Interview with the illustrators and author of I Need to Pee

                                        

I Need to Pee is a recent picture book from Penguin Random House India.  The picture book rakes up the vital issue of peeing when one leaves the comfort of our homes.  With an increasing number of crimes committed on children outside/inside toilets, I hope this book initiates a much needed discussion about providing a safe toilet experience for children and adults as well.  A must for every home and school library!

Kahani Takbak interviewed both the illustrators (Meenal Sigh and Eric Egerup) and author (Neha Singh) about this book.

Meenal Singh and Erik Egerup are currently based in Bengaluru and have a studio called Runaway Mill. With backgrounds in architecture, industrial design and game development, they deliver a wide and diverse range of creative design projects. These include illustration, conceptual art, fine art and public sculpture.

1. Is this your first children's book? How did this book project happen?

Yes, this was our first children's book project. It actually started 2 years ago, but it took some time before we found the right publisher. Neha had written the story and we were very excited when she asked us to illustrate it. We also have children in the same age group, and can relate to a lot of the content in the book.  

2. Co-illustrators for a picture book are a rarity. How does your collaboration work? 

We are used to doing projects together in other fields. We would typically make the concept for each page together, and then divide the execution slightly between us. It's a bit of an iterative process and can go back and forth between us a few times along the way.

3. Was it a challenge to capture the words into illustrations for this book's unusual theme? 

No, actually not. We travel a lot in India, and many toilets are very graphic and memorable. 

4.  The book has an international feel to it. No garish colours or rustic elements.  The protagonist is dressed in modern clothes and so is her mom. 

It was a conscious decision to represent that part, of a modern, urban India. The international style most likely comes from our different backgrounds, and the fact that Erik is born and brought up in Sweden. But, to be honest, the inspiration is mostly taken from our current reality; as most of our friends and their children look like this. 

5. Rahi's aunt's house is crooked, eco friendly and futuristic. A real house or just your imagination running wild…

The inspiration is not necessarily from reality, but definitely a house that we would love to live in. Wouldn't you?

6. Any more children books in the offing?

 Meenal has done some more work with Pratham Books, and there are of course new ideas and projects to look forward to in the future.

7. A line or two about the artwork style used in the book... 

It's hand drawn with pen on paper, then composed and coloured digitally. It evolved from our two personal styles, and our different ways of approaching an illustration. The only thing we knew before hand was that we wanted a colourful and relatable style that still felt fresh and unique. 

Neha Singh is a Mumbai-based theatre practitioner, author and activist. She directs, produces, writes and acts in plays for children and grown-ups. She has authored three children's books-Bela Misses Her Train, The Wednesday Bazaar and Moongphali. Neha spearheads a women's movement called Why Loiter? in Mumbai. She believes there is a story inside everyone, just waiting to be told.

8.Loos are an unusual choice for a book’s subject. Were you worried about the manuscript being accepted by publishers? Or did the Swach Bharat abhiyaan campaign make you feel this topic is relevant and a sure winner?

I never worry about what publishers will like when I am writing. My writing is an expression of my thoughts, opinions and what I want to say to children. The story is based on a real life experience that I had in a long distance bus from Bhopal to Mumbai a couple of years back. I found the experience harrowing because it was a 17 hour long journey and I had to pee several times. I felt that if the experience of using public toilets as an adult woman can make me go through a wide range of emotions, what it must be like for a young girl. The Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan has nothing to do with the story. 

9. How did you come across the dry toilet idea? A casual remark by an acquaintance, an article or a visit to the mountains…

I stayed in Sadul Phara, a Khasi tribal village in Meghalaya for a month and in that village, everyone used dry toilets. I used it too and thought it was a wonderfully simple and eco friendly toilet. 

10.  What are the other relevant points in Rahi’s “Book of important Quotes” (the ones not mentioned in the book)?

The book is actually a way of saying that many a times a child can talk a lot more common sense than adults. The book is just an extension of Rahi's personality. Just that something written in a book becomes more important than something a child says. 

11. Are you worried people may feel a bit queasy about peeing and toilets and avoid picking up this book?

People don't feel queasy about peeing or using toilets so why should they feel queasy about reading a book about it?

12.   Your book mentions peeping toms.  At what age do you think children should be made aware of peeping toms?

The dark reality of our times is that sexual and physical harassment of children starts very early and it’s important for children to know that they are not alone and that they can talk about these things with parents, teachers and other caregivers. I don't censor these issues and I feel it’s important for us to be open and talk about such issues as soon as possible with children.

13. Do you think women hold the key to bringing a change in addressing the peeing and toilet problem?  This book is one of the tools. What else do you think women can do to address this issue and facilitate a safer toilet experience?

I don't think women need to do anything else except demand safe and clean toilets. It’s a basic human right and we demand it. This book is a conversation starter. If it helps children come out with their own experiences in public toilets, and helps children find a voice which is devoid of shame or hesitation, the book will have achieved what it was meant to achieve. 

 To buy a copy of I NEED TO PEE click here.