The Picture Book Buzz - Interview w/Sarah Glenn Marsh, Isha Lobo, and Review of Bigfoot's Big Heart
Sarah Glenn Marsh is an author of young adult novels and children's picture books. An avid fantasy reader from the day her dad handed her a copy of The Hobbit and promised it would change her life; she’s been making up words and worlds ever since. She lives in Virginia with her husband, daughter, four rescued greyhounds, and three birds.
When she's not writing, she's often throwing pottery, listening to podcasts, or engaged in nerdy pursuits from video games to tabletop adventures.
Sarah is the author of 28 books, including Dragon Bones: The Fantastic Fossil Discoveries of Mary Anning, illustrated by Maris Wicks (2022), Crayola: Ellie’s Crayon Adventure, illustrated by Tiffany Rose (2022), Anna Strong: A Spy During the American Revolution, illustrated by Sarah Green (2020), Alice Across America: The Story of the First Women's Cross-Country Road Trip, illustrated by Gilbert Ford (2020), Diabetes Doesn't Stop Maddie! Illustrated by Maria Luisa Di Gravio (2020), The Bug Girl: Maria Merian's Scientific Vision, Illustrated by Filippo Vanzo (2019), and Ninita's Big World: The True Story of a Deaf Pygmy Marmoset, illustrated by Stephanie Fizer Coleman (2019).
Ishaa Lobo is a children’s book illustrator whose work is often inspired by nature, travels, and her childhood.
She grew up in London, England, and enjoys spending her weekends exploring the city.
Ishaa is the illustrator of To Dogs, with Love: A Love Letter to the Dogs Who Help Us by Maria Gianferrari (2023), There's Always Room for One More by Robyn McGrath (2023), The Mystery of The Love List by Sarah Glenn Marsh (2022).
Their newest picture book collaboration, Bigfoot’s Big Heart, was released on December 24th.
Welcome Sarah and Ishaa, thank you so much for stopping back by to talk about yourselves and your newest book.
Sarah, what was the inspiration or spark of interest for Bigfoot’s Big Heart? Why Bigfoot?
SARAH - When I think of Valentine’s Day, I often think of how it can represent so much more than just romantic love. There are so many different kinds of special relationships to celebrate! So, when my editor at Viking asked me about doing another Valentine’s-themed picture book for her list, I started thinking about how lonely it would be to exist as a mythical creature or monster on Valentine’s Day when they are already so feared, or otherwise believed not to exist! How hard it would be not to be celebrated in the same way as others due to being different or simply misunderstood–and then I thought, you know what, all these lonely monsters ought to have their own friend network! Enter the scouts wanting to spread some love as well, and the story quickly came together.
I love this chain of thoughts that got you to this great book! Ishaa, what about the Bigfoot’s Big Heart manuscript appealed to you as an illustrator?
ISHAA - Well, firstly I was so excited to work on a book with Sarah Glenn Marsh again! This manuscript spoke to me because as I was reading it my mind was filling with ideas for what the monsters could look like, their homes, and other little details I could put in. I also absolutely loved the idea that a big scary monster could actually be a little softie who just feels lonely and wants to show their love.
I adore the way you chose to illustrate it! What is a (or the most) fun or unusual place where you’ve written a manuscript or created an illustration?
SARAH - I’m a creature of habit, so I do all my best work at my local library! I love cozying up in the study room, which has an expansive view of the woods, putting up my feet, and working on a new story. Libraries and librarians are the best. I remember last summer, while I was working on an adult manuscript and some intense fight scenes, much to my surprise a librarian came to the door of the study room to get me–and she said, “You’re taking a break! You’ve been working long enough–why don’t you come have some free ice cream?” It was just what I needed. Libraries are magic!
ISHAA - I tend to work at home when I’m at the ideas stage of an illustration or project since that’s where I feel I can really relax and be creative, with no distractions from the outside world. However, once I get to the final artwork stage, where I add in all the colour and fun details, I think it’s quite nice to find a nice spot in a cafe. Sometimes people will come up to me and ask me about my work, so it makes the job a bit less isolating. It’s also lovely to talk to people about what I’m doing. Quite often they don’t realise that I’m working and not just doodling away!
