If you select links we provide, we may receive compensation.
How do you convince a princess who wont speak to do so?
According toNeil Gaimanand Divya SrinivasansCinnamon, the key is a talking tiger.
Credit: Courtesy Divya Srinivasan; HarperCollins
ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY: How did you approach illustrating the story?
Breaking up the text into pages was my first step.
I wanted to confirm I had a good balance between text and illustration on each spread.
Divya Srinivasan
Page breaks affect the flow of the story and help me decide what to illustrate.
The aunties tea set and table are based on ones my parents have had forever.
I was able to include decorative Indian patterns I practiced drawing as a little kid.
HarperCollins
It was really neat being able to weave these details into a book where they fit in perfectly.
Was this the first art style you chose?
It was definitely a challenge finishing up the book after my daughter was born.
HarperCollins
My parents made it possible, watching her while I worked in the next room.
And if my infant daughter was having a rough time (or finally rolling over!
), I was right there.
HarperCollins
They truly wanted me to do my thing, which meant a lot to me.
All the characters were a joy to draw.
I did get a special kick out of drawing the mean auntie.
Im glad they let me keep it in.
I also loved the chance to illustrate the parrots poem in a different style.
Neil wrote a story that included such fun details but also left room for me to add my own.
I appreciate that so much.
Cinnamonis currentlyavailable for purchase.
you’re free to see more examples of Srinivasans art below.
