Guilherme Karsten is the author and illustrator of the new children's picture book Ramon Fellini, the Dog Detective. His many other books include The Ride!. He lives in Brazil.
Q: What inspired you to create Ramon Fellini, the Dog Detective?
A: I remember watching a livestream during the pandemic where the artist showed his cat and said it was a dog. At that very moment, I asked myself: “Is the cat lying to its owner about being a dog? Oh, that could be a great story!” So I started working on it.
The main question was why should a cat have to pretend to be another animal to get what it wants? The creation process was a lot of fun.
Q: Did you work on the text first or the illustrations first--or both
simultaneously?
A: I always start with the texts, but at the same time, I keep an eye out for aesthetic inspiration. Once I've finished the text, I divide it up into pages and storyboard it. Once I've decided on the organization of each scene, I create the final illustrations.
Q: The Booklist review of the book called it a “supremely silly story with a sly sense of humor.” What do you think of that description?
A: I agree with the review, it's just a nonsense story that appeals to children's imagination and is intended to make them laugh and question whether it's a cat or a dog. It has no interest in teaching anything, but in making children like books. I want my books to awaken an interest in literature in their lives.
Q: Did you know how the book would end before you started working on it, or did you make many changes along the way?
A: Yes, I always need a beginning and an end before I scribble down the story. Some changes are made, but not to the point of changing the direction, just improving connections between the pages.
Q: What are you working on now?
A: I've just finished my next book, called Four Thieves. A very funny story about thieves who want to rob a bank vault, but have a nephew who isn't too keen on becoming a thief. I'm very excited about this new project.
Q: Anything else we should know?
A: I think we've talked about the whole process, but if you'd like more information about my work or have any questions, just contact me on instagram.com/guikarsten or www.guilhermekarsten.com.
--Interview with Deborah Kalb
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