Nicolas Debon
As for the basics, Nicolas Debon was born in France, but had the good fortune to live in Canada for 10 years. It was originally a two month assignment but it just kept being extended until he was offered a position that he accepted. In France, Nicolas studied art at l'ecole nationale des Beaux-Arts, but could only find positions that were more clerical in nature in the various government ministries. After a decade of this type of work, he paused and took some time to reevaluate his life. Even though he was working a 40 hour week, he began again although it was mainly for himself. When he had accumulated enough material, he felt that he could start showing his portfolio and eventually he got his first assignment-Moon Festival.
How did Moon Festival come about? Nicolas wanted to do illustration in a contemporary but more intimate style. He painted a small flyer with samples and sent it to publishers in the hope of breaking in as an illustrator. He ended up with a very small one person publisher who ran the business out of his home and together they did their first picture book (1999). Nicolas noted that they were both beginners, and the book was launched at a public library branch. The author is the daughter of a well-known restaurateur in Toronto. (For a bit of history about the book visit http://www.naturalheritagebooks.com/bookdescription.php?bookid=347
For the next couple of years, Nicolas started doing book jackets and many of them were educational books. The style was realistic and he did enough of this work to make a living. He was invited to submit an entire project to another publisher and that is when he wrote A Brave Soldier. He did what many author/illustrators do; he prepared a dummy and sent it to the publisher. It was accept and one year later was published by Groundwood Books.
Writing his first book was not easy, especially since English is not his mother tongue. His publisher did extensive revisions to the text and Nicholas said it was a difficult process. The illustrating was another story; his editor was very encouraging and happy with the art. For Nicolas, the story is the one that he likes the best because the text and pictures come from the heart. Another book with Groundwood was Dawn Watch. It was a challenge to illustrate the boat and lake because there was not a lot of variation to work with. Nicolas noted that the best books come when you are challenged to come up with something to make it interesting. He really enjoyed creating the young girl who accomplishes her tasks and faces the elements. According to our reviewer, Dawn Watch is "A powerful story of water, night, and dawning light, this is a memorable tale with sparse text and almost sinister illustrations. This volume has value as a father-daughter story, a sailing narrative, and perhaps most importantly as an example of the way an artist creates mood with just the stroke of a brush."
One of his more highly acclaimed books is Four Pictures by Emily Carr, which came about after A Brave Soldier. Nicolas had just completed a very male focused book and now he wanted to do one about a woman and take a look at her life. He saw Carr's paintings in a museum and liked her work because it was rough and not in a typically Canadian style. She wanted to understand the native people and one of her featured paintings, "Cedar House," one of her paintings reflects that period of her life. Emily Carr was unusual for her time and Nicolas enjoyed writing about this fascinating woman.
Another book with Groundwood is The Red Sash which describes life at Fort Williams. Nicolas enjoyed the lyrical text and creating the "bold illustrations [that] add an authentic view of the landscape and the day-to-day life of the period". Just recently published is Every Single Night which according to the publisher's blurb combines "Dominique Demers's poetic text and Nicolas Debon's romantic images [to] remind every parent and child of the pleasure that can be found in a sweet shared ritual that takes all the pain out of going to bed."
In addition to work for Groundwood, Nicolas was contacted by Pelican, a US publisher who had seen his flyer which contained a cover picture of Chinese people (75% of his work to that point was Chinese related). Pelican had a book that they were interested in having him illustrate--The Warlord's Puzzle which was a Chinese story and set in China. Nicolas then moved to a more personal style of illustrating. He liked the way the author mixed the facts with Chinese culture. The book came out in 2000 and our reviewer comments on the book were quite positive. "Striking illustrations in a bright palette of reds, greens, burnt oranges and gold leap out against a brown background and contrast nicely with the tile's pieces. The use of foreshortening and a wide variety of camera angles makes each page a visual surprise. The emotions so clearly portrayed on each character's face echo those of the reader, who will finish this book with a broad smile."
The most recent book in the series, The Warlord's Messenger, is reviewed below and there may be a future one entitled The Warlord's Alarm about a water clock. All of the books present fascinating information about the Chinese and their inventions. For these books, which have all been written by Virginia Walton Pilegard, Nicolas tries to move the story through his illustrations. While he does full size sketches, he prefers to do thumbnails for more latitude and to reduce the amount of time spent on the details. He finds that tracing from full size sketches and then coloring can be boring--and that may come across to the reader. Therefore, using thumbnails and then moving to the full size work helps him keep his interest and energy level high.
