We spent some time speaking with Sara Aziz, the illustrator of Ready To Smile Again (written by Katie Lee Reinert). Read on to learn more about her favorite scene in the book and the inspiration behind her work.

Our Conversation with Sara Aziz

GRP: Hi Sara, welcome to our blog! Please tell us a little bit about yourself. 

SA: I grew up in Lahore, Pakistan with paint-stained fingers under the shade of lush pink bougainvillea and jasmine trees. I was always drawing or painting and went on to complete a Bachelors (Hons) and a Masters in Fine Art. Despite a promising start as a contemporary artist I decided to specialize in Children’s Book Illustration because I find an honest kind of joy in painting the wonderful, colourful lives children live; their worlds so full of love and promise. Having resided in Pakistan, Scotland and now Canada I find great solace and pleasure in seeing that young humans can be so unique and yet so similar. I have illustrated over 35 books and am currently working on multiple new projects alongside teaching art. I am the recipient of the Ian Eadie Award, a gold medalist and was awarded a SCBWI scholarship for author-illustrators in 2023. I now live in Ontario with my husband and two beautiful children who, to my delight, are also growing up with paint-stained fingers.

GRP: You are quite an accomplished illustrator and we are so pleased to have you illustrate Ready To Smile Again (written by Katie Lee Reinert). Why did you want to illustrate this story?

SA: I immediately connected with Dexter’s story because I have moved around a lot and know what it's like to lose things that are dear to you. It can be quite difficult leaving homes behind, especially when you’re younger. I empathize with Dexter’s desire to hold on to the things that connect you to your past.

GRP: What’s your favorite spread in the book and why?

My favourite spread is probably the first spread, where Dexter looks at the fallen tree and the spilled belongings. It was a challenge loading the image with drama, context and emotion; and I’m quite proud of how it’s turned out.

GRP: So are we! Thank you for taking the time to speak with us, Sara.