What a wonderful librarian! Oh, I wish I could pop into that cafe. What fun it would be to watch you work. Sarah, what was the toughest part of writing Bigfoot’s Big Heart? Do you find it easier to write nonfiction or fiction? How about picture books versus novels?
SARAH -The toughest part, I think, was figuring out a way for Bigfoot and the scouts to interact initially - how to bring these two shy groups of people/creatures together! Once they got talking, I knew the rest would come together.
I’d say I tend to find fiction a bit easier, although I also love writing nonfiction. It's just, with nonfiction, I always worry about misrepresenting a little detail somehow. And when we’re discussing history, or someone’s life story, all those little details matter greatly. In fiction, if I accidentally get, say, Bigfoot’s pizza preference wrong- no I didn’t; I meant to do that! 😉
When it comes to picture books vs. novels, I’d say picture books are actually more challenging. In picture books, you’ve got 500-700 words to tell a complete and satisfying story, full of emotion and character arcs - whereas with novels, I’ve got as much room as I’d like to explore all of those things! And I am, admittedly, rather wordy. Ha!
Congrats on being able to navigate writing fiction, nonfiction, PBs, and novels. You rock! How long did it take from the first draft to publication for the text and the illustrations?
SARAH - It’s been a little while, so I’m fuzzy on the details, but I think we went through a few drafts of the story over a period of several months before edits were finalized. Then came the illustration process, and it was another couple of months before I got to see some initial sketches! The total first draft to publication timeline happened over the span of about two years, I’d say.
ISHAA - I think I completed the first round of sketches in May 2023 and then had maybe two or three rounds of revisions. There’s a lot of waiting around. Then it took around a month or two to do the final artwork which I sent in October. The publication date was December 2024, so quite a long time to wait to see the final book! But that’s standard.
Actually, not too bad for a picture book. Or have we just been conditioned to expect this type of a timeline?Sarah, did anything surprise or amaze you when you first got to see Ishaa’s illustrations? What is your favorite spread?
SARAH - Having worked with Ishaa before, I knew her work was going to be brilliant – but I was really struck here by how much emotion she was able to lend to each of the cryptids featured in the book, making them warm and relatable rather than even a little scary. I also always delight in looking through her spreads for the tiniest details, like decorations in Bigfoot’s cave or the other monsters’ houses!
Text © Sarah Glenn Marsh, 2025. Image © Ishaa Lobo, 2025.
My favorite spread is probably the scene where they all toast marshmallows around a campfire in the woods at the end–I love how Omukade, the centipede cryptid, is so long that he stretches across both pages, and how we see everyone so relaxed and truly enjoying each other’s company with a smile - from shy humans to shy monsters!
This is a great illustration and so fun of cozy friendship! Ishaa, is there a spread of which you are especially proud? Which is your favorite spread?
Text © Sarah Glenn Marsh, 2025. Image © Ishaa Lobo, 2025.
ISHAA - Yes, my favourite spread is the one where Bigfoot is peaking out of his cave and all the scouts and cryptid friends surprise him! I love how Chupacabra is holding flowers and Omukade is throwing confetti, and they’re all cheering. It’s such a joyous scene. I’m quite pleased with that one!
You should be. I love how you got them all to fit outside the narrow cave opening! It turned out beautifully. Ishaa, what’s the hardest part of illustrating picture books? Of Bigfoot’s Big Heart in particular?
ISHAA - The hardest part would be the initial sketch stage where I’ve got a blank canvas and I need to think of ideas. Sometimes the ideas will come naturally as I read a manuscript, but a lot of the time the first idea you have isn't the best idea, so you have to do a lot of trial and error until you figure out what works. It’s also the most exciting part because it’s like watching the artwork appear on the page bit by bit, slowly forming into a book.
For Bigfoot’s Big Heart, the most challenging part was figuring out what the characters would look like. Bigfoot and Nessie were the simplest to figure out, but the others were more of a challenge. While researching them, they were described as these terrifying creatures with sharp claws and big teeth. It was so much fun to put a different spin on these cryptids and make them seem a lot more cuddly, while still keeping their big teeth, claws, and many legs. Once I knew what the characters and the setting looked like, it was a lot easier to get stuck in.
I love the introduction to the gardening Chupacabra and the book reading Omukada! You definitely made sharp teeth and tons of legs adorable. As your second picture book collaboration, did you still work individually or was their more interaction with Bigfoot’s Big Heart?