Now back in France for nearly three years, Nicolas is spending 60% of his time working for French publishers. The book published by Groundwood is actually one written originally in French, Tous les soires du mond, and it was really a coproduction. He had to deal with multiple houses, Gallimard Publishing and Groundwood. Comments could sometimes take two weeks to get back and forth.
Nicolas is happy with what he is doing and recently had a show at La Maison des Contes & des Histoires which I was fortunate enough to attend. He noted that even if he doesn't make much money with children's books there is always the hope for a chance to break through and he is doing what he wants. The only downside is that he works from home and illustrating is a very solitary job. You can learn more about Nicolas at his web site and others created by his various publishers. Annick Press and Groundwood Books
Contributor: Marilyn Courtot
Reviews
A Brave SoldierNicolas Debon
World War I began in 1914 when Archduke Franz Ferdinand (heir to the throne in Austria) was assassinated. This story describes what life was like for a young Canadian Soldier from the time he heard about the declaration of war, until it was finally over in 1918. The book describes the tragic and difficult experiences with which the soldiers during World War I lived. The illustrations are that of a picture book, colorful, charming, and clearly tell the story as it is explained with the text, however, the content is for older children who are ready to learn about the realities of war. The book tells about the trials of war in a tasteful way, but it does not leave out the hard experiences or the brutalities of war. The main character does not lose his life in the story, however, a cannon fire hits him, and his friend is killed. This book isn't one that could be used to write a report on World War I, but it could be used to teach children the feelings associated with this war and possibly others. 2002, Groundwood Books/Douglas&McIntyre, $15.95. Ages 10 to 12. Reviewer: Nicole Peterson (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People, 2003; National Council for the Social Studies NCSS; United States
Awards, Honors, Prizes:
Alcuin Society Awards for Excellence in Book Design in Canada Honourable Mention 2003 Children's Canada
ISBN: 0-88899-481-8
Dawn Watch
Jean E. Pendziwol
Pictures by Nicolas Debon
Navigating Lake Superior in the darkest hours of night provides adventure for a brave little girl and her dad. Well prepared for her responsibilities, the young narrator explains to readers the importance of watching for hazards such as other ships, and floating logs that may be lost on the inland sea. Dad points out to his assistant celestial markers such as the Big Dipper and the North Star. After tending to his duties, Dad goes below and the diminutive sailor has the midnight sea to herself. Debon's use of motion, depth, and pitch of waves is impressive as readers become a part of the eerily lonely voyage. Pendziwol accompanies the swell of the water by repeating the line, "And I was alone on the sea." A powerful story of water, night, and dawning light, this is a memorable tale with sparse text and almost sinister illustrations. This volume has value as a father-daughter story, a sailing narrative, and perhaps most importantly as an example of the way an artist creates mood with just the stroke of a brush. 2004, Groundwood, $15.95. Ages 8 to 10. Reviewer: Janice DeLong (Children's Literature).
Awards, Honors, Prizes:
Amelia Frances Howard-Gibbon Illustrator's Medal Shortlist 2005 Canada
ISBN: 0-88899-512-1
Four Pictures by Emily Carr
Nicolas Debon
At the turn of the century, a great many changes were taking place in the world. Machines were chugging and puffing their way into more and more aspects of people's lives. The class system was being stretched to such a degree that it threatened to snap explosively. Women were less and less willing to tolerate their unequal status in society. In the art world the old-fashioned, realistic form of painting was being challenged by the "New Art." This is the story of the young Canadian painter, Emily Carr, who tried to find her way in the art world during these times. It was a struggle that taxed her health and her spirit almost to a breaking point. Her adventures in looking for inspiration and a chance to learn more about painting took her, among other places, to a remote native village in Vancouver and to that famous powerhouse of the artistic world, Paris. The book is divided into four sections, each represented by one of Carr's paintings and describing a part of the painter's life. Illustrated in the style of the comic books Tintin and Asterix, this is a delightful, refreshing and fascinating look at a time when conventions were under great stress and when many artistic young people were at a loss as to where they belonged with their talent. An absorbing book for readers of all ages, which raises questions about art and society. 2003, Groundwood Books, $15.95. Ages 4 up. Reviewer: Marya Jansen-Gruber (Children's Literature).
