CKG: Greenaway Shadowers' Choice 2021 Winner Sharon King-Chai Q&A

March 16th 2022

Sharon King-Chai is an award-winning designer and illustrator. Born in Australia to Chinese-Malaysian parents, she moved to London in 2003, after studying Visual Communication. She fell in love with storytelling through music and books and found her niche working as a designer in music and publishing industries. This eventually led to her creating her own books. Sharon has a great passion for experimenting and innovation, and loves exploring format, narrative and new characters. Her illustrated book Starbird won the Kate Greenaway Shadowers’ Choice Award in 2021.

Q: Your picture book Starbird was shortlisted for the Kate Greenaway Medal in 2021, and won the Shadowers’ Choice Award – what did it mean to you to win? 

Never in my wildest dreams did I think a book of mine would actually get shortlisted for the Greenaway, let alone actually win the Shadower’s Choice Award. To have that moment of connection with the readers was the hugest accolade I could hope for.

Q: Starbird has the feel of a ‘timeless myth’ – is there a key message that you hope readers will take away from the book?

Yes. I want all children to know that they are important – that what they think, feel, see is important. I know that as an adult myself I often lose my way in life – I might be fixated on the wrong details or miss the point entirely – but children have an innocence and a fresh perspective that can set us back on the right path.

Q: Do you have a favourite part of the story, and favourite accompanying image or illustration?

I love the symbol of the empty cage . . . one single feather to show that Starbird was once there . . . what happened? Leaving space for the readers to project their own ideas onto a story can be more powerful than telling them what happened. I love stories that linger with you long after you close the book.

Q: Can you tell us a bit more about the process of writing and illustrating the book – which materials did you use?

The story itself started with a Christmas card I was creating for the House of Illustration Christmas Fair. I did an illustration of a bird with hands in the negative space of the wings. I’d intended that the hands would be freeing the bird, but realised that the hands could also be capturing it. This was the beginning of Starbird.

I use a wide range of materials in my artwork. As well as using the usual inks, paints, pencils, pens, brushes, I like to include more unusual objects to create textures: shells, feathers, leaves, potatoes, onions. I love nature and want to reference it in my artwork as much as possible.

Q: What do you think is the importance of a children’s book award that focuses on illustrated books? How can picture books be used to inspire children and young people?

To have an award that focuses on illustrated books is vitally important. Often there is a simplistic view that illustrations are for babies, a misconception that they are a stepping stone to learning the written word. But to have an award that celebrates illustration gives it the respect it is due. We live in a world where words sit alongside visuals; there’s a relationship between the two, and understanding this helps us understand life.

Illustrations transcend all language, age and cultural barriers. A picture IS worth a thousand words. Maybe more. 

Picture books are a powerful tool which can instill in children the feeling they belong – seeing someone that they relate to gives them a sense of identity. They do so much more too: they can educate, inspire wonder, explore emotions. With knowledge, imagination and empathy, anything really is possible. Illustrated books make the world a better place.

Q: You were born in Australia to Chinese-Malaysian parents, and moved to London in 2003. Have the places you’ve lived and your cultural heritage influenced your work and your illustrations?

Yes certainly. I grew up close to the bush in Sydney and we would spend hours playing in nature.  I found I enjoyed noticing small details – like veins on leaves – and fell in love with textures and mark-making.

I’m so lucky that I now live close to the Heath in London. Just going for walks and appreciating nature clears my head and occasionally inspires ideas.

And I have naturally gravitated towards Chinese brush pens to draw with – I wouldn’t say that this was a conscious decision but they always felt at home in my hand.

Q: Did you have a favourite children’s book (or books!) growing up? Are there any other illustrators or artists who have inspired you?

Yes. I fell in love with The Eleventh Hour by Graeme Base. Our fantastic school librarian, Mrs Fisher, read it to us and I was spellbound. It is a curious mystery based around a fancy dress party. After all the games have been played, it’s time for the feast . . . but it’s already been devoured! But by who? You have to work it out! The detailed illustrations hold the clues. There are many hidden puzzles intricately woven into the artwork, so many layers to peel away. The illustrations are incredibly interactive and immersive, they really captured my imagination.

Another Australian artist who inspired me was Jeannie Baker. She creates elaborate mixed media collage constructions (often with an environmental message) that play with our sense of depth and perspective. She uses a wide variety of materials – feathers, bark, tin – anything goes! I was so intrigued with her process and could spend hours looking at her work. 

Order your copies of Starbird by Sharon King-Chai.

Follow Sharon on Twitter @SharonKingChai.