Daniela Terrazzini’s third book with Maggie O’Farrell

To celebrate the release “When the Stammer came to Stay” by Maggie O’Farrell we speak to Daniela about her thoughts on this 3^rd book with Maggie O’Farrell and reflect on the previous two.

Daniela said…

“When the Stammer came to Stay” is my third book with Maggie O’Farrell and possibly my favourite.
It tells the story of two sisters whose bond grows stronger through their differences and mutual support and how they ultimately help each other love and accept themselves for who they are. Like pretty much all of Maggie’s stories, it brought tears to my eyes.

“The challenge in illustrating this book in particular, like the previous one (The Boy who lost his Spark), was to translate Maggie’s words and description of a creature that doesn’t exist in the real world into a vision that blended both my interpretation and sensitivity with hers. As it happened with my imagining of the Nouka as well, the first version of the Dibbuk (a spirit that attaches itself to people and causes mischief) was too scary…. and I had to find a way to tone it down without losing its darker appeal.”

I really enjoy this process, both of imagining and of collaboration. Although I always try to stay “true” to my visual sensitivity, I also think it’s right to push my boundaries and explore something that I wouldn’t naturally choose to do in my illustrations sometimes. I try to distinguish between when my resistance is to do with fear, or when it’s simply knowledge of what will work in my style and what won’t.

Working with the team at Walker, Nhgiem in particular, and Maggie is such a pleasure because I feel supported and respected but I also know that I will be pushed to try new things or new versions when it’s truly needed. And the results are all the better for it.

Daniela has been with the Artworks for over 20 years now and we are incredibly proud of these books. Her work is timeless and transports us to places environments and emotions in the most satisfying way. It’s a dream to read and the illustrations are such an integral part of these stories. Daniela and Maggie make a great team.  Not only is the story incredible special and no doubt with help many people who are struggling with stammers it’s a wonderful story about love and the strength of relationships.