Format, paper quality, and illustration combine to create a visual biography of a painter as unique as the volume itself. Selected works represent four distinct periods in Carr's life. Born in 1871 in Victoria, British Columbia, Emily was the youngest of five sisters. From the age of eight, art and nature were driving passions. At the age of twenty-seven, she visited a missionary friend and came face to face with West Coast natives. Emily was impressed by the spiritual oneness with nature expressed by the tribe. This period is depicted in "Cedar House." After leaving the Canadian coast, Carr continued her studies in Europe. "Autumn in France" represents this time in her life. In Paris, Emily broadened her knowledge of her craft, but city life was traumatic for the nature-loving lady. Upon returning to her native land, Carr taught art in her own studio. Regrettably, she was unsuccessful in selling enough of her work to devote her full time to painting, This period is represented by "Silhouette" which reflects her station in life, just before being discovered by the influential Group of Seven. The final painting, "Beloved of the Sky," reflects her final years. In her mid-fifties, Carr had become sufficiently successful to go into the forests with her pet monkey and her beloved sheep dogs and paint nature as she felt it, both aesthetically and spiritually. 2003, Groundwood Books/Douglas & McIntyre, $15.95. Ages 12 to 18. Reviewer: Janice DeLong (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, Supplement, 2005; H. W. Wilson; United States
Awards, Honors, Prizes:
Governor General's Literary Awards Finalist 2003 Children's Literature (Illustration) Canada
The Norma Fleck Award for Canadian Children's Non-Fiction Finalist 2004 Canada
ISBN: 0-88899-532-6
The Martial Arts Book
Laura Scandiffio
Illustrated by Nicolas Debon
Laura Scandiffio educates and entertains with her nonfiction account of ninjas and Buddhist nuns in The Martial Arts Book. From Buddha to Bruce Lee, the author spans centuries of philosophy and changing practices, carefully differentiating the different forms, including karate, tae kwon do and tai chi chuan. Throughout, Scandiffio maintains that these arts are grounded in self improvement and discipline rather than violence, in defense rather than attack. Side bars, short biographies of key figures and color illustrations by Nicolas Debon punctuate the informative text. Kudos to Scandiffio for including fascinating stories such as the one about the tai chi master who, with one well-placed belly laugh, knocked a boxer across the room. 2003, Annick, $24.95 and $9.95. Ages 8 to 14. Reviewer: Mary Quattlebaum (Children's Literature).
The origins and philosophies of martial arts are explored in this thoughtful and engaging book. As Scandiffio emphasizes, the discipline involves much more than just "punches and kicks." In training the body to become strong and controlled, a martial artist is following the path, or "do" to spirituality and self-knowledge. The basic tenets of Zen Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism are clearly outlined. The different styles of martial arts, such as kung fu, tai chi and tae kwon do, are described as "many branches, one tree." Readers will learn how the Shaolin Temple monks started the first martial arts system. As the monks shared their teachings with others, new techniques evolved. A full-colour map of Asia illustrates how the martial arts traveled from China to Korea and Japan and became adapted to each region. The page layout and design is very eye-catching. Sidebars feature information on everything from acupuncture to the world of the samurai. The text is also enlivened with myths, legends, Zen proverbs, and biographies of intriguing characters such as Gitchin Funakoshi, the founder of modern karate, and Seiko Fujita, the last practicing ninja who went to extremes to teach himself to ignore pain and survive poison. Nicholas Debon's vibrant, mixed-media illustrations provide a glimpse into an ancient world. For young practitioners of the art, the final chapter includes tips on choosing a "dojo,"or martial arts school. Students will find the glossary, pronunciation guide and index very helpful. Perfect for research or leisure reading, this title fills a void on a popular topic. Highly Recommended. Rating: **** /4. Grades 3-7. 2003, Annick Press, 64 pp., pbk. and cl., $12.95 (pbk.) and $24.95 (cl.). Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer: Linda Ludke (CM Magazine, June 20, 2003 (Vol. IX, No. 21))
Best Books:
Best Children's Books of the Year, 2004; Bank Street College of Education; United States
State and Provincial Reading Lists:
Hackmatack Children's Choice Book Award, 2005; Nominee; English Non-Fiction; Atlantic Canada
Red Cedar Book Award, 2005-2006; Nominee; Non-Fiction; British Columbia
Silver Birch Award, 2004; Nominee; Non-Fiction; Ontario, Canada
ISBN: 1-55037-777-9
ISBN: 1-55037-776-0
The Red Sash
Jean E. Pendziwol
Illustrated by Nicolas Debon
