Happy National Read Across America Day! As NIA’s February Read Out Loud literacy campaign comes to a close, we’re proud to report that:

—We’ve brought 12 children’s authors and illustrators to over 15 schools around Brooklyn and Staten Island, giving hundreds of students the opportunity to speak with real authors and illustrators about their literary careers and the importance of literacy skills

—700 free books have gone home with students

—2,000 books are being distributed to establish reading rooms at 13 NIA after-school programs 

In addition to visiting and reading their books to our students at PS 199, PS 190, and PS 179, authors/illustrators Mika Song and Derek Desierto were kind enough to talk with us about their inspirations and artistic processes. See the full interviews below. 

Mika Song is a children's author/illustrator who makes stories about sweetly funny outsiders. She received the Portfolio Award from the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators. Since then she's illustrated several books for other authors, including A Friend for Henry by Jenn Bailey which received the Schneider Family Honor from the American Library Association. 

Derek Desierto is a Vancouver-based illustrator whose books with Eva Chen include the New York Times bestseller Juno Valentine and the Magical Shoes. Currently, he is living the dream as a freelance artist for animated TV shows and picture books. His ultimate goal in life is to meet Oprah and become one of her Favorite Things.

How did you fall in love with reading? 

Mika: As a baby, I remember always having picture books around. Even before I learned how to read, I used to carry around my favorite picture books to look at and love. Books have always been a comfort to me.

Derek: I remember discovering Archie comics and was so amazed when I could finally read and understand what all the words in the speech bubbles meant! Ever since then, I've loved books! 

What advice could you offer young students who dream of being authors/illustrators? How can they get started early? 

Mika: Find a friend to share your stories with. Check if your school or library has a book club or a comic club so you can talk to people who have the same interests as you. Start a zine together.

Derek: Write and draw as much as you can. It's a lifelong pursuit, and you get better the more you do it! Don't feel you have to wait for someone to give you the opportunity. If you want to do a book, write your own and illustrate it! Or illustrate an existing story just so you can practice. 

Mika, when did you start writing/illustrating? And what were some of your main sources of encouragement when you were getting started? 

Mika: I always liked to draw, but I didn't start working as an illustrator until the last ten years. Before that, I worked as an animator, and before that, I had many different jobs. Author/Illustrator Amber Alvarez, who worked at my animation job with me, used to read the stories and comics I was working on during our lunch break. Getting her to laugh out loud always encouraged me to keep creating. Joining a writing group also really helped me to keep at it.

Derek, what’s the hardest part about illustrating for you? Or what was the hardest part when you were getting started? And what helped you overcome this obstacle? 

Derek: For me, the hardest part is right in the beginning. A blank page is very daunting to me, so it's important that I get something down very quickly. When I'm starting to illustrate a new story, I do quick thumbnail sketches of the whole layout of the book — literally stick man figures just so I can work out the composition without having to worry about the details. This can take me 15 minutes. This allows me to get over that daunting feeling of starting with a blank page, and I can start figuring out what is working and what is not working. 

Mika, what’s your favorite children’s book? Why? Or which authors/illustrators do you feel especially inspired by in general?

Mika: I have a different favorite book for different times of my life. As a toddler, I liked Why Mosquitos Buzz in People's Ears and Frederick, The Tale of Two Bad Mice. The first book I remember reading by myself was Charlotte's Web, and I cried so much at the end. In fifth grade, I found Tales of Moominvalley and read the whole series. Nowadays, I love graphic novels like The Adventures of Team Pom: Squid Happens and all-ages webcomics like Reggie the Kid Penguin.

Derek, do you have a fixed illustrating routine?  

Derek: Yes, I just sit down and draw. Even if I don't feel like it, I go to my desk and draw. It's important for me to do this because sometimes I feel creatively blocked, but I find that when I commit myself to drawing the block fades away, and I start having fun again. 

Mika, where do you go to find new books? 

Mika: I live near really nice libraries and there are always new books standing on top of the shelves. I also use Twitter and Instagram to find book bloggers' recommendations. Most of my friends are also readers, so I always exchange new books with them.

Derek, what’re you working on now and what inspired it? 

Derek: I'm currently working on a book about the shoe designer, Jimmy Choo. The look of artwork is inspired a lot by Miroslav Sasek and his "This Is" series. I love mid-century style illustrations, and he is one of my favorite artists from that era. 

Mika, who is your biggest fan? 

Mika: I'm not sure who my biggest fan is, but I know one or two librarians shared my first graphic novel, Donut Feed the Squirrels, very early on, and that really helped the series find its readers. Librarians are like behind-the-scenes super fans.

Where can readers find out more about you and your books? 

Mika: I have a new Norma and Belly comic every week at www.Sundayhaha.com, a free kids comics newsletter. And I have links to books and news on my website, www.mikasongdraws.com. If you are on Instagram or Twitter I post my news and upcoming events on there as @mikasongdraws.

Derek: You can find me at derekdesierto.com or @derekdesierto on Instagram!