the illustrations.

This combination of my own pictures and stories allows me to express myself in the most effective way possible. While I have also written longer stories, the experience of creating picture books is a completely different endeavor altogether.

BookDao：How do you define a high-quality picture book? What are the key elements that make a picture book stand out in your opinion?

Daniela Kulot:Defining a high-quality picture book is undoubtedly a challenging task. In my perspective, a good children's book should have the ability to open up unfamiliar ways of thinking. It should offer children perspectives on a world beyond their own experiences and ignite their imagination. Another crucial aspect is to encourage children to be actively involved in creative activities, allowing them to develop their own standpoint and individual personality. Furthermore, a quality picture book should promote empathy and nurture a sense of community and solidarity among young readers. Although there is much more to delve into on this complex topic, these are the key points that came to mind in response to your question.

BookDao：How do you go about selecting the main character for your book?

Daniela Kulot:The process of choosing a main character for my book is quite intuitive. I don't have a predefined approach. As I mentioned earlier, I'm constantly observing and sketching. Sometimes, I come across a figure that resonates with me, such as a child I see wandering around my studio or elsewhere. Other times, I feel compelled to create stories featuring children or animals. The selection is spontaneous and driven by my artistic instincts. I don't have specific themes that dictate my character choices. Instead, I develop characters—whether they be girls, boys, or animals—that possess their own unique personalities. From there, the story unfolds organically. However, it's worth noting that my mood also plays a role in this creative process.

BookDao：Why did you choose a crocodile and a giraffe as the main characters?

Daniela Kulot:That's an intriguing question. When I was developing the stories, I wanted to feature animals that aren't commonly found in every children's book, such as rabbits, mice, or bears, which are often prevalent. I sought out extraordinary animals, and that's why I chose a crocodile. Additionally, I pondered which animal would create an interesting contrast with a crocodile, and that led me to the idea of a giraffe.

Furthermore, storytelling becomes easier when using animal characters as they offer a level of detachment from human comparisons. This allows for a more seamless and imaginative narrative.

BookDao：Have you traveled to China, and what is your impression?

Daniela Kulot:Question: Have you traveled to China, and what is your impression?

Answer: During my visit to the Shanghai Book Fair, I had the opportunity to conduct a workshop with children, which left a lasting impression on me. We had a large wall available, and I used it as a canvas to draw my giraffe while inviting the children to express their creativity by drawing alongside me. Initially, the children seemed a bit reserved and hesitant, perhaps lacking confidence in their artistic abilities. However, as the workshop progressed, I was able to encourage them to pick up their pencils and let their imaginations soar.

I would like to share a particular moment from the workshop that left me amazed and filled with delight. There was a young girl who drew a stunningly beautiful princess, complete with an intricately designed crown—a creation that showcased her remarkable imagination. Witnessing the child's artistic prowess was truly inspiring. Subsequently, her mother approached me, inquiring whether she should enroll her child in art classes. From my perspective, I advised against it at that stage. I believed it was essential for the child to further develop her own imaginative abilities first. It is during adolescence, when children begin to question everything, that I would consider introducing guided art classes to refine their drawing skills. Overall, it was a delightful and gratifying experience to witness the child's imaginative artwork during the workshop.

Thank you very much for the invitation to today's sharing session. I am truly thrilled to witness the widespread popularity of my books in China. I want to extend my best wishes to all of you and express my hope that we can gather once again in the foreseeable future.

Daniela’s Studio in Germany