Drew Panckeri is the author of Duck and Cat Ride the Riverboat, a graphic novel for young kids. His cartoons have appeared in a variety of publications, including The New Yorker.
Q: What inspired you to create Duck and Cat Ride the Riverboat?
A: Inspiration is like a huge net that collects all sorts of things from life and art and dreams. There are many sources, including a love of boats, old sailors, and seafaring adventures.
Another direct inspiration was when I was visiting family on the Jersey shore – I was on a bike ride as the sun was going down and stopped to admire The River Queen passing by and lo and behold a firework display began overhead! When the story began taking shape, I knew this would make it in.
Ultimately, once I sit down and begin drawing and writing, I find little bits from so many different experiences, people, and things that make their way into stories.
Q: Did you work on the text first or the illustrations first--or both simultaneously?
A: It starts with drawing – for this story I started with a vague idea of the setting (on a boat), then began drawing characters to populate the world.
I went through many options before finding Duck and Cat as characters. Originally I thought it might be a fishing boat with a human captain and a cat and mouse as a crew! As I do more drawings I get a sense of who the characters are, begin developing personalities, and then I can start on a story.
Q: How would you describe the relationship between Duck and Cat?
A: They’re best friends! Every friendship has a special dynamic – you understand each other’s quirks, what they like and dislike, when to give them space, and when to make a joke. Duck and Cat are similar in some ways, different in many others, like all good friends.
Q: The Kirkus Review of the book says that “both words and images have a strong James Marshall vibe.” What do you think of that comparison?
A: It makes me so happy! I grew up reading George and Martha and loved the drawings and funny little stories so much (and still do). There is a casual understated humor, adorable details, and endearing quality to James’ work that I seek in my own work. I was very flattered to see that comparison.
Q: What are you working on now?
A: I have a few new stories that are in various stages of completion ( an early graphic reader and a picture book), as well as hoping to put out more Duck and Cat stories if Holiday House is willing. Children’s publishing is a very slow business, so I aim to have a few projects going at different stages.
Q: Anything else we should know?
A: You can sign up for my free monthly newsletter, called Fresh Donuts, at https://freshdonuts.substack.com/. It features comics, drawings, and the occasional update on children’s books and events; or visit my website at PanckeriCartoons.com for general info.
--Interview with Deborah Kalb
Excellent interview. I was wondering about the process, it was interesting and informative.
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