Passion for Picture Books - Mirka Breen, Interview

I am so happy to introduce my next picture book author, Mirka Breen.  Mirka is another member of our critique group Pens and Brushes.  She is valued for a great deal of expertise as a group member.  For me, I appreciate her honesty and no nonsense critiques which she balances with compassionate support.

Mirka, what is it that drew you into writing picture books?

I think of picture books as art books for all ages, including children. I never outgrew them. I cherished them as a very young reader, but began collecting them in my twenties.  Of all the art created today, I am drawn to picture books. I have never resonated to ‘art for art’s sake,’ and paintings that have a story to attach to hit the spot.

When you are writing a manuscript, what area of the story do you get the most satisfaction in developing and exploring?


For me it is almost always the underlying theme. The theme is what hounds me, and when a plot or a story arc makes its way to me, I think of it as having just gotten the anchor for the theme.

Aside from theme, do you find the most frustrating or difficult to develop?

The middle. The beginning comes to me almost in a dream state, and from the beginning I can hear the echo of the end. But the middle, or the ‘many middles…’ Now that is really challenging. I find myself relying more on perspiration, the tried and true formula, when I am moving through the middle of the story. The beginning & end are pure inspiration.

Mirka, if you could choose one pb author, author/illustrator, or illustrator that inspires you, who would you spend a day with? 

I think if I have to pick just one it would be Ruth Krauss. Although she had the benefit of collaboration with a spouse who was an illustrator, she was an ‘author only” master of the picture book form, which is already a sort of oxymoron. The purity and perfection of THE CARROT SEED just hasn’t been improved on. As a writer who doesn’t illustrate, the seemingly impossible process of generating something for a media where we are ultimately guests of the artists fascinates me.   And I heard Ruth Krauss was an interesting person.

Finally, what your favorite picture book as a child or your favorite one to read aloud as an adult?

Because I grew up in Israel the books I read are not known here. But as an adult I would choose Tim and the Blanket Thief by John Prater. Perfect poetic prose to compliment his dream-like water color art. And then there’s the main thing: the theme of overcoming fears, and what fears are made of.


I would like to thank Mirka for being a part of Passion for Picture Books and supporting my writing, illustrating, and photography.  Your cultural history and expanded world views bring a depth to our group and how we all approach the art of writing a picture book.

About Mirka

Mirka was born and raised in Jerusalem and now raises her children in California. She writes Middle Grade novels, chapter books, and story picture books. When not writing, driving her kids or cooking and cleaning, Mirka is busy submitting her stories.
Mirka's novel for middle grades, VOICE OF THUNDER, was contracted for publication. Release date from WiDo Publishing will be set soon.

You can find out more at:

mirkabreen.com

And even more of her occasional musings at her blog, Mirka Muse

Mirka Muse