The Picture Book Buzz - Interview with Ron van Maurik

Ron van Maurik loves to draw; always has and always will. He finds it fascinating that a few lines on a piece of paper can make it come alive.

Auhtor/illustrator photo of Ron van Maurik

When he’s not drawing, Ron’s probably somewhere running barefoot in nature, climbing some rocks, or swimming in a beautiful lake, preferably with his kids, who have taught him that the world we live in is so much brighter and more colorful than he remembers it to be. Seeing the world through his children’s eyes has impacted his art and life in a bright and wonderful way.

COllage of the English & Dutch covers with mouse and hedgehog sitting under a tree.

Ron is the author/illustrator of I Love You The Way You Are (July 2024, in U.S.).

His newest picture book, You’re My Biggest Little Friend, was released on October 22nd.

Welcome Ron,

Tell us a little about yourself. (Where/when do you write or illustrate? How long have you been writing and illustrating?)

I've been drawing for as long as I can remember—pencil in hand since I was a kid, captivated by how a few lines could bring a character or scene to life. Strangely enough, I left my pencils untouched for a while, pursuing an academic path and setting my art aside. Then, about ten years ago, a mountaineering accident changed everything. I had a severe concussion, couldn’t read or think for long, and screens were entirely out of the question. In that slow, foggy recovery, I picked up my pencils again, and drawing became a kind of lifeline, a way to find my way back to myself.

Writing came into my life a bit later. I began with short stories in college, then moved on to scripting comics for the Donald Duck. Eventually, I found myself in the world of picture books. Many of my stories explore themes of self-acceptance and being true to who you are—concepts that are close to my heart. Adolescence felt to me like trying to fit into shoes two sizes too small. It took me years to accept myself for who I truly am, and my work reflects that journey. Writing and drawing have been ways to capture, express, and maybe even find peace with that feeling, sharing it with others who might feel the same.

Ron, you were lucky! I am so glad art and drawing helped your recovery. Your Hedgehog and Mouse remind me a bit of Pooh and Piglet. What is one of the most fun or unusual places where you’ve created an illustration?

One of the most fun places I’ve illustrated was halfway up a mountain! I had my sketchbook balanced on my knee, surrounded by rocky trails, and with a view so breathtaking that it was almost distracting. The wind was trying to snatch my pencils, and I had to keep a close eye on my paper so it wouldn’t go tumbling down the mountainside. There’s something about drawing up there, above the treetops, with just you, the sky, and a few curious birds watching—it felt like the mountain itself was part of the creative process!

Although I don't draw, I love capturing these types of scenes in photographs. What was your inspiration or spark of interest for You’re My Biggest Little Friend?

Collage of the English and Dutch covers, with mouse and hedgehog sitting on a tree branch watching the sunset.

The inspiration came from watching my youngest, who was barely a year old at the time. Even though he wasn’t talking yet, he had this enormous personality—curious, bold, and already full of character. He’d reach out to anything that captured his interest with such enthusiasm; it was like his spirit was “big” even if he was so small. That sense of having a “big” character, even in a little body, was the spark that inspired the story of Mouse and Hedgehog and their friendship that’s far bigger than either of them alone.

Such an excellent tribute to your child. What was the hardest or most challenging thing about writing and illustrating You’re My Biggest Little Friend? And what was the most fun?

The biggest challenge was, without a doubt, the time constraints. I was balancing my day job, and initially, I planned to work on the book in the early mornings and late evenings. But then my wife developed some back issues, and my mornings were spent getting the kids ready for school, while the evenings were often a battle with fatigue since our youngest was going through a spell of restless nights. So, finding the time and energy was a genuine challenge.

But on the flip side, the sheer sense of peace I felt each time I did manage to sit down and dive into the illustrations was truly rewarding. Despite the whirlwind around me, once I settled behind my desk, I felt grounded. Working on You’re My Biggest Little Friend became a sanctuary amid the busyness—like the world paused, and it was just me, the story, and the characters on the page.

It is nice when the world just disappears, even for a little bit, and you can "play" with your characters and inhabit their world. How did the writing and illustration of You’re My Biggest Little Friend differ from your first picture book I Love You The Way You Are?

When I worked on I Love You The Way You Are, I was still in the early stages of developing my style. It was very much about exploration, trying out different techniques, and finding what resonated. By the time I started You’re My Biggest Little Friend, I had a clearer sense of my style, though it wasn’t fully defined yet. With each book, I felt my artistic voice becoming more distinct, and now, having completed a third book and working on a fourth, I finally feel like I’ve settled into a style that’s truly my own. Each book in the series has been part of that journey, refining and adding depth, so that now, the visuals feel uniquely and recognizably mine.

Interesting. I have to say I love the style and world you've developed. How many revisions did the text or illustrations of You’re My Biggest Little Friend from first draft to publication?

I’d say around ten revisions, which isn’t all that many compared to some of my other projects. Right now, I’m working on a few other books that have gone through close to a hundred revisions—those have been real marathons!

