Interior illustration from William The Curious, Knight of the Water Lilies written and illustrated by Charles Santore. "A theme that seems to occur over and over in my work is again evident in this picture: the central character of the story facing overwhelming odds. Compositionally the reader is positioned to identify with William as he challenges the huge drawbridge guards. Guards so large they completely block the castle entrance. An entrance which itself is quite formidable, making the little frog's quest to speak to the Queen seem impossible. Illustrating the moment before the action, that instant when all the consequences of what is about to happen seem evident, is great fun for me. William is down low, [graphically] he comes up out of the moat. He must get up high to the Queen [the power structure] before he can explain himself and try to save the castle moat from destruction. As always, there are obstacles to overcome."