SARAH - I’d say we had a bit more interaction this time around! Not only because we now keep in touch (this might not be the last collaboration you see from us…!), but also because now knowing Ishaa, I was able to make my illustration notes throughout the manuscript with more confidence!
ISHAA - I had some art notes from Sarah which were very helpful, but as always there isn’t much interaction between author and illustrator during the illustration process. I worked with the fantastic Art Director at Penguin, Opal Roengchai, who also worked with me on the previous book. However, Sarah and I may be collaborating on something soon!
That sounds so intriguing . . . guess we are just going to have to keep our eyes out for news. What's something you both want your readers to know about Bigfoot’s Big Heart?
SARAH - Well, I’d love for readers to see that Bigfoot and his friends are there to show how we all feel misunderstood or different sometimes–and wouldn’t it be nice to be celebrated for the things that make us unique? I think that’s one way of showing love. This book is my reminder to celebrate our friendships and other loves, but also our differences! And we need that reminder now more than ever, I’d say.
ISHAA - I couldn’t have said it better, Sarah!
I totally agree! Ishaa, many illustrators leave treasures or weave their own story (or elements) throughout the illustrations. Did you do this in Bigfoot’s Big Heart? If so, could you share one or more with us?
ISHAA - Yes, I always do this. Bigfoot is knitting a pair of socks alone on Valentine’s Day and at the end of the book you can see that Chupacabra is wearing the socks! I like the idea that Bigfoot gifted them to his friend Chupacabra. Also, Nessie is wearing a scarf with the same yarn as the socks, showing that Bigfoot made something for her too. I enjoyed showing these little peaks into their friendship.
Text © Sarah Glenn Marsh, 2025. Image © Ishaa Lobo, 2025.
Also, the cryptids Rompo and Omukade were put in by me! I think it happened because I put them in an illustration and then it was decided by the team that they had to be part of the text too. I haven’t ever contributed to the text before, so this was really exciting for me. It was really fun to read up on different cryptids and choose some that fit in well with the story.
Ooh, that is an exciting tidbit. How cool that you were able to add characters that got a role in the text and not appear as illustrative "side-kicks"! Are there any new projects you are working on now that you can share a hint or tidbit with us?
SARAH - Absolutely! I’d love to tease that I have another picture book coming out with Viking next year, Shadow Soldiers, which is a gentle accounting of World War II’s “Ghost Army” for young readers. I’m really excited to see the artwork for this, and to share the story with everyone when we can.
I’m also working on edits for my adult fiction debut, a romantasy that has yet to be announced–so stay tuned!
ISHAA - Yes I do! I have a book coming out this summer with Yosemite Conservancy called Bear Loves His Home written by Karen Jameson. It follows a bear cub in his first autumn, foraging, hunting, and finding treasures. I also have a book out this October with Nancy Paulsen Books: Family of Friends, written by Varsha Bajaj. It is a celebration of family, both the ones we’re born into and the ones we choose!
Ishaa, these sound fun. We will definitely have to watch for them and to keep our eyes open for announcements from Sarah. Last question, what is your favorite National Park or Forest, regional park, or city park (anywhere in the world)? Or the one you’re longing to visit. Why?
SARAH - I love this question! The national park I’m longing to visit these days is definitely a classic: Yellowstone. I recently read (and reread) The Last Ranger by Peter Heller, a gorgeous literary thriller that largely takes place inside the park, and it made me fall even more in love with both the land and all the animals who call the park home. When I visit Ireland, I love participating in falconry, and so I’d be especially keen to see the birds of prey out there, like the hawks, as well as the wolves and bison. They are all such important links in that beautiful ecosystem.
ISHAA - I would definitely have to say Yosemite after doing so much research on it for the book I worked on with them! The nature is absolutely beautiful and it would be a dream to see it all in person. I think it would be such a great place for inspiration since some of my favourite things to draw are forests and animals.
Thank you, Sarah and Ishaa, for sharing with us a bit about yourselves and your newest picture book.
