The Perfect Picture Book Buzz - Interview w/Maria Gianferrari and Hannah Sayler + Giveaway
- Maria Marshall
- 1 day ago
- 13 min read
Maria Gianferrari is a community scientist, self-taught naturalist, and bird nerd who holds an M.A. in Creative Writing and a Ph.D. in English.
She is the author of narrative nonfiction picture books which celebrate urban ecosystems, the natural world, and our wild neighbors. She also writes engaging expository nonfiction. Maria lives in Massachusetts and loves bird-watching from her kitchen window while drinking her morning cup of tea.
Maria’s the author of 20 books, including To Dogs, with Love, illustrated by Isha Lobo (2023); Thank a Farmer, illustrated by Monica Mikai (2023), Fungi Grow, illustrated by Diana Sudyka (2023), You and the Bowerbird, illustrated by Maris Wicks (2023), Being a Cat, illustrated by Pete Oswald (2023), Ice Cycle: Poems about the Life of Ice, illustrated by Jieting Chen (2022), Being a Dog, illustrated by Pete Oswald (2022), Bobcat Prowling, illustrated by Bagram Ibatoulline (2022), Be A Tree, illustrated by Felicita Sala (2021), and Whoo-Ku Haiku, illustrated by Jonathan Voss (2020).
Hannah Salyer is an author/illustrator whose deep reverence for the natural world was fostered while growing up on the east coast of the US. She brings that wonderment to her work as an award-winning illustrator, author, educator, mixed media artist and gallery director.
Her work has been recognized by American Illustration and the Society of Illustrators and featured in various exhibitions in New York City. Her books have been deemed Gold Standard Selections by the Junior Library Guild. In 2023, she was selected to be a Maurice Sendak Fellow.
She teaches art to students of all ages, including those at Parsons School of Design, has a ceramics practice, and is co-founder and co-director of Underland Gallery. Her work hones in on the inextricable bonds that tie humans to the lives of the other creatures with whom we share our planet. She lives with her partner and their three cats (all of whom are related, and were born on her fire escape), in Brooklyn, NY.
Hannah Salyer’s the author/illustrator of Packs: Strength in Numbers (2020) and Ancestory: The Mystery and Majesty of Ancient Cave Art (2023). And the illustrator of This Wolf Was Different by Katie Slivensky (2024), The Class with Wings by Paul Fleischman (2024).
Their newest picture book, Rain and the Reading Horse. releases on October 7th.
Welcome Maria and Hannah, thank you so much for stopping back by to talk about your new book!
Hello! Thank you kindly for giving us the opportunity to share a bit about Rain and the Reading Horse!
Hannah let’s start with you. Tell us a little about yourself. (Where/when do you write and illustrate? How long have you been writing and illustrating? What is your favorite type of book to write and illustrate?)
HANNAH - I’m based in Brooklyn, NY, and I have a room at home that functions as my studio. I spend a lot of my time there whittling away at various projects— oftentimes its book illustration, but sometimes it can be things like attempting to sew clothing or building paper-mache sculptures. I have three cats who are my proud studio assistants, Kermit, Ella, and Mama, and they help keep me in check.
When it comes to writing though, I actually prefer to do that outdoors in places like the local park in our neighborhood, or bigger urban greenspaces like Prospect Park or Greenwood Cemetery. My debut book, Packs: Strength in Numbers, published at the top of 2020, but like many book makers, for as long as I can remember I have been dreaming up stories and illustrating them in some fashion. My mom is an artist, too, and was very encouraging of my creative proclivities from an early age. Right as I finished up undergrad, I broke into publishing by way of two narrative nonfiction books that I authored (Packs and Ancestory).
I love illustrating stories that hone in on the relationships we have to other creatures, to the places we live, and to history. It’s particularly exciting for me to work out how best to visually represent senses, feelings or experiences that aren’t so easily defined in plain terms. I’m interested in nonfiction stories with lyrical twist and visual spice. Over the past couple of years, I’ve gotten a handful of projects that push further into these realms, and I’m making my way through them before I turn back to my own stories that are waiting eagerly in the wings.
