All the Ways to Pray by Kathleen Kelly & Anne Ryan

All the Ways to Pray

by Kathleen Kelly illustrated by Anne Ryan

Wild Dog Books

Guest author and illustrator post at PaperbarkWords blog by Kathleen Kelly and Anne Ryan

The Inspiration

Kathleen: The inspiration for All the Ways to Pray was really all the things that are happening in the world right now. It is difficult even as an adult to make sense of things that seem to focus on difference rather than what we have in common—the things that can unite us all such as hope and empathy. Prayer is a conversation, a transcendent moment.

Anne: My teaching experience with young children has been the core inspiration for researching and developing the visual language for this gentle children’s book. I drew from my observations of their behaviours, mannerisms and body language to create the characters for this book.

First Impressions of the Story

Anne: My first impression of a manuscript is often challenging, and Kathleen’s manuscript was no exception.

If I accept a picture book project to illustrate, I need to feel that I can offer a balanced view of the storytelling and be mindful of any “halo bias” that may cloud my perception. I like to find an authentic connection to the story that will allow me to work with an open mindset whilst developing the narrative to its best potential.

Kathleen’s title, All the Ways to Pray, does not shy away from the theme of belief, spirituality and prayer. But after reading the text, this simple title falls way short of the enriched interpretation that she unpacks on every page through positive thinking, reflection and gratitude. It was this holistic, inclusive and universal approach to the subject that inspired my visual responses.

The Writing Process

Kathleen: I thought about all the ways a young person might need to reflect on what is happening around them, both good happenings and the not-so-good. Children won’t grow into empathetic humans without guidance around how to make sense of all the crazy things happening in the world.

Illustration Process

Anne: My illustration process begins with rough sketches that help me establish character profiles. The first illustrations explore imagery that has been archived in my memory through personal experiences.

When I find an image or a character that I like, then I love to create a colour rough to see which materials will resonate best with the story.

Anne: After creating this colour rough early in the process, I was keen to create the illustrations with mixed media, including watercolour, ink, gouache and pencil. I use a layering process that starts with coloured shapes on background colours. It is a painterly process that develops with shape and brushed colours, rather than a drawn outline. This helps me with colour management and tonal and textural details.

First impressions of the Illustrations

Kathleen: I have always loved Anne Ryan’s artwork and was thrilled when she agreed to illustrate the manuscript.

Anne’s artwork so perfectly captures the emotion in every page. The anticipation, joy, sadness, disappointment and love are so beautifully portrayed in the posture and expression of the children illustrated.

Hopes for this book

Kathleen: I hope young readers find All the Ways to Pray to be reassuring. I hope it begins discussions about the different ways people pray and reminds us to be kind and to be thankful for the good things in our lives. I hope it reminds us that who we are as people and how we treat other people, matters. We need each other.

Anne: This book embraces the power of a growth mindset, positive thinking and resilience. It is a gentle resource that will open conversations about healthy wellbeing for life’s challenges and opportunities.

All the Ways to Pray at Wild Dog Books