Duncan Tonatiuh

Duncan Tonatiuh(toh-nah-tee-YOU) is an award-winning author-illustrator. He is both Mexican and American. He grew up in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico and graduated from Parsons School of Design and Eugene Lang College in New York City. His artwork is inspired by Pre-Columbian art, particularly that of the Mixtec codices. His aim is to create images and stories that honor the past, but that are relevant to people, specially children, nowadays. Learn more about Duncan on his website.

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Duncan's Process and Artifacts

Watch the video to learn more about Duncan’s process of writing and illustrating, specifically:

• The origins of Soldier for Equality  (0.39)
• Resources that helped shape the book (4:12)
• Resources and considerations composing the illustrations for the book (8:34)
• The process of reshaping the drafts of the book (14:52)
• conveying the intensity and violence of war while also keeping the book for younger readers (29:31)
• advocating for social justice through picture books (36:25)

Duncan's Books

Other Interviews and Resources about Duncan

• Straddling Cultures (SLJ 2021)
• Author Interview (Salt and Sage 2020)
• Interview with Duncan Tonatiuh (ADL)
• An Américas Award Interview (Vamos a Leer 2017)
  
• Interview with Duncan Tonatiuh (The Picture Book Buzz 2017)
  
• Ancient and Contemporary (Public Libraries Online 2016)
  
• Five Questions for Duncan Tonatiuh (Horn Book 2015)