It'd wonderful to "meet" you, Hannah. What is one of the most fun or unusual places where you’ve written or illustrated a manuscript?
HANNAH - I have worked on two different books in Thailand. The first was incidental — my debut book, Packs, was taking a bit longer than anticipated. I had a trip coming up that I had planned well in advance, so I took my supplies with me to keep working. I ended up finishing it in Bangkok while visiting good friends. In hindsight, I think that trip helped add to the energy and brightness of that book.
The second time was intentional. This go round, I planned research that also served as recreation (though this always feels like the case when researching for a project). My partner and I traveled back to Thailand to visit some of the same dear friends, and on this visit we went South. I planned to go scuba diving and finish my certification in order to prepare some visual (and experiential) reference and drew from that as I began illustrating a nonfiction title that will come out next summer.
Wow, that sounds fun. Look forward to seeing this book. Maria, what was that the inspiration or spark of interest for Rain and the Reading Horse? Do you get to spend a lot of time around horses?
MARIA - It came about in an unusual way. My agent Joan Paquette and Hannah’s then agent Kirsten Hall brought us together after I had mentioned to Joan that I’d someday love to work with Hannah since I was a fan of her art. Then, Kirsten suggested that I write a story about this horse and this girl, an image from Hannah’s website. And that’s how it all began.
I wish I could spend time with horses on a regular basis! Unfortunately, that’s not the case. But here I am atop an Icelandic horse, from a trip to Iceland last fall.
I hope that I will be able to share Rain and interact with some horses in my community who participate in equine reading and therapy programs in the coming months.
That's a really fun impetus for a book, and a great photo to start from! I hope you get to spend time with horses. Hannah, what about the Rain and the Reading Horse manuscript appealed to you as an illustrator?
HANNAH - There were so many aspects rolled into a lovely bundle. For one, I had no idea that this kind of process was something that could fly in publishing: an author making a connection, asking if the illustrator had any images that needed a story, and working on a grand collaboration in that way. It was thrilling to have a creative partnership that felt even more richly interwoven than it usually is.
Secondly, though I was a huge fan of Maria’s books prior to her inquiry, I had no idea where she would take the characters in my image. I quite literally had to hand over the reins. Ha! I’m very glad that I did, because what she wrote ended up feeling very close to my own story, and Maria wrote it with such softness and grace. I mention this in the back of the book, but my dad introduced me to horses when I was very little, and he ended up unexpectedly passing away right before I turned six. Once I was old enough, I began to take riding lessons at the same stable we visited together. It became a regular haven for me, and horses were formative companions throughout my entire adolescence, they helped me navigate the loss of my dad, and sort through complex grief. On some level I always felt closer to him when I was around horses. Maria’s words mirrored a lot of the things that I felt as a kid in my own experience of working with them. I identified strongly with the main human character of our book, Rain. But I loved that Maria wrote a story that feels universal in so many ways. It invites everyone in, regardless of whether or not you have been around horses before.
It is interesting to have the illustrator have to, at least initially, hand over the reins of a story. Your deep personal connection to horses, and Snow in particular, shines through your art. What was the toughest part about writing or illustrating Rain and the Reading Horse? And what was the most fun part?
MARIA - Well, as I mentioned above, this story came about in a more unique way that made it challenging. I had to start with an image and then find a story that would also resonate with Hannah enough that she would want to collaborate on this project. Thankfully for me it did!
I tend to struggle while writing the initial draft—staring at the blank page feels overwhelming and anxiety-provoking. When I write by hand, it feels more like play, more freeing and I am less like to censor myself. Once I have something to work with, then I enjoy the process more—the revising, sculpting and shaping the story feels more satisfying.
