My first art class came when I was a sophomore in high school. I was sure everyone else was more talented and experienced, but I discovered that all those years of listening and drawing had given me a good idea for putting ideas together as pictures.
I went on to art school, although my father was worried that I wouldn't be able to make a living. When I graduated, I found work in advertising, but after a class in picture book art, I decided to try my hand at illustrating children's literature.
Now it is my full-time work. I spend a lot of time in schools sharing my picture books and how I create them. I think it's important for children to enjoy the process of art and not worry too much about the finished product.
When I approach a story, I think of myself as a choreographer adding movement to a score or a movie director bringing a script to life. I read the story many times, just to let the wonder of it wash over me and feel it stretch and deepen in my imagination.
I really work in three worlds at once: the world of the imagination, the world of myth, and the physical world; children seem to live comfortably in all three. Successful illustrations link these worlds together and give a visual voice to the story.
As I begin to draw, I try to keep the child's viewpoint foremost in my mind. For each book, I keep a journal of my sketches. Every journal has a child's drawing tucked inside to remind me that a child's imagination is the starting and ending point for my art. My studio shelves are lined with marionettes, stuffed toys, and folk art animals to help me with ideas for my drawings. My wife, Jane, and our son, Ian, provide inspiration, too.
Baby Dragon by Amy Ehrlich (Author), Will Hillenbrand (Illustrator) Hardcover: 32 pages Publisher: Candlewick (August 12, 2008) ISBN-10: 0763628409 ISBN-13: 978-0763628406   |
Now Available!
ISBN-10: 0761453547 ISBN-13: 978-076145354
When Old Rooster leaves the farm to live with his sister, young Harold takes over the job of waking the farm animals each morning. But Harold has a soft voice, and nobody can hear his cock-a-doodle-doo. Then one evening, the sky lights up and a miraculous birth takes place, causing Harold to shout the good news for all to hear.
In this Christmas story, Will Hillenbrand shows that even a small creature is changed by the birth of the Christ child.
Calendar by Myra Cohn Livingston (Author), Will Hillenbrand (Illustrator) Reading level: Ages 4-8 Library Binding: 32 pages Publisher: Holiday House (April 15, 2007)
ISBN-10: 0823417255 ISBN-13: 978-0823417254
And so begins a new year full of sights, sounds, and feelings. From January through December, the months of the year are celebrated in beloved children's poet Myra Cohn Livingston's pleasing verse and Will Hillenbrand's lively art.
The Moon Might Be Milk by Lisa Shulman (Author), Will Hillenbrand (Illustrator) Reading level: Ages 4-8 Hardcover: 32 pages Publisher: Dutton Juvenile (March 15, 2007)
ISBN-10: 0525476474 ISBN-13: 978-0525476474
Rosie wonders: What is the moon made of? Cat thinks the moon is a saucer of fresh milk, spilled from the sky into puddles on the ground. Dog thinks its a pat of sweet, creamy butter. Butterfly thinks its made of sugar: sticky and sparkling and oh, so sweet. But Gran knows best. Using milk, butter, sugar, and other ingredients, she shows Rosie how to bake moon shaped cookies and captures a magical piece of the moon in her very own kitchen. This classic-in-the-making from Grans hearth is sure to inspire family baking and sharing. Sugar cookie recipe included.
What a Treasure! by Jane Hillenbrand (Author), Will Hillenbrand (Illustrator) Reading level: Ages 4-8 Paperback: 32 pages Publisher: Holiday House (December 15, 2006)
ISBN-10: 0823420779 ISBN-13: 978-0823420773
Mole has a new shovel and he is digging for buried treasure. But what he finds are treasures for everyone else! He finds a stick and gives it to Bird for his nest. He finds a shell and gives it to Snail for a home. An acorn he gives to Squirrel for his dinner. Finally, he finds a treasure for himself, a friend
Editorial Reviews P
ISBN-10: 0152020292 ISBN-13: 978-0152020293
The Journey of the One and Only Declaration of Independence by Judith St. George (Author), Will Hillenbrand (Author) 
Hardcover: 48 pages
ISBN-10: 0399237380
Everyone would agree the one and only Declaration of Independence deserves the best. After all it's at the heart of our country. But since it was signed in 1776, the Declaration has had as many ups and downs as the United States itself. It has been rolled up, copied, hidden away and traveled by horseback, sailing vessel, mail truck, railroad car and military tank. After being front and center of a new nation, it has escaped two British invasions and survived for more than two centuries of both peaceful times and devastating wars.
What a journey! And it remains proudly the one and only Declaration of Independence.
Judith St. George, author of "So You Want To be President?", and Will Hillenbrand bring readers a witty and wonderfully illustrated true story of the invincible Declaration, giving heroic testimony to the grit and determination of the country itself. A fun and fascinating way to share the history of the document that gave the American people their freedom.
