Kingston Illustrator Hayden Maynard Nominated for National Award

Kingston-based illustrator Hayden Maynard has gained national recognition as a finalist for the prestigious Richard Allen Chase Memorial Award. His work on *Mighty Scared: The Amazing Ways Animals Defend Themselves*, written by Erin Silver and published by Orca Book Publishers, has earned a spot among the best in Canadian children’s literature. The book targets readers aged six to ten and delves into the fascinating defensive tactics animals employ in the wild.

The finalists were announced by the Canadian Children’s Book Centre (CCBC), which recognizes excellence in children’s book publishing across seven major awards. Winners will be unveiled during a ceremony in Toronto on October 27, 2023, where a total of $52,500 will be awarded, including $2,500 for the Chase Memorial Award.

Maynard’s Journey to Recognition

For Maynard, the nomination came unexpectedly. “Actually, it was when you told me that I had been nominated (that I found out),” he said in an interview with the *Whig*. “I Googled it and went, ‘Oh, holy cow, I actually am a finalist.’ It’s a really nice bit of validation, because I spent seven months making that book and wasn’t sure if anyone was ever going to read it. It’s just really nice to have people say that they saw your work and they appreciated it.”

Maynard, who studied illustration at Sheridan College, initially gravitated towards children’s literature for its unique ability to merge his artistic talents with his interests in science and nature. Before his foray into children’s books, he illustrated editorial advertising for esteemed publications like the New York Times and the Washington Post. However, he sought projects that resonated more closely with his values.

He expressed, “The books I read as a kid had a huge impact on me, and I felt like this was an opportunity to actually make art that was in line with my values and ethics.” Maynard’s deep love for animals and nature motivates his work, as he aims to inspire children to appreciate science and the environment.

Creative Challenges and Artistic Vision

Upon being approached to illustrate *Mighty Scared*, Maynard felt an immediate connection to the material. “It’s speaking to kids about science and nature. It’s part scientific education, part entertainment, part animals and the natural world—just really fricking cool,” he noted. He aims to captivate young readers with vibrant illustrations that encourage curiosity about the natural world.

The book introduces readers to unique creatures, such as vomiting birds and blood-squirting lizards. Maynard explained his approach: “You want them to go, ‘Oh, what’s this cool picture about?’ Then when they’re reading, they start to learn.”

Despite the excitement of the nomination, illustrating books alone does not offer financial stability. Currently, Maynard also works in property management and has previously contributed to restoring stained glass at the Centre Block on Parliament Hill. His commitment to ethical storytelling remains a guiding principle in his artistic endeavors.

“My ethics are important to me, being a good person is important to me, trying to contribute to society is important to me,” he emphasized. “You just try to live in line with your values and leave the world a little bit better than when you arrived.”