Behind the Book: All the Greatness in You

We were thrilled to chat with the incredible Alleanna Harris who lends her illustrative gifts to All The Greatness in You, written by Tameka Fryer Brown, a sweet and affirming story told from the perspective of a loving mother as she recounts all the things she admires about her young son and his burgeoning independence. Published by Farrar, Straus and Giroux.

Read on to learn more behind the book.

In your own words, what is All The Greatness in You about?

All The Greatness in You is about a mom who watches her young son becoming more and more independent as they go through their daily adventures. Throughout the book she tells him what she loves and admires about him and she encourages him too.

What was the original inspiration for the story of All The Greatness in You?

One of Tameka’s (the author) daughters was moving up in school and she was very nervous, so this story came from what Tameka told her daughter to encourage her. It also includes some things she wished she could have said in that moment as well.

Tell us about your illustration process. How do you begin a project?

I read the manuscript thoroughly, and then I sketch out thumbnails, which are very small, rough sketches. This is where I play with different possible ideas. Once I figure out the visual flow of the story, then I re-sketch the thumbnails into full-sized, cleaned up sketches. Then I send my sketches in to get approved by the publishing team.

How did you approach world-building for this story?

When I read the manuscript, I automatically imagined the main character and his mom how we see them in the book, except he was a little older. There are a lot of details based on details from my life, and from Tameka’s life. So in a way, the world built itself! I started drawing the little boy and his mom, and I added more and more of what I felt made sense in their world.

Do you have a favourite part of the book?

My favorite part of the book is when the main character, who we named Justin, sings his solo in the youth choir at church. I loved drawing all of the little choir members! It gave me flashbacks to when I was in the Youth Mass Choir as a kid. I have a lot of great memories.

Is there anything you hope readers take away from their time with the book?

I hope readers feel a sense of warmth and love! I also hope they feel encouraged. I want them to believe that they can do anything that they put their minds to!

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All The Greatness in You is available now. Get your copy here.

To work with Alleanna, get in contact with Alex Gehringer here.