Another fun part of the process is research, even with fiction. Since I didn’t know nearly enough about horses, I actually began there. Research is rewarding—it doesn’t actually feel like work. I get to explore a topic that I’m curious about and learn new and fascinating things.
HANNAH – I think what made this book so rewarding was also what made it so tough. As I mentioned above, this story was in line with a lot of my personal experiences growing up. I wanted to do Maria’s words justice, and I was contending with my own memories as well as the people and horses that helped make them.
I initially had a hard time finding the right visual pathway for the book because it carried a lot of emotional weight for me. Once I arrived at colored pencil and chalk pastel, the softness and texture allowed me the room I needed to play, and I had lots of fun experimenting with mark making.
Thank you for sharing your personal process with this book. How many revisions did Rain and the Reading Horse take from the first draft to publication? How long did it take to find the voice for the text and the illustration?
MARIA - This is always very hard to say—I went through multiple drafts until I found the story. I just took a quick peek at my drafting folder and there were 13 file folders, so at least 13 versions (and like an infinite house of mirrors, more files within those folders). And then came nuanced versions as things became refined.
HANNAH – I went through so many iterations of “finished” art; wanting to strike just the right chords with color, texture, movement, and line quality (or lack thereof). Maria, and our editor, Kate, were unbelievably patient with me as I worked it out, from inception to final artwork submission. It certainly took longer than we had planned. Because I like to open myself to new mediums and processes for almost every project, it took me a while to land on the right execution for the final art for this book.
Something that helped me get into my rhythm was volunteering at a local therapeutic riding stable in Queens, NY. It was an utter joy to be working around a barn again. The sweet smell of hay, the heavy water buckets, the dust, the horses peeking out of their stalls at me— it fed all of my senses in the right ways, which in turn helped me find my illustration footing. I was also very happy to support the mission of the equine therapy program and be able to turn book research into a way to give back to the larger NYC community.
Hannah, what a wonderful way to get to do research! Maria, when you first saw Hannah’s illustrations in Rain and the Reading Horse, did anything surprise, amaze, or delight you? Which is your favorite spread or one you particularly enjoy?
MARIA - I was delighted by literally everything! Hannah is an amazing artist (and person)! In general, I love that Hannah created art that is not only technically stunning and beautiful to behold, but it is deep and layered full of such feeling—I am moved when I gaze upon each and every heartfelt spread.
I love all of the spreads that Hannah created, but for the purpose of this interview I will choose one:
Text © Maria Gianferrari, 2025. Image © Hannah Salyer, 2025.
In this spread, Rain is quite anxious and unable to read aloud, so she begins the routine of caring for Snow. Hannah’s illustration shows how the act of grooming, brushing and disentangling the strands of Snow’s mane, is comforting to Rain (and clearly to Snow as well!)
The color palette with its blue hues and pops of yellow, and the movement of Rain’s hands, is meditative and soothing for readers too.
It is absolutely entrancing! I was totally captivated by this image. I'm glad it's the one you chose. Hannah, is there a spread that you were especially excited about or proud of? Or perhaps one which is your favorite spread in Rain and the Reading Horse?
HANNAH – My favorite spread to illustrate was one that I felt especially connected to, kinesthetically and emotionally. It is the spread where Rain grooms Snow for the first time: [See image above!]
“Rain circled
and swirled the curry comb,
inhaling Snow’s straw scent.
Detangling her mane
unwound Rain’s worries
of being on display”.
I worked on the final art for this one without hesitation, maybe because I have always relished the experience of grooming horses. The act of grooming helps foster deep trust, and it’s a humbling privilege to be working with such a big, powerful creature in such close proximity. Also, many horses love grooming, and it’s a joy to care for them and reciprocate even a tiny bit for all of the gifts that they give to us. I loved the dreamy, dusty quality of the pastels combined with the ethereal pencil transparencies for this because I thought it echoed the soft, calming, intimate aspects of grooming.
