Hello! I’m Liz Climo, and I’m thrilled to share a bit about my journey as an author, illustrator, and animator. I spent years working on The Simpsons and currently share a webcomic on Instagram featuring animals navigating everyday situations with sweetness and humor. My newest book, You’re Loved, encapsulates this essence but through the eyes of baby animals and their caregivers. It serves as a gentle reminder that, even when the world feels overwhelming, love is always present. Let’s dive into how I created this book!
Starting the Journey
Starting a new project can be daunting, and this book was no different. I wanted to create a memorable image—something heartwarming yet reflective of how vast and intimidating the world might feel to a little one. I envisioned the turtle gazing directly at the reader on the opening page, and it took several attempts to capture the right expression. The final result resonates with me; the baby turtle connects with you while displaying a hint of confusion.
Reflecting on Parenthood
Reflecting on my time as a new parent, I fondly remember taking my daughter outside to soothe her when she was an infant. Those moments were calming for her and allowed me to admire her perfect little face. Now that she’s eight, I can chuckle at those memories and admit that, like many newborns, she was a delightful little tornado of noise and chaos.
The Challenge of Feeding
As many parents can attest, getting children to eat can be quite the challenge. We made a concerted effort to introduce our daughter to a variety of foods from a young age, even taking her out to restaurants to sample adult meals instead of sticking to the kids’ menu. Fast forward eight years, and her tastes have settled on “deep-fried dinosaur shapes” and “anything beige with melted cheese.” This illustration, depicting those early meals, holds a special place in my heart.
Sleep Deprivation
One of the toughest aspects of new parenthood for me was the loss of sleep. My daughter, unlike most, seemed to view sleep as an adversary. I remember checking the baby monitor, hoping for a peaceful sight of her asleep, only to find her wide-eyed and staring right back at me. This experience inspired one of the illustrations in the book, capturing those long, sleepless nights.
The Fennec Fox
The character of the fennec fox in the story represents my personality perfectly. I tend to be a worrier and often imagine worst-case scenarios. Parenting has taught me to let go of some of those fears and allow my child to explore the world. The character’s transformation from a worrywart to an enthusiastic supporter of her child mirrors my growth as a parent. While my daughter hasn’t yet tried skateboarding, she has taken to roller skating, and of course, I equipped her with every safety precaution available.
A Tribute to a Friend
A particularly meaningful illustration in the book honors my late friend, Sam, and his three children. I designed a character to reflect Sam’s youngest son, Leo, who embodies the spirit of his father—kind, caring, and always making others feel accepted and loved. My aim was to encapsulate that essence through this story.
You’re Loved will be available at booksellers on April 5.
For more insights on parenting and family dynamics, be sure to check out this other blog post. You can also explore this authoritative resource for more information on this topic. If you’re interested in home insemination, this guide provides excellent resources.
Summary
Liz Climo shares her experience in creating her new picture book You’re Loved, reflecting on her journey as a parent and the challenges that come with it. The book offers a heartfelt reminder of love’s presence, even amid life’s chaos.