It is "Rendezvous" time for the voyageurs of the North West Company at Fort William (the site of present day Thunder Bay, Ontario). This is the time of year when the voyageurs come to Fort William with their furs and the North West Company canoes come from Montreal bringing supplies for the next season. It is a time of feasting, dancing and storytelling. A young Métis boy is helping his mother as they prepare for the celebration in the Great Hall and dreaming of the time when he will be old enough to become a voyageur. During the preparations the boy, his sister and a friend head out to the nearby Traverse Islands to hunt hare. Here they see the canoes from Montreal approaching just as a storm moves in. As one of the canoes runs into difficulty, the young boy becomes a hero and helps in getting the men to shore on the island and eventually on to Fort William. As they approach the wharf they hear the songs of the voyageurs coming in with their furs. The young boy's father is among this group and he has a special gift for his son. In this picture book, Pendziwol gives us a glimpse into the way of life of the voyageurs and their families who lived along the shore of Gitchee Gumee (Lake Superior). These people were instrumental in developing the fur trade and eventually the western routes across our vast land. Nicolas Debon's bold illustrations add an authentic view of the landscape and the day-to-day life of the period. A historical note and glossary is included . This book would be a good supplement to Canadian history programs for young students. Category: Picture Books. Thematic Links: Voyageurs; North West Company; Canada - History. Resource Links Rating: G (Good, great at times, generally useful!), Gr. K-3. 2005, Groundwood Books, 40p. Illus., Hdbk. $16.95. Ages 5 to 9. Reviewer: Victoria Pennell (Resource Links, December 2005 (Vol. 11, No. 2)).
ISBN: 0-88899-589-X
The Warlord's Beads
Virginia Walton Pilegard
Illustrated by Nicolas Debon
Treasures seem to be missing from the Warlord's overflowing counting house. Chuan helps his father count everything to prove that he is not a thief. The count is a huge job including large chests of bronze coins, statues, jewelry and other treasures. All they have to count with are Chuan's fingers and toes. Adding more difficulty to the complicated task, both servants and the warlord's children provide such constant interruptions that Chuan and his father lose count and must start over and over again. Using bits of twig and some of the Warlord's beads, Chuan invents the first abacus. From then on, the counting proceeds quickly and with precision. Because of his ingenuity, they complete the count and prove that Chuan's father is honest and trustworthy. The Warlord is happy and Chuan and his father are not only saved but also rewarded. Debon's distinctive artwork adds to the fairy tale feeling of this story. 2001, Pelican, $14.95. Ages 3 to 7. Reviewer: Chris Gill (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Children's Book Sense 76 Picks, Winter 2001; Book Sense 76; United States
ISBN: 1-56554-863-9
The Warlord's Fish
Virginia Walton Pilegard
Illustrated by Nicolas Debon
Set in ancient China, this story features Chuan, an apprentice to a respected artist. He is fascinated with a small wooden fish that always points south when placed in a bowl of water. One day a foreign trader bursts into the shop screaming about being cheated by local merchants. Chuan, having learned a few words while shopping, tries to translate the strange language to his master. They both try to tell the angry trader that the warlord is away and there is no one available to help with this problem. They are suddenly swooped up and placed on a camel going across the desert. After several days, a storm blows up and their captors become lost. The desperate leader turns to the artist and asks him to point the way to the next oasis. The artist has never been in this place before and has no idea, but Chuan remembers the wooden fish in his pocket and convinces the trader to pour the last of his water into a bowl. The fish points south and they find their way. The grateful trader grants Chuan and his master their freedom and they carve many wooden fish with loadstone magnets, saving their earnings for their journey home. Directions for making a fish compass are included after the story. Large, heavy-appearing illustrations feature block-like people and convey the harsh conditions of the vast desert. 2002, Pelican Publishing, $14.95. Ages 7 to 11. Reviewer: Phyllis Kennemer, Ph.D. (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 1-56554-964-3
The Warlord's Kites
Virginia Walton Pilegard
Illustrated by Nicolas Debon
The fifth in a series of picture books about Chuan, a clever boy who serves an ancient Chinese warlord, this installment begins with an army besieging the fortified palace where they live. Carrying on the series' continuing math theme, Young Chuan and his friend Jing Jing make kites that are six handprints high and six wide and use them to send the invaders packing. Chuan is baffled but compliant as Jing Jing directs their crafty enterprise without explaining how she hopes to prevail against the soldiers. Though the story is somewhat less convincing than the early ones in the series, the illustrations are varied in composition, muted in color, and quite effective. Teachers may be able to use the math connection to teach geometry. But children will take greater pleasure in the effects of probability, betting that with a little knowledge of history and math, two children can defeat an army. Category: Books for the Young--Fiction. 2004, Pelican, $15.95. K-Gr. 3. Reviewer: Carolyn Phelan (Booklist, Nov. 15, 2004 (Vol. 101, No. 6)).