Editorial Reviews
The Bumpy Little Pumpkin Companion to The Biggest, Best Snowman by Margery Cuyler, Illustrated by Will Hillenbrand Reading level: Ages 4-8 Hardcover: 32 pages Publisher: Scholastic Press (August 1, 2005)
ISBN-10: 0439528356 ISBN-13: 978-0439528351
Little Nell has found the perfect pumpkin for Halloween. It's bumpy and little and lumpy, and just right. Then, her bossy sisters, BIG Sarah, and BIG Lizzie, tell her it's too small and ugly to make a good jack-o'-lantern. But with a little help from her friends Reindeer, Hare, and Bear Cub, Little Nell shows them all that big ideas sometimes come in small packages--bumps and all.
Joyous and uplifting, Little Nell's tale glows with the warmth of a jack-o'-lantern's grin.
Editorial Reviews
Fiddle-I-Fee
From School Library Journal ... Funny details, such as a duck eating quackers and a "doe" tractor, add interest to the reading and will spark a closer look. There are other picture-book editions of this song ... but libraries will still want to add this amusing title to their collections. Helen Foster James, University of California at San Diego Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
From Booklist .. The cheery, fine-lined mixed-media paintings, in predominantly pastel colors are also fun; some provide clues about which animal will next be joining the musical fray. Shelle Rosenfeld Copyright American Library Association. All rights reserved
Preschool to the Rescue by Judy Sierra, Will Hillenbrand (Illustrator) Reading level: Baby-Preschool Edition: Hardcover: 32 pages Publisher: Gulliver Books; Illustrate edition (April 1, 2001) From School Library Journal What a wonderful noisy book this is. .... Readers can virtually hear the trumpets shout as the preschoolers tear out of the school and joyfully set to work. The repetition and rhyme carry the story along and the fun doesn't stop until the book is closed. The artwork is perfect. The pizza truck dances along, bouncing confidently through the rain. The mud puddle lies in wait with a big, ugly, menacing face. Even the font shouts when it should. The animal characters are gleeful. And that just might be a sleeping mud puddle face under the wheelbarrow, waiting for the next rain. Make lots of sounds and have everyone join in the fun-children will love this one.-Marlene Gawron, Orange County Library, Orlando, FL Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
From Booklist In an interesting twist on perspective, close-up views of the cars and trucks suggest that they are real machines in trouble. But, early on, the careful observer will notice (and later on, everyone will realize) that the mud has claimed toy vehicles. ... jaunty cumulative tale; mud and trucks are eminently appealing preschool topics. Amy Brandt Copyright American Library Association. All rights reserved
From School Library Journal In this rollicking sequel to "Jack and the Beanstalk," the giant is dead, but his big brother is out for revenge. The boy and his mother hightail it to the mountains of North Carolina and settle down. Mr. Giant ("twice the size of the little one, ten times as nasty, and as ugly as slug pie") doesn't let a little thing like distance get in his way. It's a close call but Jack takes command of the situation and the angry Mr. G. stomps so hard that the mountain falls in and swallows him up. Hillenbrand captures the spirit of the text with lively, humor-filled illustrations done in a variety of media including pencils, inks, tempera, crayons, and oils. "Wham blam hickity hack!"-readers will love this tale about Jack. Janie Schomberg, Leal Elementary School, Urbana, IL Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
From Booklist Kids who thought Jack did away with the "fee-fi-fo-fum giant" when the beanstalk came down are in for a surprise. ... the pictures, especially those of the giant with a grand case of indigestion. Just right for small groups. Stephanie Zvirin Copyright American Library Association. All rights reserved
Kiss the Cow! by Phyllis Root, Will Hillenbrand Reading level: Ages 4-8 Edition: Hardcover: 32 pages Publisher: Candlewick Press (MA); 1st ed edition (November 1, 2000)
Andy Russell Series |
| The Many Troubles of Andy Russell by David A. Adler, Will Hillenbrand (Illustrator) Reading level: Ages 9-12 Edition: Hardcover: 144 pages Publisher: Gulliver Books (October 15, 1998)  ISBN: 0152012958 Editorial Reviews From School Library Journal Fourth-grader Andy Russell faces a host of problems over a period of a few days. They range from escaped gerbils to finding out that his mother is pregnant to worrying about a friend who would like to live with Andy's family because her foster parents are going to South America. All of the boy's troubles, though, great or small, are described in a fast-paced, breezy style and kids will be sure to identify with his befuddlement and concerns. Fortunately, Andy's best friend is on hand to supply some funny one-liners. The black-and-white illustrations capture the humor of the story, although readers may be somewhat unsettled by the 180 degree swivel of snotty Stacy Ann's head on one of the pages. This is the first in a series of books about Andy and his friends, a fact that will undoubtedly be good news to many young readers. Todd Morning, Schaumburg Township Public Library, IL Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc. |
