{"id":2391,"date":"2012-07-25T10:05:01","date_gmt":"2012-07-25T16:05:01","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blaine.org\/sevenimpossiblethings\/?p=2391"},"modified":"2012-07-25T11:14:41","modified_gmt":"2012-07-25T17:14:41","slug":"seven-questions-over-breakfast-with-marisabina-russo","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/blaine.org\/sevenimpossiblethings\/?p=2391","title":{"rendered":"Seven Questions Over Breakfast with Marisabina Russo"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"PhotoThis morning I’m having breakfast with author\/illustrator Marisabina Russo<\/a><\/strong>. To be precise, we’re having a glass of orange juice, some whole wheat English muffins with honey, and some caf\u00e9 lattes. “My husband makes French toast on the weekends,” Marisabina told me. “In the summer, I buy granola at the local farmers market and fresh blueberries. That\u2019s really my favorite.” (Note to self: Though it all sounds good, next time interview her on a weekend for some of those pancakes. I’ll bring the syrup.) <\/p>\n

Marisabina grew up in Queens and knew from a young age that she loved art and wanted to make a career of it. At the very bottom of this post, she shares the comprehensive list of books she’s both written and illustrated in her career, including two YA novels. <\/p>\n

I Will Come Back for You: A Family in Hiding During World War II<\/a><\/em><\/strong>, one of her latest picture books (released by Schwartz & Wade), has been named a Bank Street Best Book for 2012<\/a><\/strong>, as well as a Sydney Taylor Award Notable Book<\/a><\/strong>. The book, based on her mother’s own experiences, tells the story of a Jewish girl living in Rome with her family until Italy aligns itself with Nazi Germany, making life dangerous for Jews. <\/p>\n

Russo works in gouache, bringing young readers bright, crisp, and expressive paintings. Her books are detailed yet never too busy, and the two bunny books you see featured below are both funny and emotionally-resonating — that is, for anyone who either feels or has felt like a misfit in the classroom or who simply doesn’t want to go to bed. (I fall into both categories, and I’m sure many others do.)<\/p>\n

Plus, Russo can communicate a whole flippin’ lot through her bunnies’ ears alone. It’s a delight to see. <\/p>\n

Let’s get right to the Q & A so that we can all see more art. I thank Marisabina for visiting. <\/p>\n

* * * * * * *<\/font><\/center><\/p>\n

Jules<\/font><\/strong>: Are you an illustrator or author\/illustrator?<\/font><\/p>\n

Marisabina<\/font><\/strong>: Author\/Illustrator. <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Jules<\/font><\/strong>: Can you list your books-to-date?<\/font><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Marisabina<\/font><\/strong>: Well, I\u2019ve written and illustrated 25 books (23 picture books and two YA novels), plus illustrated eight books by other authors, including Kevin Henkes<\/a><\/strong>, Nikki Giovanni<\/a><\/strong>, and Stephanie Calmenson<\/a><\/strong>. The books I\u2019ve written and illustrated include:<\/p>\n