ISBN: 1-58980-180-6
The Warlord's Messenger
Virginia Walton Pilegard
Illustrated by Nicolas Debon
Debon and Pilegard have teamed up again for another story with a touch of history and science packed into an adventure story with a hero and heroine that will appeal to picture book readers. The setting is ancient China where a young boy named Chuan and his friend Jing Jing live in the palace of an important warlord. A messenger has arrived with an invitation from the Emperor for their master to attend a banquet. The warlord is out in the countryside and it would take three days travel by horseback to reach him. He would never be able to return to his palace and then reach the Emperor in time for the feat. The two children come up with an idea-they attach a sail to a cart and use the power of the wind to propel them much faster than a horse could travel. They arrive, save their master from embarrassment, and in turn are rewarded with an opportunity to go to the palace of the Emperor. The story is based on a real invention by the Chinese nearly 1500 years ago. The part of the story that may be a stretch historically is that two children could succeed in undertaking such an adventure and, even more, that a young girl would be involved. The breezy art shows plenty of open spaces, and you get a real sense of the speed at which the cart is moving. The characters are loosely sketched, as are the elements of the Warlord's palace. The part of China that is depicted looks rather dry and hilly-perhaps like the steppes where the winds would be blowing with some force. There is an activity page for students and teachers to create a windsock, which is also a Chinese invention. 2005, Pelican Publishing, Ages 5 to 8, $15.95. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 1-58980-271-3
ISBN: 978-1-58980-271-1
The Warlord's Puppeteers
Virginia Walton Pilegard
Illustrated by Nicolas Debon
In this fourth book, Chuan and his artist master travel with puppeteers to the warlord's palace. After bandits steal the puppets, Chuan makes new ones from radishes, learning about head-to-body ratio in the process. The contorted plot contains too much backstory and an opaquely relayed math concept. The book features art suggestive of ancient China and instructions for making a sock puppet. Category: Picture Books. 2003, Pelican, 32pp, $14.95. Ages 4 to 9. Rating: 5: Marginal, seriously flawed, but with some redeeming quality. Reviewer: Horn Book (Horn Book Guide, Spring 2004).
ISBN: 1-58980-077-X
The Warlord's Puzzle
Virginia Walton Pilegard
Illustrated by Nicolas Debon
A powerful warlord smiles when he receive a beautiful blue tile, but then the artist drops and breaks it. Its seven pieces, a parallelogram, a square, and five triangles seem to defy being mended into the original square. Threatened with the warlord's worst punishment, the artist suggests a contest. Thinking it an excellent idea, the warlord declares, "Anyone who can solve the puzzle of the tile will be given a great treasure and brought to live in my palace." The line of contestants wanders across the Japanese landscape to the river, where a fisherman and his son decide to try their luck. Striking illustrations in a bright palette of reds, greens, burnt oranges and gold leap out against a brown background and contrast nicely with the tile's pieces. The use of foreshortening and a wide variety of camera angles makes each page a visual surprise. The emotions so clearly portrayed on each character's face echo those of the reader, who will finish this book with a broad smile. 2000, Pelican Publishing Company, $14.95. Ages 5 to 8. Reviewer: Nancy Tilly (Children's Literature).
A Chinese artist created the most beautiful blue tile as a gift to the warlord. As he presented the tile, it fell and broke into seven pieces. The angry warlord ordered the artist to repair the tile. A contest was held to find the person who could put the tile back together. Many honorable men tried, but all failed. As a little boy looked at the broken pieces, he saw familiar shapes. In no time the tile was repaired. The warlord kept his promise and moved the boy and his family into his palace with many treasures. This is a unique way to introduce a tangram as a math project in addition to spatial relations and some Chinese history. A sample tangram puzzle is included. 2000, Pelican, $14.95. Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer: Karen Werner (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Recommended Literature: Kindergarten through Grade Twelve, 2002; California Department of Education; California
ISBN: 1-56554-495-1
Updated 2/28/06
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If you're interested in reviewing children's and young adult books, then send a resume and writing sample to marilyn@childrenslit.com.