The science of storytelling for children
Ernest Rutherford: Just an ordinary boy is written by awardwinning author Maria Gill with intricate illustrations from artist (and Sunday Star-Times front page designer) Alistair Hughes, and is believed to be the first picture book to share Rutherford’s story with a young New Zealand audience.
Why do you think Ernest Rutherford’s story will resonate with young readers?
MG: Children might not realise that Ernest Rutherford was just an ordinary kid just like them. Three times he tried for scholarships but didn’t get them on the first try. But he persevered and became a world-famous scientist. It’s a really positive message for children to not give up on your dreams.
You were able to put yourself in his shoes, so to speak, by working at the very place he went to university. What was that like?
MG: It was inspiring working at the university he attended in the late 1800s. I’d walk along Hagley Park and think, he strolled this way every day to attend classes. Or I’d sit on the seats in the lecture room and imagine his fellow students listening to a fascinating lecture on physics. And when I stood in his den, I imagined he was in the room telling me about his experiments. It helped me get to know him and feel what it was like being a student at Canterbury University (called College back then). Thanks to the Arts Centre in Christchurch for giving me that opportunity.
What are some of the basic principles when setting out to draw for children?
AH: I always believe the images have to be relatable on a human level for younger readers. Whether the story is about Antarctic exploration or splitting the atom in a laboratory, it has to be clear that people are always at the centre. Movement and activity is also an important element for engaging this age group.
And was there anything about Ernest’s story that particularly inspired you?
AH: By the time Maria gave me the opportunity to work on [the book] with her, I had long since become a bit of a science nerd and had read widely about him. And having grown up so near to where he was born and went to school, somehow gave this story more of a personal connection for me.