“My Extraordinary Face” by Samir Mardini, M.D., and Marissa A. Suchyta, M.D., Ph.D., is an inspiring story for children — or others — who have facial differences. The story explores how to become more confident, regardless of appearance. Fun and colorful, yet meaningful, illustrations in children’s books are vital to conveying a message. The illustrator of “My Extraordinary Face,” Violet Tobacco, elegantly portrays the story that shows how those with facial differences can build confidence and relationships with others. In the following Q&A, Tobacco dives deeper into the illustration process and how she was able to bring this extraordinary story to life.
Who is this book for and what can readers take away from this book?
First and foremost, this book is for children and people of any age who have facial differences. I hope readers can take away from this book a bond with the characters, a reflection of how we can all relate to an experience of bullying, a celebration of differences, and a reminder that we have the strength to surround ourselves with people who support us.
Explain the significance of flowers in the art of My Extraordinary Face.
The team gave me a lot of agency to have the art tell a narrative adjacent to the author’s message. I wanted the art to show as many children as possible while still having a focus. The flower is a baton of trust and kindness that each kid offers the next. Since the words of the story talk about building your bubble with people who support you, it was an idea to have the flower be an opportunity that even people passing by can be that reminder that you are not alone.
Your illustrations in My Extraordinary Face are quiet but evocative. How did you try to bring the characters to life?
Thank you! Given the authors’ sage words and the team’s creative vision, there was a lot to work with. Wanting the reader to feel deeply connected to the characters, I strived to infuse as much whimsy and silliness as appropriately possible into the illustrations. This was an early mission of mine, aimed at evoking a variety of expressions, thoughts, and feelings in the children, thereby helping the reader relate and/or bond with the characters.
Why did you want to illustrate a book like My Extraordinary Face?
When approached about the book, I felt magnetic to the story and mission the authors created. There is so much to value in a book that teaches children that they have a powerful voice to choose whom they surround themselves with and that they alone can remind themselves of their value. The book acknowledges that people can say hurtful things against something that makes you special, but that should never dwindle how bright you shine.
What were the challenges you encountered while illustrating this book?
My main challenge was to keep the stylization of the art from getting ahead of the accurate representation. Thanks to the team’s patience and education, we redid the design of one of our boy characters, Gabriel, who has Treacher Collins syndrome. We were able to conclude on a design that let this character shine accurately to ensure children with the same facial difference can relate to him.
What was your favorite part of illustrating My Extraordinary Face?
My favorite part of this amazing opportunity was working with a team that trusted my visual storytelling. It means the world to me that they trusted me with this project and allowed me to express the visual story I saw with the written words. I hope the readers feel empowered by the words and warmed by the art.
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