3 Questions with Doug Salati

We are pleased to present our latest “3 Questions”. This time we feature an illustrator - Doug Salati. Mr Salati ​​​​​​​grew up in central New York and studied art and illustration at Skidmore College and RIT. His illustration work has been recognized by 3x3 Illustration, American Illustration, and the Society of Illustrators. Most recently, his latest book - Lawrence in the Fall - was accepted into the 2019 Society of Illustrators Original Art Exhibit that "showcases original art from the year’s best children’s books as determined by a jury of outstanding illustrators, art directors, and editors". He lives and works in New York City. 

Mr. Salati will visit the Norwich Bookstore from 10 a.m. until noon on Saturday, September 28 to promote Lawrence in the Fall. During his visit, you can speak with Mr. Salati, get his books signed, and explore autumn with a craft activity. 

This event is free and open to the public. Please call 802-649-1114 or email info@norwichbookstore.com for additional information. If you can not make the event, and would like Mr. Salati to personalize Lawrence in the Fall ​for you, the Norwich Bookstore staff can help make this happen (with a bit of advance notice).

In addition, a StoryWalk featuring Lawrence in the Fall will run September 20 through 30 in the Norwich Square. In Lawrence in the Fall, Lawrence the Fox accompanies his father into the forest to find something for show-and-tell. While briefly lost and alone, Lawrence discovers the beauty of nature may be exactly what he needs.
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And now, our "3 Questions".

1. What 3 books have helped shape you into the illustrator you are today, and why?
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As a young reader, I loved anything involving Roald Dahl’s words and Quentin Blake’s drawings. If I had to pick one I might go with Fantastic Mr Fox (1968). Similarly, anything for kids by E.B. White. Charlotte’s Web (1952) with Garth Williams's drawings will forever be a favorite. Lon Po Po: A Red-Riding Hood Story from China (1989) by Ed Young is captivating, masterfully elegant and truly thrilling.

All of these books helped me develop a love for reading and storytelling which I think has served me well as I collaborate with authors on their manuscripts.

2. What author or illustrator (living or dead) would you most like to have a cup of coffee with and why? 

Ruth Krauss, who died in 1993, might be at the top my list. Her words have been interpreted by so many greats: her husband Crockett Johnson (The Carrot Seed, 1945), Maurice Sendak (A Hole is to Dig: A First Book of First Definitions, 1952) and (I’ll Be You and You Be Me, 1954), Marc Simont (The Happy Day, 1949) and most recently Sergio Ruzzier (the forthcoming Roar Like A Dandelion arriving October 1, 2019). I'd love to have heard from Ruth what it was like to work with legendary editor Ursula Nordstrom.

3. Is there a classic book you dream of illustrating?

The Wind in the Willows (1908) has been illustrated by so many outstanding talents over the years. Does it need a fresh interpretation? Probably not. But, I think it would be a lot of fun to draw.