Nina Crews
Author and illustrator, Nina Crews uses collage to create distinctive picture books. Her first book, One Hot Summer Day, was published in 1995 and is still in print today. Her titles include A Girl Like Me, Seeing Into Tomorrow: Haiku by Richard Wright, The Neighborhood Mother Goose, and Below. Her work has been selected by ALA’s Notable committee, the Junior Library Guild, NCTE, New York Public Library, Chicago Public Library, Bank Street College of Education, and others. She is the daughter of children’s book authors and illustrators Donald Crews and Ann Jonas. Nina lives in Brooklyn, New York with her husband and son.
Interview
What was your favorite book when you were a child?
I had many favorite books and I still do. Here are a few: A Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats, Little Bear by Else Homelund Minarik, CDB by William Steig, Nothing Ever Happens on My Block by Ellen Raskin
What’s your favorite line from a book?
I can’t name a single favorite as there are so many books with so many great lines. Here is one: “I have told him it’s very easy, anyone can fly. All you need is somewhere to go that you can’t get to any other way.”—Tar Beach by Faith Ringgold
Why did you want to become an author or illustrator?
I love stories and I love making art. Picture books are a magical combination of both.
Do you have any advice for future authors or illustrators?
Be optimistic. Be focussed. Be true to yourself.
