East

Lucía Benito is the illustrator of "East, the long-trunked elephant", our latest book that was released in November 2017. Kicki Pallin thinks Lucía does have a magic power, the type of power that can make Kicki's characters come to life ...

Name: Lucía Benito

Born in: Buenos Aires, Argentina

Lives in: Cochabamba, Bolivia (for the last 11 years)

Family: Husband and two sons. No pets, though she'd love to adopt a cat 

When did you start drawing, Lucía? 

I've been drawing as long as I can remember. It seems it has always been part of my life, part of what I am. 

What is it you love about illustrating?

Mmm … I think I love everything the process involves. Not only the drawing part, but I love the research I do for every story I illustrate, I love learning new techniques, drawing new characters. I love meeting new people. I love making visible, making real something that only existed in the writer’s mind, and witnessing their amazement when they see it. I love the connection between us when this happens. It feels like having a super power to me … 

What is your favourite thing to draw?

I love drawing little kids, specially doing funny stuff. 

How many books have you illustrated?

I have never really counted them, but I just did it and it seems I’ve illustrated about 50 books! 

Have you written any books as well?

I never got around to write them, but I have several ideas of picture books I’d like to make … One is a book about monsters that we've created with my son, we are half way done with that one.

What’s your favourite thing to do when you’re not drawing?

I love spending time with my family, going out or just being at home, together.

Do you have a special dream or goal for the future? 

Well, I love what I do, so I want to keep drawing and illustrating … I’d love to create a little team of illustrators to work with me, and also encourage others to become freelance illustrators and live doing what they love. 

And we want to move to live somwehere by the sea, that’s a goal we all have as a family.