Andy and Tamika (Andy Russell) by David A. Adler, Will Hillenbrand Reading level: Ages 9-12 Edition: Paperback: 144 pages Publisher: Gulliver Books Paperbacks (August 9, 1999) ISBN: 0152019014 Editorial Reviews From School Library Journal Andy Russell's active brain is always busy but rarely tuned into what is going on in his fourth-grade class. While the other students are hard at work, he chooses names for what he hopes will be a new brother, worries about a stray cat hanging around the playground, and thinks about his pal Tamika or his enemy Stacy Ann Jackson. Fractions may not be Andy's bag, but he makes top grades at caring for animals and for friends in need. He willingly offers some of his 50 baby gerbils as prizes for the school carnival but insists the new owners sign a contract promising proper care for their new pets. When Tamika loses her foster family, Andy's family takes her in and he arranges a celebration to welcome her. Andy is an unusual male character because his exploits deal with emotions and relationships rather than physical challenges. ... Maggie McEwen, Coffin Elementary School, Brunswick, ME Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc. |
School Trouble for Andy Russell (Andy Russell) by David A. Adler, Will Hillenbrand Reading level: Ages 9-12 Edition: Hardcover: 128 pages Publisher: Gulliver Books (August 9, 1999)  ISBN: 0152021906 Editorial Reviews From Library Journal This third installment in the series is filled with fun and misadventure. Poor Andy! His mother is expecting a baby, his foster sister, Tamika, is homesick for her family, and he keeps finding himself in trouble at school. When his strict teacher falls ill, Andy's class plans on taking advantage of the substitute. This, however, only leads to more trouble for Andy, who keeps getting blamed for things he didn't do. The perspective of fourth graders is perfectly captured, as is their angst. In the end, the boy learns that teachers aren't always as bad as they seem. Hillenbrand's black-and-white illustrations show a likable Andy in some of the unpleasant, though often funny situations in which he finds himself. A good choice for reluctant readers and those looking for easy, entertaining chapter books. Christy Norris Blanchette, Valley Cottage Library, NY Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc. |
The Last Snake in Ireland: A Story About St. Patrick by Sheila Macgill-Callahan, Will Hillenbrand Reading level: Ages 4-8 Edition: Hardcover: 32 pages Publisher: Holiday House; 1st ed edition (March 1, 1999)
ISBN: 0823414256
Editorial Reviews
From Publishers Weekly ...MacGill-Callahan (The Seal Prince) combines two pieces of colorful lore in a crisp and breezy text that depicts a religious figure at his most human and appealing. In Hillenbrand's (The Biggest, Best Snowman) softly hued pastel and watercolor paintings, snowy-bearded Patrick has the predominantly sweet countenance of a Santa Claus, while his beady-eyed nemesis is all forked-tongued nastiness. The rolling green countryside and vast blue waters evoke Ireland's timeless landscape. Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From School Library Journal This frolicsome blend of folklore and legend has Patrick chasing the snakes from Ireland because "they were so naughty folks were sick and tired of having them around." One sneaky snake, however, cleverly eludes him, and from there this tale grows tall enough to stretch any imagination. When Patrick builds a beautiful snake box, the curious creature slithers into it but escapes before the lid is closed. Patrick chases the reptile through the Irish landscape, pushing the Blue Stack Mountains open to form the Long Glen of Hunting and eventually crossing the Giants' Causeway to the sea. After a passing mother eagle snatches the snake, Patrick frees him and tosses him into the box, which promptly sinks into Loch Ness. When Patrick returns years later, he is greeted by his nemesis and discovers that the creature has become the Loch Ness Monster. This delightful read-aloud is full of tongue-tickling language that will accommodate a wee bit of a dialect. Hillenbrand's mixed-media illustrations engulf the pages with humor, texture, and exuberant color. Perfect for holiday collections as well as year-round reading, this story should slither into any collection. Jody McCoy, The Bush School, Seattle, WA Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.
