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Herve Tullet with children's author Michael Rosen. Credit: pop-up.org.uk

Hervé Tullet is a world-renowned children’s illustrator. He worked as an art director from 1981 to 1992 before joining the advertising industry; in 1990 he produced his first illustrations for French press, including Elle, Le Monde, Libération, and has since been featured in magazines across the world. In 1994 he published his first book for children, and since then has devoted himself to illustrating and painting. Tullet is father to two boys and a girl, and the four latest editions in his popular ‘Let’s Play’ series are published by Phaidon

Words: Herve Tullet
Music is a very important part of my life. I love music, need music – and I need music to draw. I’ve got time during my work to listen and to explore. Music is also a very important thing in my family life. I have three children who are now 15, 20 and 23 years old.

Arthur Russell: Soon–To–Be Innocent Fun
This is special to me because of the singer’s incredible “childhood voice”

Lou Reed and the Velvet Underground: Sunday Morning
With family brunch at home on a winter rainy day, this sounds perfect

Tom Waits: Romeo is Bleeding
The big voice of Tom Waits was a great hit with my children when they were growing up

Salif Keita: Sina (Soumbouya)
This reminds me of wonderful travels in Africa

The Beastie Boys: Groove Holmes
I always begin the workshops I run with children in countries across the world with this song. It inspires energy, movement, fun and joy

Igor Stravinsky: The Rite of Spring
What a story you could tell, just listening to this music with a kid. This is a very visual music

John Cage: 4‘ 33
As John Cage proved, you can create your own 4 ‘ 33 silent music, which is very interesting, very provocative, very open-minded – it is a good lesson for children

Bernard Herrmann: Psycho (theme)
One day, one of my children asked me if music could frighten. I loved that question and this piece was my answer

Neil Young: Old Man
From the guy who also sang “I’m a child”…

Inheritance Tracks

Miles Davis: Rated X
Miles Davis represents experimentation, energy, and an open-mindedness towards many kinds of music from blues to jazz, ethnic to contemporary…

R L Burnside: Goin‘ Down South
Blues, blues, blues forever

Fela Kuti: Water No Get Enemy
I’m very fond of African music, and it doesn’t get much better than this

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