Peggy's story
After three years, my story about 'Peggy' the small brave chicken who is blown into the city, is on her way to be printed. Due for release in September 2012 - so long to wait that long to hold the book in my hand! In the meantime I couldn't help myself and have printed some postcards to hand out at whim! So here is a detail of one a spread from the book.
I thought it would be also be fun to show some of the process that brought Peggy's story to life.
It all began on a windy day in Melbourne when I was worried our little bantam hens would blow over the fence! ............hmmmmm that sounds like a story!
I asked my children, what would a chicken be doing when she is playing in her yard.
'Bouncing on a trampoline' said Sam without hesitation, and so she did.
I worked on a storyboard.
And collected pictures that 'felt' like the book looked in my mind.
I began to paint, sculpt, sew, knit and draw.
I took photos in the city, some very early in the morning - a new way of creating images for me was emerging, very exciting!
Up until this point I have been playing with colour. It is time to begin the final illustrations
Just a peep. . .we have to wait until September to see the final artwork all together in the book!
And lastly the cover and typography, which deserves another post alone devoted to it at a later date.
The images above look simple gathered together but have been distilled from moments of anxiety, happiness, self doubt and joy over three years.
It is Peggy's story.
Comments (15)
It looks great already! I'm very curious what the final book will be like. :)
Thank you Marloes, I wish the book had been printed already, I can hardly wait to see it.
OH I can't wait to get my hands on the book. But thank you in the meantime for sharing the story of Peggy's story if that makes sense. I really enjoyed it xo
Thanks so much Jess. And it makes perfect sense. :) xa
Very lovely you super-talented lady!!!
Anna! I REALLY enjoyed reading this post! Just feel like our 'show and tell and natter' times I miss so much! It looks stunning - now I am soooo excited to see it in real life! Well done! Enormous pat on the back to you!! xx Danie
Hi Anna,
We loved reading your story about Peggy! We thought the illustrations looked real. We live on the Central Coast of NSW and we would love to visit Melbourne!! Well Done, from The Entrance Public School
Dear Mrs Cooper and 2M,
Thank you for your lovely message! It is a wet and windy day here just like the one that blew little Peggy into the city. I am delighted that you enjoyed the story. I hope you can visit Melbourne some day. Happy reading and story adventures! x anna and peggy
Hello Anna I am Portia. I loved your book. The pictures are really good and it's very funny and interesting. I am from Melbourne and I love reading books especially yours. I have been to Collins Street and I loved some of the pictures you painted.
from Portia
Hello Anna my name is Lianna I am 10 years old.
I am interested in your story.
I love animals and that's why I liked your story. I loved your book and the way you used desriptive language.
from Lianna
p.s I can't wait to read another story that you write.
Hi Anna
I love your book. I think you are a great story writer. I LOVE the pictures and Peggy. I think that books are great, They are awesome and they get your mind thinking. I have some questions. Do you like writing and drawing? Why did you choose to write and illustate? Are you going to write another book? Have fun writing
From Indy
P.S I loved your book and can't wait to see another!!!!!!!!!
Hi Anna,
My name is Maggie,
I read your book and I loved it.
I hope you can visit Mother of God School one day.
From Maggie
Hi Anna,
my name is Luca and I am still in primary school I loved your book called peggy it was very interesting when my library teacher read it to my class. Good luck with your books.
from luca
Hi Anna,
I really like PEGGY because it is uniqe.
love
fome
SCARLETT
XXOO
I loved your book peggy