Katherine Janus Kahn
Katherine Janus Kahn studied Fine Arts at the Bezalel School in Jerusalem and at the University of Iowa. She has illustrated many children’s books including Kar-Ben’s popular Sammy Spider series. She lives in Wheaton, Maryland.
Interview
What was your favorite book when you were a child?
My very favorite book as a young child was a Golden Book, “The Lively Little Rabbit.” Later on, I loved all horse and dog books, including the Albert Payson Turhune books.
Who are your top three favorite authors or illustrators?
I love the illustrators Eric Carle, Leo and Diane Dillon, Errol LeCain, and Etienne Delessert.
Why did you want to become an author or illustrator?
I have always loved to draw and love to read. Book illustration was made for me, although I started out illustrating books for tv.
Do you have any advice for future authors or illustrators?
If you want to do it hard enough, first get all your practice, techniques, and research of various publishers together; you will suddenly find that someone is there to help you. AND DON’T GET DISHEARTENED BY REJECTIONS!!!!! All author and illustrators have been rejected many times. Just keep sending out your work, listen to the comments publishers make, and work harder. If you can find a group of published author/illustrators, join it and pick their brains. Sign up for lecture series, courses, etc. The harder you work, the sooner it will happen.
