Behind the Book: PictureFace Lizzy

The PictureFace Lizzy Doll is officially THE coolest doll on the market. All Eve needs to do is convince her parents to get her one. But what happens when you get exactly what you want and the rush wears off?

PictureFace Lizzy is out now! Written by beloved actor Josh Gad, illustrated by Marta Kissi, and published by Penguin US / Dial Books for Young Readers.

We spoke to Marta about her process illustrating this book, her own childhood toy-obsessions, and more.

For those that don’t know what PictureFace Lizzy is about, please give a quick summary!

This is a story about a young girl called Eve-Tanya who desperately wants one thing that all her friends seem to have already: the new “it” toy called PictureFace Lizzy. It is a super cool, high tech doll that does all sorts of amazing things! If only she could convince her parents to buy her one, her life would be perfect! But what happens when you get what you want and the rush wears off?

This is a hilarious story about the traps of consumerism, finding the balance in life, the importance of imagination, friendship, love and family. It’s a must read!

How did you determine the artistic style for this book? How did you decide what you wanted a PictureFace Lizzy doll to look like?

When designing PictureFace Lizzy I wanted to give her a gentle nod to my own childhood “it” toys such a Tamagotchi or Polly Pockets that would have that sort of cute, collectable, “mass market” look to it that would send Eve-Tanya’s mind spinning!

When you think back to your childhood, was there ever a toy/article of clothing/object that you so desperately wanted?

Oh definitely! One toy I always desperately wanted (but never got) was a real Barbie doll. I had a few “almost real” ones, which were all fine and I played with them gladly but they were definitely not the dreamy, super-shiny-haired Barbie that I’ve always dreamed of.

What do you want young readers to take away from PictureFace Lizzy?

I would like the readers to remember that although it is totally ok to want things in our life, it is also important to remember that there is no material “thing” in the whole world that would make your life “perfect”. The only “things” that can help us achieve that “perfect” goal are not actually physical and they sneakily hide in other things like good laughs with the loved ones or the fun memories made with our friends. It’s the imagination and love that matters.

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PictureFace Lizzy is out now, get your copy here!

Marta is represented by Alex Gehringer. To get work with Marta, get in touch with Alex here.