Why did Mr Chicken go to Paris? Why do two blankets change the way we see the world? Why do animals give us insights into ourselves? Our star-studded panel featured illustrators Freya Blackwood, Leigh Hobbs and Alison Lester who discussed the ways in which characters are created and go on to warm the hearts of children and readers worldwide. As children, the ways in which we see the world are often shaped by our favourite children’s books and characters, leaving us with a nostalgic vulnerability well into adulthood. Take the opportunity to hear about the creative process from three industry-leading illustrators.Image: Mr Chicken eats with the animals, by Leigh Hobbs