Why I write for kids.

I’ve been asked how I create books, but not why. In fact, I can’t honestly say how; it all seems such a mess for so long. I keep hammering at it until, hopefully, at some point, it isn’t. 

But the why is quite clear to me. I tell stories about living to fresh, new human beings. Just think of the themes I can work with: joy, passion, longing, power, powerlessness, mystery, disappointment, loss, victory! Children are fresh because they laugh and cry without embarrassment, they give themselves wholly to what they are feeling. Watch kindergartners at recess some time: there’s more shouting and drama than Italian opera. Kids FEEL. I believe they feel things much more fully than adults, simply because they haven’t very much experience with life. They’ve not yet learned to smooth out their feelings with excuses or reasoning or justification. They don’t know anything but honesty. I love them for that. Their honesty and freshness has much to teach me about life and living. And—this is the great thing—that grants me a tremendous responsibility in creating books: I must be honest and unflinching as well.

In 2010 I was invited to spend a month with Maurice Sendak at a Fellowship with 3 other picture book artists. Here's an excerpt from my 2011 interview on Seven Impossible Things Before Breakfast:

"The fellowship was one of those experiences that start out being so astounding one can hardly believe it, and end as something warm and personal and wonderful. Maurice is a funny, generous, brilliant man who lives deeply. ...Thoughtful, passionate, idealistic, he has lived a life of emotional and intellectual honesty and courage... I’m convinced that is the reason his books are so substantial and enduring.

What did we do at the fellowship? We mostly worked. I drew, took long walks in the Connecticut woods, drew, wrote, talked to the Fellows, and drew and wrote some more. We had a great time.”

I miss Maurice more than I can say.

Paul has more than 40 years of experience as an advertising art director, conceptual illustrator, visual journalist, essayist, designer, fine artist and children’s book author.

Described by a supervisor as “...a whirling dervish of efficient activity, never a wasted motion... a treasure of talent and work ethic.” Paul has worked with clients such as Harley-Davidson, Disney, Hornall Anderson, Nordstrom, Target and many others.

Excelling at creative problem solving, Paul has acquired speed and nimbleness from newspaper work, thoroughness from advertising, and depth and nuance while creating books for children. He is skilled in Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign.

Paul’s art and writing have been honored by The Society of Illustrators, Communication Arts and Print Magazines, Maurice Sendak Fellowship, Union League Club of Chicago, Society of American Travel Writers, Kirkus Magazine, The American Booksellers Association, School Library Journal, New York Public Library, among others.

An active backpacker and kayaker, he lives in the Pacific Northwest of the United States.

You can email me at:

email: paul@paulschmidstudio.com

Interviews: Paul talks :: talks again :: and again :: a video even! :: more talking :: not done talking yet :: not even ::