In Ruth's own words: "I was working in a store when I met Audrey Penn - who came in to autograph a previous book. I had been a graphic artist for many years and knew I wanted to illustrate children's books, so I asked if she had another story she needed illustrating.
Audrey had this sweet story, but couldn't find the 'right' illustrator. She asked to see a sample of my work. Well, I didn't have anything to show her except pencil drawings of animals I had drawn when I was 13 years old. But she loved them! Audrey gave me the manuscript to look over and asked for a character sample. I could tell the story needed a soft gentle feeling, with sweet emotion to Chester, and very simple but bright child-like colors.
Yes, even though I was an artist, I hadn't really used paint before! But I remembered back to the art teacher who took interest in me when I was in junior high, who had asked if I could stay behind school a few times to show me some things. In a few brief lessons she taught me to 'see' shadows, light, and how to draw/paint them. She showed me how to mix primary colors and get any color I wanted. I came alive! I began to see everything in a new light. From then on I really worked at learning to see and draw shadows, perspective, and colors.
I was particularly broke when I went to buy paints. I actually didn't know the difference between watercolor and acrylic, but read they were both water-soluble - so I bought the cheaper of the two. I purchased three primary colors and white acrylic - yep, the whole book was done with four colors! I also had some oil pastels and knew I could make very soft fur with them. Audrey loved my 'sample' Chester and I was very excited to begin.
Soon I set about designing and painting the book. The 28 page storyboard was so much fun to plan out! I forged ahead slowly - and between working part time and being a new mommy it took me a year. My baby girl was 4 months old when I started, and I set to the task in full mommy-mode. My precious little girl filled my heart with sweet love and purpose as I painted each day. I worked on the book mostly at night when the world was still and quiet...
After completing the book Audrey discovered that publishers were now only printing 32 page books. I had returned to England temporarily so could not do any more pages - especially since she had still not found a publisher who would take it. Disney said it was too mushy. Others said it was too sickly sweet. But she knew, as did I, that the story was beautiful. While I was in England she found Nancy Leek, who helped her add a few pages - and copied my style as best as she could. You can see the difference in those few if you look closely.
Well, the rest is history...and it has become one of the most endearing stories used in classrooms across the country for years now. What an honor! How blessed I am!"
The two paintings below are newly released prints from the book and are available for $40 each:
