CMIS Evaluation Fiction Focus

Yes, the man behind When the Wind Blows and The Snowman is still going strong at 74. Here’s an interview with him in today’s Guardian.

Can’t you just hear him saying:

I wish I could be a proper writer, having to do only the words. Proper writers can start at the beginning, go on till they get to the end, then stop and hand it in. Luxury.’

J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis both owed much to Pauline Baynes, whose death has occurred at the age of 85. One of the most distinguished illustrators of children’s books of the last century, she will always be remembered for her work on the Narnia titles and the creation of the definitive Aslan.

The Guardian obituary outlines the extent of her work and her relationship with both Tolkien and Lewis. And UK broadcaster and writer Brian Sibley pays a warm personal tribute, with some stunning examples of her work, on his blog.

Shaun Tan has hit the airwaves again, this time in conversation with Margaret Throsby on ABC Classic FM this morning. Listen or download the podcast here. The interview is punctuated with music selected by Shaun.