The Picture Book Buzz - Interview with Lane Smith

Lane Smith is the author-illustrator of numerous award-winning and bestselling books for children.

Photo credit Bob Shea

He is the recipient of the Kate Greenaway Medal, two Caldecott Honors, five New York Times Best Illustrated Book selections, and lifetime achievements from the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art and the Society of Illustrators. Lane Smith lives in Connecticut with his wife, Molly Leach, an award-winning graphic designer.

He is the author/illustrator of 20 books, including Recess (2025), A Stickler Christmas (2024), Stickler Loves the World (2023), and A Gift for Nana (2022). He’s also illustrated Cat Problems (2021), Giraffe Problems (2018), and Penguin Problems (2016), all written by Jory John, and A House That Once Was by Julie Fogliano (2018).

His newest picture book, A Stickler Valentine, releases December 2.

Welcome, Lane. Tell us a little about yourself. (Where/when do you write and/or illustrate? How long have you been writing and illustrating? What is your favorite book to write and/or illustrate?)

I work in a two-story barn studio in the wild, wild woods of Connecticut. (For example, I couldn’t begin my workday yesterday until a bobcat left the steps of my porch. I kid you not!)

My first book was published in 1987, which makes me an old-timer. Yes, I have been at this since the last century. I have favorite books like A Perfect Day and Grandpa Green, but I am especially fond of the three Stickler books and A Gift for Nana, in which Stickler made its first appearance.

It is wonderful to "meet" you Lane. What is the most fun or unusual place where you’ve written a manuscript or created an illustration?

Oh, I am always doodling and writing. My pockets are forever stuffed with scraps of paper and napkins full of illegible scribblings. I will come up with ideas on a hike, in the shower, waiting in line at the DMV, at a diner counter, in a dog park, anywhere.

What was your inspiration or spark of interest for the character Stickler? How about for the newest book in this series, A Stickler Valentine?

Stickler first appeared in A Gift for Nana. It only appeared on one page, but I couldn’t get the character out of my head. I wanted to know more about this lovable and mysterious creature, so I wrote Stickler Loves the World and later A Stickler Christmas.

After that, I still had more ideas for the character. So, I was working on two new Stickler books, the Halloween-themed Stick or Treat and one about a newborn called Stickler and Storkling. But before I could show my editor Maria Modugno these stories, she said she would like to see a valentine book. She suggested a title: Stickler in Love. Hmm, I thought, but Stickler loves everything. I’m not sure how to make that work. So, I narrowed it down to the one thing Stickler loves best—STICKS. At that point A Stickler Valentine sort of wrote itself. It’s the simplest of the series. It’s almost like an extended Valentine’s card and the artwork is, hands down, the best of the three books (if you ask me).

Oh, I love Stickler and Stick or Treat is such a great title. Hope you get to create few more Stickler books - if you want to. What do you like to do outdoors—either by yourself or with your family and friends?

Walk and explore. Sometimes alone. Sometimes with our dog Jojo and cat Lulu. Sometimes with fellow children’s book author Bob Shea. Just like Stickler, I am amazed by every little and big thing in nature.

It's impressive your cat will walk with you. Mine have almost universally all gone on strike when put into a harness. How many revisions did the text and illustrations of A Stickler Valentine take from first draft to publication?

Oh man, I am the king of revisions. I write and rewrite and rewrite and nitpick and change words and tweak pictures up until the final seconds of my deadline. Then I rewrite and tweak one last time.

Ha! Is there a spread of which you are especially proud? Which is your favorite spread?

Two stand out to me. The very first page with Stickler standing in The Sticks. I love the colors and I love the textures on the trees. And I love Molly’s typography on the opposite page. The whole spread is very satisfying to me. Also, the spread with Stickler offering a Valentine Stick to Crow, only to be told, “Crows prefer fine, shiny things like diamond rings. Or tinfoil.” I am particularly proud of the big, textural boulders they are standing on.

Both are gorgeous spreads. Is there anything special you want your readers to know about A Stickler Valentine?

They might be interested to know it will probably be my final book. After 42 years of illustration, I am more or less retired. The day I turned in A Stickler Valentine, I wheeled out my old easel and began painting large-scale oils on canvas full-time. I work every day and have painted around 35 canvases. When I was in art school we didn’t do much of this type of painting. We only learned about illustration and commercial art. I am now giving myself the art education I never had. And at age 66, I can’t think of a better retirement. I wake up at 5 a.m., drink my coffee, walk the cat and dog, then put on my overalls, squeeze out oodles of paint, and start moving it around on canvas.*

*Aw, geez, I probably should not say never to doing another kids book. And if Random House is interested in more Sticklers, I could probably be lured away from my easel. But for now, life is good painting big and in the abstract.

Oh no. I hope you enjoy painting and perhaps Stickler will demand one more book at some point. What makes you passionate about being a children’s author and illustrator?

I love PICTURE books! Most children’s books have nice earnest messages or have a HA-HA running gag theme (I’ve done some myself), but I have always been partial to PICTURE books with gorgeous design and images. Books like Where the Wild Things Are (Maurice Sendak), Swimmy (Leo Lionni), The Snow Man (Raymond Briggs), and Rotten Island (William Steig). These are not just Children’s Books, these are Picture Books, and are but a few standouts in what is an amazing art form.

I totally agree with you. And thank you for listing a few amazing books. Many illustrators leave treasures or weave their own story (or elements) throughout the illustrations. Did you do this in A Stickler Valentine? If so, could you share one or more with us?

I did not do this. Mostly because “many illustrators leave treasures or weave their own story (or elements) throughout the illustrations.” (Ha! Apologies for the cheekiness).

No apology necessary! I love the cheekiness. By the way, anyone wanting a bit more cheekiness and a bigger list of awesome books checkout the "F&Q" section of Lane's website. Are there any new projects you are working on that you can share a tidbit of with us?

Lately I have been applying thicker and thicker impasto-style paint onto my canvases. I will make a swoosh of color or mix sand into the oils or wiggle through the paint with gloved fingers. Then, not unlike Stickler, I will stand back and proclaim, “Wonders!” After all these decades, I am still excited, amazed, and surprised by every new discovery, every new color combination or brushstroke.

Have fun! Maybe you'll post a few on your website for us to see. Last question, what is your favorite national park or forest, regional park, or city park (anywhere in the world)? Or one you’re longing to visit. Why?

Good question! I love the crazily shaped cacti in Arizona’s Saguaro National Park. And I have to say, here in Litchfield County, Connecticut, there are many wonderful hiking trails through parks like Steep Rock or Mine Hill Preserve. I guess I am just like Stickler. It never gets old for me.

Thank you, Lane, for sharing with us a bit about yourself and your new book.

To find out more about Lane Smith, or to contact him:

Website: https://www.lanesmithbooks.com