Behind every illustrated children's book is a favourite project.

We chatted to Hannah George to find out all about one of her favourite projects she has created as an illustrator, The Starlight Stables Gang, The Pony Whisperer.

Tell us a bit about your illustrations for The Pony Whisperer? 
The Pony Whisperer. This is the 4th book in the Starlight Stable series and I feel the most successful illustration wise. I felt by the 4th book I had really got to know the characters. Daniels (the main character) story was tough and this bought lots of emotion to the illustrations. 

Where did you get your inspiration from?
Inspiration came from the previous stories and the world in which the Starlight Stables gang lives. Quite an extensive amount of research goes in to the environment and the breeds of horses in the story. It's important to the author and the reader alike that these elements are recognisable. 

What do you enjoy most about illustrating?
The very first thumbnail sketches are always my favourite. I love this stage as its often the time I can be most creative, loose and free with ideas and thoughts on how to bring the book to life. 

What are your favourite characters to illustrate?
I think Ellie, as she really is a brave determined character. 

Which is your favourite illustration you have created for The Pony Whisperer?
P260 is a scene with emotion and love shown between two brothers. It's a simple illustration of the boys embracing and a tear rolling down the main characters cheek with his horse tenderly standing over them. It is a moment which parents and siblings can resonate. 

Tell us about your process, what are the first steps when creating your artwork?
I work primarily on pro-create for young fiction books. It's such a fantastic tool to draw thumbnails and roughs quickly, Scenes might often need lots of changes as well, so it's vital to be able to provide speedy alterations for publishers. There are so many brilliant digital brushes available now so I can still create an organic hand made feel to the artworks which I strive to retain in all my artworks.

To see more of Hannah George's young fiction work, click here.