Momstagram Favorite Liz Climo Discusses Her New Picture Book

Hello! I’m Liz Climo, an author, illustrator, and animator with years of experience working on The Simpsons. I also create a webcomic on Instagram that features animals navigating social situations in a sweet and (hopefully!) funny way. My latest book, You’re Loved, shares a similar vibe to my comics, but this time it highlights the perspectives of baby animals and the adults who adore them. It serves as a tender reminder that even when life feels overwhelming, you are loved unconditionally. Today, I’ll take you through the journey of creating this book. Let’s dive in!

The Journey of Creating a New Book

Starting a new book is always a bit daunting for me, and this one was no different. I aimed for a compelling image that captures both warmth and the vastness of the world as perceived by a newborn. I envisioned the turtle looking straight at you on the first page, and it took several attempts to nail down the right expression. I’m quite pleased with how it turned out — the baby’s instant connection with the reader, paired with a hint of confusion, really shines through.

Reflecting on Parenthood

Reflecting on my time as a new parent, I fondly remember taking my daughter outside frequently when she was an infant. This simple act often calmed her and eased her mood (especially during tantrums). I used to gaze at her tiny face, convinced she was the most perfect baby ever. Now that she’s eight, I can look back at those early photos and chuckle — like many newborns, she was a delightful, chaotic bundle of screams, sleep protests, and milk-spitting (but still the sweetest chaos I’ve ever known).

The Challenge of Feeding

For most parents and caregivers, getting children to eat can be a real test of patience. We worked hard to introduce our daughter to a variety of foods early on, from adventurous meals at restaurants to skipping the kid’s menu altogether. Fast forward eight years, and her top food picks range from “deep-fried and dinosaur-shaped” to “anything beige with melted cheese.” Oh well, we tried! This illustration is my favorite in the book because it captures those early years so vividly (we even had that high chair!).

The Struggle with Sleep

The biggest challenge for me as a new parent was the loss of sleep. Like many people, I cherish a good night’s rest, while my baby seemed to treat sleep as an enemy. I remember using a video baby monitor, desperately wishing to see my little one peacefully sleeping, but instead, there were those two bright eyes staring back at me, wide awake. This illustration draws inspiration from those long, sleepless nights.

Character Development

The fennec fox parent in the book is a true reflection of me — a chronic worrier and a master of worst-case scenarios. A significant part of my parenting journey has been learning to let go of those fears and allow my child to explore. The development of this character, evolving from a constant worrier to their child’s biggest cheerleader, mirrors my growth as a parent. While my daughter hasn’t attempted skateboarding yet, she has recently excelled at roller skating — and of course, I made sure she had a helmet and every piece of protective gear available.

A Special Dedication

This particular illustration holds a special meaning for me. Not long ago, my dear friend Jake passed away, and I dedicated this book to him and his three children. I wanted a character to represent Jake’s youngest son, Leo, and that’s who this adorable little hedgehog is. Jake was one of the kindest people I ever met, making everyone feel safe and loved. My hope is to encapsulate some of that spirit within this book.

You’re Loved will be available at booksellers on April 5.

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In summary, Liz Climo shares her experiences and insights gained from creating You’re Loved, a picture book that captures the essence of parenting through the eyes of baby animals. The book is not just a reflection of her creativity but also a heartfelt tribute to her personal journey as a mother.