It's so fun that you both chose the same one as your favorite image. I agree that it is a humbling and joyous experience to care for a horse and an absolutely stunning illustration! Hannah, many illustrators leave treasures or weave their own story (or elements) throughout the illustrations. Did you do this in Rain and the Reading Horse? If so, could you share one or more with us?
HANNAH – Yes! I love this question because it’s something I always speculate about when reading other books. There is a second story in the book that unfolds concurrently with Rain and Snow’s. Rain has a specific book that she always brings along with her to practice reading. I wanted to give little hints of that story progressing as Rain got more and more confident in her reading and riding abilities.
I constructed a loose tale about a princess who is destined for a life within the confines of royalty, but dreams of adventure, and eventually acts on her desire to learn about and explore the world. I was inspired by a few different sources: Queen Zenobia, ruler of the Palmyrene Empire (modern day Syria) around 272 AD who supposedly had a way with horses, the Amazons, from Greek mythology, and the character Zena: Warrior Princess, whose show I loved to watch right around the time that I was just getting excited about horses as a tiny kid. The princess in Rain’s book goes on a journey that mirrors Rain’s own growth: in her bond with Snow, in her journey with reading, in her riding skills, and in her ability to recenter herself in moments of high anxiety.
Thank you for sharing this second story line! I love how elements of this story weave about on the pages. Are there any projects you are working on now that you can share a tidbit with us?
MARIA - I recently wrote an informational fiction book that features talking goats—any goat-loving editors out there? I am also in the midst of exploring my next project, so I don’t have anything to share on that front yet.
But I am excited about two very different nonfiction books that I have releasing next year with two artists (and editors) whom I love working with:
Just One Oak: What a Single Tree Can Be, illustrated by Diana Sudyka. We also co-created Fungi Grow. It’s coming from Beach Lane in February and edited by Andrea Welch.
And Puffins!, illustrated by Maris Wicks, co-creator of You and the Bowerbird. That will release in April and it’s edited by Emily Feinberg of Roaring Brook Press.
Lucky me!
And I hope that there will be future projects with Hannah too!
HANNAH – Above, I mentioned scuba diving as research for a book. That book is titled We Are the Keystones: Animals That Hold Habitats Together and is written by Katy S. Duffield. It is slated to publish in July 2026 with Beach Lane, and I am beyond excited for it. I have a couple other projects on my docket that I don’t have much liberty to speak about yet… but more soon!
All three of these sound amazing! We'll have to keep our eyes open for them! And I hope you find a goat-loving editor. Is there something you want your readers to know about, or take away from, Rain and the Reading Horse?
MARIA - As an introvert and an anxious person, I’ve always felt a kinship with animals. I hope that Rain brings readers comfort, calm and joy.
And you don’t have to have a horse—read to your pets—your dogs, cats, rats, birds, geckos, snakes, or even your plants and stuffed animals.
HANNAH – I’d like to help affirm the importance and validity of friendships that we share with other creatures. They can be just as rich, loving, profound, and meaningful as our human friendships. We have so much to learn from the other beings that we share our planet with. Caring for and interacting with other species helps us be present, learn social and emotional skills, feel connected to the earth, and be more in touch with each other.
Such wonderful thoughts from you both on the benefits of bonds with any pet (or even a stuffed animal).
Thank you, Maria and Hannah, it was wonderful to chat with you both.
Be sure to come back on Friday for the Perfect Picture Book #PPBF review of Rain and the Reading Horse.
To find out more about Maria Gianferrari, or contact her:
Website: https://mariagianferrari.com/
Penny & Jelly Website: http://www.pennyandjelly.com/
Website: https://hannahsalyer.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/H.Salyer.Art/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/h.salyer/?hl=en
🎈🎉 Rain and the Reading Horse Giveaway 🎉🎈
Maria Gianferrarri is offering one lucky reader a book!
- Simply comment below to be entered in the random drawing on October 17th.
- Be sure to say where (if) you shared the post (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or Bluesky), and I'll add additional entries for you.
- Sorry US residents only.