When it comes to illustrations, my process is more gradual. I start very rough, just basic shapes and colors, and if that feels right, I move forward, adding a bit more detail each time. So, there can be countless tweaks in the early stages, adjusting those initial shapes and colors, but very few changes as I get closer to the final illustration. It’s a way of gradually finding the essence of each page without getting bogged down in details too early on.

Good luck with all those projects. Is there a spread that you were especially excited about or proud of? Or perhaps one which is your favorite spread?

Internal image - mouse attempts to leap across a stream and falls in the water with a big splash.

Text &. Image © Ron van Maurik, 2024.

One spread that’s especially dear to me is the one where Mouse tries to leap across the water but takes an unexpected, and rather soggy, plunge. Not just because I love the colors and composition, but it also marked a turning point in my artistic style. Style development, for me, isn’t gradual. Small or big revelations sneak up on you, and this spread was one of those moments when everything clicked. It’s not just an illustration; it’s a memory, one that makes me smile every time I see it.

Ooh, I love that description! It's a great illustration - so full of action, confidence, and consequences. Many illustrators leave treasures or weave special images (or elements) throughout the illustrations. Did you do this in You’re My Biggest Little Friend? If so, could you share one or more with us?

I have to thank you for this question, because although I didn’t include hidden treasures in You’re My Biggest Little Friend, it inspired me to start! In fact, I’ve already woven a few small surprises into a book I’m working on now. So, while You’re My Biggest Little Friend doesn’t have these little details, keep an eye out in my upcoming books—you may find some special elements tucked away, waiting to be discovered!

So glad I could be helpful! Both of these books were originally written in Dutch and have been translated into multiple languages. Congrats, by the way. Have you had to do many revisions, in the art or the text, for any of the translated versions?

No revisions were needed for the artwork, but the text was another story. My publisher usually handles translations, but since I have a real love for the English language, I insisted on doing the English version myself. My publisher and I went back and forth quite a few times to ensure that the translation captured the heart of the story just right. It was worth the effort to make sure the nuances came through!

It's so awesome that you got the opportunity to do that. What's something you want your readers to know about You’re My Biggest Little Friend?

You’re My Biggest Little Friend was written for my youngest child. The first book in this series was inspired by my oldest, who was absolutely thrilled after spotting a hedgehog in the garden—a sighting that he talked about for months, which was remarkable given his limited vocabulary at the time. After creating that first book, it felt only right to write one for my youngest too. And so, You’re My Biggest Little Friend was born, a story crafted just for him.

Aww, I love the special inspirations for these books. Are there any new projects you are working on now that you can share a tidbit with us?

Yes! Currently, there are two upcoming books featuring Hedgehog and Mouse. The first one, I’ll Always Be There for You, will be out in Dutch at the end of this week. It’s about Hedgehog preparing for his winter sleep, while Mouse dreads a lonely Christmas. Just before drifting off, Hedgehog promises, “I’ll be there, Mouse.” But when Mouse later finds Hedgehog’s den empty, he’s filled with worry. To guide Hedgehog back, Mouse decorates the biggest tree in the forest, hoping it will light his friend’s way home. Here is the cover, still in Dutch:

Dutch cover with a hedgehog and squirrel sitting on a snowy bank.

The second book, On Rain, Rainbows, and That Grayish Feeling, is set to come out in summer 2025. This one is especially close to my heart, as it really captures my style and themes. In the story, Mouse is weighed down by a gray mood that even Hedgehog’s optimism can’t lift. They try everything—berries, flowers, and even chasing rainbows. But all this striving to feel better only leaves Mouse feeling worse. In the end, Mouse learns that sometimes it’s okay to sit with those gray feelings. And yes, this is the book with hidden treasures, so keep an eye out for those! Better yet, here is a spread with one such little detail:

Internal image - mouse racing across a log bridge, under a rainbow, into hedgehog's open arms.

Beyond Hedgehog and Mouse, I also have a few new manuscripts in the works that feature entirely new characters and worlds.

Congratulations! And happy book birthday - a little early. These both look wonderful, and I can't wait to see your other books as well. 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?

I love nature to the point that I start feeling down if I go too long without seeing a tree. So, choosing just one place is difficult. There are a few places, though, that have left me in awe.

By Alexey Komarov - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0,

Scotland on a summer day, for instance, is unforgettable. Picture rolling green hills under vast skies, a landscape both rugged and gentle, and a scattering of wildflowers in bloom. Then there’s Georgia—not the U.S. state, but the country. It’s astonishing how much natural beauty is packed into such a small space. In the morning, you can hike snowy mountain trails, and by afternoon, you’re relaxing among the vineyards. And finally, Madeira, a Portuguese island that feels like a blend of New Zealand and Hawaii, with lush, green landscapes, dramatic coastlines, and trails that wind through misty, ancient forests.

I'm hoping to visit Scotland someday soon. Georgis sounds amazing. Thank you, Ron, for sharing with us a bit about yourself and your newest picture book.