To find out more about Sarah Glenn Marsh, or to contact her:
Website: www.sarahglennmarsh.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahmarshauthor
X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/SG_Marsh
Bluesky: @theeyeofsarahn.bsky.social on Bluesky
To find out more about Ishaa Lobo, or contact her:
Website: https://www.ishaalobo.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/IshaaLobo
Review of Bigfoot's Big Heart
Have I got a treat for you today. Although this book released in December, Sara Glenn Marsh, Ishaa Lobo, and I teamed up to bring you this review just in time for Valentine's Day. If it hasn't come across your radar yet, this is an awesome book to check and read with your favorite Valentines. It is a tender, thought-provoking picture book celebrating friendship, everyone's differences, and generosity. A wonderful addition for this coming holiday, and throughout the year.
Bigfoot's Big Heart
Author: Sarah Glenn Marsh
Illustrator: Ishaa Lobo
Publisher: Viking Books for Young Readers (2025)
Ages: 3-7
Themes:
Friendship, Valentine's Day, shyness, caring, and celebrating differences.
Synopsis:
When Bigfoot loses the valentines he meant to send to his fellow monsters in hiding, scouts from all over the world come together to deliver the letters.
It's lonely being a monster. But having other mythical pen pals helps. When Bigfoot loses the Valentine's Day cards he so tenderly made for his friends around the world, a troop of scouts offers to help. But they will have to get creative to find every mythical creature in time! Sarah Glenn Marsh and Ishaa Lobo team up again for a sweet Valentine's Day tale about the value of friends, both new and old.
Opening Lines:
It's lonely being a monster and having to hide away.
No one knows this better than Bigfoot, who doesn't
like loud noises -- even his own voice.
When people spot him, they make lots of rude sounds.
It hurts his feelings, so he keeps to himself and writes
to his mythical pen pals, who understand.
What I LOVED about this book:
The text does such a great job setting up this intriguing opening. A "big, scary monster" who doesn't like loud noises - "even his own voice." What a great way to explain Bigfoot's elusiveness, without making him scary. And isn't this cave adorable? With a drying bunch of lavender, plants in pots, a candle, and a teacup. I love the tree stump table and how the beam of light and homy details that prevent this from feeling like a dark, dreary cave, but instead create a playful coziness.
Text © Sarah Glenn Marsh, 2025. Image © Ishaa Lobo, 2025.
With a wonderful interplay between the text and the stunning, digital illustrations, we get a peek into the homes of Bigfoot's mythical friends - Nessie, Mothman, Chupacabra, Rompo, and Omukada. Each with their own reasons for remaining hidden from others. The vivid full page and spot illustrations depict Bigfoot's friends with smiles, big-eyes, friendly faces. I love the way she plays with light to make the depths of Loch Ness and Chupacabra's night-time garden pop with color.
Text © Sarah Glenn Marsh, 2025. Image © Ishaa Lobo, 2025.
Determined to do something nice for his friends, Bigfoot creates valentines for each of his friends. The individual messages are fun, but the teeny, tiny pencil held by a really big hand adds a touch of humor to the nature-bedecked hearts. But as he treks out to send his cards, he stumbles upon a scout troop. The majority of the troop starts screaming - causing Bigfoot to duck into bushes and lose his cards.
Lucky for Bigfoot three of the scouts are also quiet and prefer to sit apart from the others. When they realize that Bigfoot's cards couldn't be delivered by regular post, they hatch a plan and seek help from other scouts in Scotland, West Virginia, India, and Japan. The scouts not only successfully deliver the Valentines early but add "a little extra love from themselves."
Touched, Bigfoot's friends hatch a plan of their own - visit Bigfoot on Valentine's Day - with the help of their new scout friends.
Text © Sarah Glenn Marsh, 2025. Image © Ishaa Lobo, 2025.
The ending is endearing, fun, and full of warmth. With all of the friends, old and new, creating a wonderful Valentine's Day for them all. A day where they are all seen, celebrated, and understood. It is a sweet and thought-provoking picture book about celebrating our differences and realizing that everyone (even mythical monsters) needs friends and love - especially on Valentine's Day!
Resources:
try out some of these 50 valentine ideas and make some for people outside of your family and classmates - like the postman, the janitor, a neighbor, coaches, or grocery store clerks.
work with your teacher, scout leader, or parent to make a bunch of valentines for kids in a hospital or shelter, seniors at a nursing/retirement home, veterans, a nearby fire station, or maybe send them to a school or scout troop in another country.
why do you think the three scouts weren't scared of Bigfoot like the rest of their troop?
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