As an artist and art teacher, I’m always fascinated to learn about other creators. Author Jeanne Walker Harvey writes informative and inspiring picture books that are a great fit for art (and all!) classrooms. I caught up with Jeanne to learn more:
Me: Congratulations on THE GLASS PYRAMID (Atheneum Books for Young Readers, May, 2025), your inspiring new picture book about the architect I.M. Pei and his work on the Louvre! You’ve recently written books about other fascinating creators, from Alma Thomas to Else Bostelmann. What inspired you to write about Pei?
Jeanne: Thanks so much, Jonathan! I’ve always been drawn to minimalist modern artists and architects, and I.M. Pei was definitely part of that group. I first experienced being in one of his buildings when I lived in Washington DC for a summer and frequented the East Building of the National Gallery. So much light and space – pure joy! I first started writing a book about all of I.M. Pei’s buildings. But when I researched the glass pyramid at the Louvre, I knew that’s the one I wanted to focus on. I remembered visiting the Louvre after the pyramid was built and thinking what an incredibly innovative and beautiful design it is. And then when I learned about all the challenges I.M. Pei faced, I knew I wanted to write a book focusing on his patience and persistence.
Me: I teach art (to elementary kids) but I often think that my subject is really ‘creative problem solving’, which can apply to all subjects. I appreciate how your book really focuses on one main artistic problem, and how you show many stages of Pei’s process, from inspiration to irritability. Where do you get your inspiration? And any tips for getting over the irritations and other hard spots that also can come with creative work?
Jeanne: Yes! I so enjoyed meeting you at your school when I was there for a talk. I have the highest regard for art teachers because you are the ones inspiring creativity in children and sharing the visual arts with them. And, as you say, you’re teaching creative problem solving that I believe is invaluable to everyone. I’m inspired by creative people, and I’m always seeking to share the stories of those who have overcome challenges in pursuing their dreams.
That’s such an intriguing question about how to get over irritations and hard spots that come with creative work. I think for me it’s been booting off that little critic that can live on my shoulder and thwart me from trying new ideas or ways of being creative. I think I’ve learned to instead enjoy the process, the play, of writing in whatever creative way inspires me. Sometimes it doesn’t work out, but sometimes it does, and no matter what I’ve enjoyed the process.
Me: Illustrating books about artists and art presents an extra challenge, but Khoa Le brings Pei and his work to life with clear, illuminating illustrations. How was she chosen for this project? Did you have any involvement with her along the way?
Jeanne: Atheneum’s art director, Michael McCartney, and my editor, Kristie Choi, envisioned Khoa Le from the start as the perfect illustrator for the manuscript (which she is!). They approached her and she said yes! Khoa does such amazing work in combining architectural historically accurate illustrations with I.M. Pei’s creative thinking (those lovely light French flourishes in the air). I couldn’t be more impressed and pleased by her illustrations. During the illustration process, I was asked for some photos (as I have quite the stack of I.M. Pei and Louvre books) for accuracy. I was able to mail her some books which she couldn’t easily obtain in Vietnam where she lives and works. And the Atheneum team kindly shared the illustrations in different stages. It’s always so exciting to see them develop. I had minimal comments. The final say is always the illustrator, art director, and editor which I’ve found always works out perfectly. It’s such an exciting surprise to see how the illustrator interprets the text and brings it to life.
Me: How did you get into writing books for kids?
Jeanne: Writing children’s books has always been a dream of mine since I was a girl going to the library and bringing home a stack of books every week. It just took quite a long time to be published. But I know even if I weren’t published, I’d still be writing because writing is my passion. But … it’s awfully nice to be published and be able to share my books with children!
Me: Can you share what you’re working on next?
Jeanne: Several projects in different stages, all involving creative people or the creative process.
Me: Thank you so much for chatting. Wishing your book much success!
Jeanne: Thanks so much, Jonathan. I so enjoyed chatting with you. And I wish you great success with your books and writing also. Thank you for what you do to support the kidlit community with interviews such as this. I always enjoy reading all your interviews, and I’m honored to be included.
To learn more, please visit Jeanne Walker Harvey.
