At Tundra Books, we want you to get to know and love our creators as much as you know and love their books. Our creator spotlight series will introduce you to the people behind some of your favorite titles . . . this week, say hello to Brandon Reese!
About the Author:
BRANDON REESE is the author-illustrator of the Fantastic Frog and the Amazing Tad Lad graphic novel series and several picture books: Cave Dada, Cave Dada Picky Eater and Oothar the Blue. He has also illustrated album covers and picture books for Grammy Award–winning musicians The Okee Dokee Brothers. He lives in North Carolina with his wife and son.
Q&A with Brandon Reese:
Can you walk us through the moment that frogs in superhero costumes came to be?
For some reason, I was on a frog drawing kick. One day I happened to draw one with a superhero cape and gave him a little tadpole sidekick. They seemed like they had a fun story to tell, so I just kept drawing and refining them until a story started to develop.
As both the author and illustrator, how do you balance those roles? At what stage do you choose to write/illustrate?
For me writing and illustrating sort of happen in tandem. Typically, I’ll first draw in my sketchbook and as a story starts to take shape, I’ll write notes in the margins. Once I have the basic outline of the story mapped out, I’ll type up a manuscript that includes illustration notes. It’s a ping-ponging of writing and drawing until the story is complete.
Without giving away spoilers how would you describe the dynamic between Fantastic Frog and Tad Lad?
Fantastic Frog is a big, lovable dope and Tad Lad is like his precocious, annoying kid brother.
What do you hope children reading this comic book will take away from it?
I want kids to laugh their butts off at these two goofy super-frogs’ adventures but also learn a bit about the importance of ecology and biodiversity.
What’s next for Fantastic Frog and Tad Lad?
Fantastic Frog and Tad Lad will return in book 2. They’ll travel deeper into the swamp to face off against veracious radioactive slugs and an amalgamation of oil and fowl known as the Sludge Duck!
Books by Brandon Reese:
Fantastic Frog and the Amazing Tad Lad
By Brandon Reese
200 Pages | Ages 8-12 | Hardcover
ISBN 9781774885970 | Tundra Books
No one ever said it was easy being green! The contaminated swamp where Dr. Kim conducts experiments is overrun with mutants and evil machines like the Hater Gator and the Robot Trash Dolls. That’s why she tinkered with amphibian genes to create superheroes Fantastic Frog and sidekick Tad Lad. In their first adventure, the frogs leap forth to battle the scaly swamp thing terrorizing Sector One. Will the Hater Gator’s tail flails flatten this duo before they discover the truth behind what’s gone rotten in their swamp?
And in their second adventure, the duo stumble upon a landfill of disgusting, off-brand toys in Sector Two . . . which come alive! Outnumbered and totally grossed out, can our heroes defeat these Robot Trash Dolls?