The Biggest, Best Snowman (Young Hippo Animals.) by Margery Cuyler, Will Hillenbrand Reading level: Ages 4-8 Edition: Hardcover: 32 pages Publisher: Scholastic; Library Binding edition (November 1, 1998)
ISBN: 0590139223
Editorial Reviews
From Publishers Weekly A little girl accomplishes big things in this winning picture book. "Big Mama, Big Sarah, and Big Lizzie" tell Little Nell she's too small to be of help, so Little Nell spends her days in the snow playing with her forest friends. When Reindeer, Hare and Bear Cub urge her to make a snowman, she thinks she's too small. But prodded by their encouraging words and offer of help, Little Nell constructs a splendiferous snowman that makes her family realize she's not so small or helpless after all. As crisp and delicately patterned as a snowflake, Cuyler's (That's Good, That's Bad!) tale brims with rhyming words ("She carefully patted and matted and batted the snow into a tiny ball") and recurring phrases ("She rolled it and rolled it and rolled it to Reindeer") with which children will gleefully chime in. She explores larger themes such as a child's yearning to feel significant and the value of cooperation within the cozy context of family and friendship. Hillenbrand (Traveling to Tondo) matches the jaunty prose with puckish style. Readers will relish the transformation of Little Nell's mother and siblings who first appear as fairy-tale wicked stepmother and stepsister types with their wildly sprouting hair into compassionate gentlefolk (except Big Lizzie, who still says "Hmmmph!"). The artist makes the most of the snowy setting: eye-popping colors, from the cardinal perched upon the snowman's twiggy arm to Big Mama's bright fuschia overcoat, show up with perfect clarity against the tranquil, wintry backdrop. Frustrated youngsters will find a champion in Little Nell. Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From School Library Journal .... The mixed-media paintings, done with oils, watercolors, and pencil, are filled with droll whimsy.
Harriett Fargnoli, Great Neck Library, NY Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Kirkus Reviews ... Hillenbrand's comic exaggerations put both the characters and the landscape powerfully in place. -- Copyright 1998, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.
A visit from an author or illustrator can provide encouragement and inspiration.
Will Hillenbrand is a frequent classroom visitor. Author visits can be planned for any age or grade level and integrated into the regular curriculum in art, language or any other subject.
| Audience Autographing Facilities Needed The Presentations | Accommodations & Expenses "Extras" Questions for Picture Book Discussion Arranging an Author Visit |
He focuses on the process of creating a book in his slide presentation, which chronicles the steps from my journal entries through initial sketches to the creation of the final artwork.
In his school visits, Hillenbrand also presents drawing demonstrations and a display of original book art. The presentation spills over into participatory activities that emphasize the fun of the process over the perfection of the finished product.
When children identify with both his struggle and accomplishments, they gain confidence in their own expression. They begin to see themselves as competent creative persons.
| Audience Recommended Audience: | All ages (K-adult) | |
| Audience size: | 150-200 | |
| Fee: | $1,600.00 plus travel, lodging and meal expenses. ($1,350.00 if two or more days are booked.) |
Some schools wish to order copies of Will's books, which he is happy to autograph. This can be done through a local bookstore or directly from the publishers at a discount. If you want him to autograph the books, please allow adequate time, about one to two minutes per book.
He does not sign scraps of paper, but will be glad to send a bookmark to you to be copied for the students, to give every child a souvenir of the day.
Facilities Needed for an Author Visit
Will Hillenbrand needs the following equipment for his presentations: A large room that can be easily darkened is very important (the darker the better, but not as dark as a cave). The room lights will need to come back up at the end of the presentation.
I bring my own equipment, however you can help me with the following safety net backup equipment, just in case something goes haywire with my equipment.
Will uses slides to share his stories and the process he goes through in creating a book. He shows how and where he works, how ideas become stories and rough sketches grow into finished art. For upper elementary students and adult audiences he goes into a lot more detail about the process of writing, revising, submitting, and working with the editor and art director.
For primary grades the presentation takes about 45 minutes with an additional ten minutes or so for questions. For older students he usually takes closer to 60 minutes for the presentation, up to an hour including questions.
If the location is further than fifty miles from his home expenses will include mileage (if he drives), fares, meals and lodging. Though he appreciates people's generosity in offering to share their homes, Hillenbrand has found that he needs time to be alone and prefers that arrangements be made for a clean, quiet, non-smoking room. Elegance is not necessary.
Dinners with one or several teachers or librarians are fine, but he doesn't mind being left on his own either...as long as there is a convenient restaurant.
Hillenbrand is frequently asked to "just come in and meet" a class that doesn't get to hear his formal presentation and "maybe just read one of your books or say a few words" or, after an assembly, to go from classroom to classroom to answer questions. While he wants to be cooperative and accessible to the students and teachers, please keep in mind that each time Hillenbrand is placed in front of a group and asked to speak, he will be repeating information and using his voice, so please try to be reasonable about such requests. If after a large assembly the question and answer session has been fairly short he does not mind, for example, meeting with one group for additional questions.
Touring the school and admiring displays of student work is another opportunity for low-key interaction, but please don't ask him to judge or evaluate.
Questions for Picture Book Discussion
Teachers preparing students for an author visit may want to consider these questions when discussing a picture book with their students:
Is the story told clearly through word and picture?
Are the characters unique?
Is the ending of the story consistent with the beginning and middle of the story?
Is the text divided up so that it flows naturally from page to page?
Do the pictures accurately reflect the story? Are they connected well to each other?
Tish Gayle
mailto:tish@willhillenbrand.com
Website: http://www.willhillenbrand.com
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