And, Too, the Fox: An Interview with Illustrator Gaby D’Alessandro
Step into the whimsical and thought-provoking world of And, Too, the Fox, the stunning new poetry picture book by US Poet Laureate Ada Limón and celebrated illustrator Gaby D’Alessandro.
Known for her bold, nature-inspired artwork, Gaby D’Alessandro takes us on a visual journey that blurs the line between poetry and storytelling. In this exclusive interview, Gaby shares her creative process, the inspiration behind her collaboration, and how she brought the enigmatic fox and its poetic world to life. Whether you’re a fan of her work or new to her artistry, this conversation offers a glimpse into the making of a book that’s as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the soul.
What drew you to this manuscript?
I was instantly drawn to Ada Limón’s poems. I love how she writes about nature and the interconnectedness of everything. My work is also often focused on nature and I think, like the poem this book is based on, my drawings can be very contemplative, so this opportunity felt like an ideal match.
What is the most surprising thing you discovered while working on this book?
I was surprised it rekindled an interest in poetry that began when I was a child and I slowly left behind. Becoming familiar with Ada’s work and listening to her speak about the power of poetry fueled a rediscovery and I’ve become curious and much more appreciative of this genre.
What did you most enjoy about illustrating this book?
I loved developing the character of the fox and getting to depict his many facets. It was fun to draw him energetically running and jumping, on some pages, in contrast to quietly walking and resting, on others.
What was the biggest challenge you faced illustrating this book?
Creating the illustrations for this book was a fun and in many ways effortless experience. I had a beautiful manuscript to draw inspiration from, a wonderful team giving me helpful feedback, and I love drawing plants and animals. I think that all made the work flow with ease for me.
I would say the biggest challenge was managing my time in the midst of significant changes in my life. This was my first big project after the birth of my son and it also coincided with moving to a new home and the loss of a family member. At times I fell a bit behind schedule, but I was fortunate to receive lots of support and understanding from the team and those around me.
What do you hope this book inspires in readers?
I hope it inspires them to slow down and take in the wonders around them.
Please describe your artistic process and the medium that you used to create your illustrations.
I started out by doing research and collecting reference images and inspiration. Simultaneously, I wrote down ideas, did quick thumbnail sketches and worked on the character of the fox. Once I had a few solid ideas, I created a storyboard to make sure there was a good flow to the illustrations. I later worked on detailed sketches, that went through some revisions, as well as color tests, before proceeding to final art. I worked in Procreate on an iPad and, when my files became too heavy, I used Photoshop with a Wacom Cintiq tablet.
Learn More
Read about the journey of And, Too, the Fox in these articles!
- A Fuse #8 Production: A Conversation with US Poet Laureate, Ada Limón
Ada Limón spoke at the 2024 NCTE Conference and signed books for all her fans afterwards!
Free Educator Resource
Bring the beauty of nature into your poetry lessons—download the free educator resource for And, Too, the Fox filled with creative activities and nature-inspired ideas. This resource can also be found on the Lerner website here.
Praise for And, Too, the Fox
★”The wonder and reverence conveyed through the text and the fluidity of the illustrations result in a smooth and calming experience that will leave readers awed at the beauty of nature. A grounded yet ethereal blend of verse and vulpine sentiments.”—starred, Kirkus Reviews
★”Children will be captivated by Fox as they join him on a joyful romp through his world.”—starred, School Library Journal
“In soaring lines of poetry that feel as graceful as the creature they describe, Limón (In Praise of Mystery) considers a fox seen in a fenced backyard . . . The sense of having entered the world of a wild animal for a few unexpected moments lingers in this refreshing picture book encounter.”—Publishers Weekly
Connect with the Creators
Ada Limón is the author of six books of poetry, including The Carrying, which won the National Book Critics Circle Award for Poetry. Her most recent book of poetry, The Hurting Kind, was shortlisted for the Griffin Poetry Prize. She is the 24th Poet Laureate of the United States and the recipient of a MacArthur Fellowship. As the Poet Laureate, her signature project is called You Are Here and focuses on how poetry can help connect us to the natural world.
Photo Credit: Lucas Marquardt
Gaby D’Alessandro is a Dominican illustrator based in NYC. She attended Altos de Chavón in the Dominican Republic and moved to New York to complete her studies at Parsons School of Design. Gaby’s work has been recognized by Communication Arts, The Society of Illustrators, 3×3, American Illustration, and Latin American Ilustración. Her illustrated books include The Cot in the Living Room and Stolen Science.
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