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Christian Robinson draws inspiration from Matisse and Jacob Lawrence, Tomi Ungerer, Leo Lionni, Ezra Jack Keats, among others.


Robinson says he especially likes picture-book art from the fifties through seventies, and he values any artist who has a distinct point of view. In other words, beauty is nice, but if you can create a bird that resembles no other artist's bird, that's maybe even better.

I can't find any Robinson comments on Eric Carle, but I think of the two together because (1) they love animals, and (2) they love paper collage.

Carle and Robinson also both speak warmly about Matisse.

I'm pasting three Robinson images here, along with one iconic Carle cover.

Robinson's newest work--which will accompany the text for "Smallest Girl in the Smallest Grade"--can be seen in bookstores next month (July).

P.S. I spoke too soon. "Smallest Girl" is actually an old release. I'm keeping an eye on the possibility of a new Robinson, and will write when I hear of one.
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