Art holds its most profound meaning when we understand the stories and the people behind each piece of artwork. Through her studies in Art History at the University of Washington, Megan Fullmer Perry learned to recognize the vital importance of examining art from various perspectives. 

Understanding an artist's viewpoint is not merely beneficial; it is essential. When she wrote and illustrated her first children's book “The Overlook Book,” she applied these same principles. She emphasized the importance of knowing others' stories and looking through multiple lenses to deepen the understanding of the world around us.

“When I studied art in college, I enjoyed discussing art in a classroom setting where students shared their take on a certain image or sculpture, etc.,” Perry said. “Experiencing art is personal. We all have experiences that have shaped the way we look at the world. In my first children’s book, I wanted to emphasize the importance of knowing the stories of others to enhance our understanding of the world around us. A line taken from the book: ‘If you had a different view, would you notice something new? Think of others not like you and walk a mile in their shoes.’”

The Holladay Arts Council is recognizing Perry in August 2025 for her writing talent and artistic collage creativity, showcased in this children’s picture book. 

The inspiration for the picture book came during the COVID-19 pandemic when Perry envisioned an image of people reaching out to one another, each holding a paper heart in their hand. This powerful image ultimately became the cover of her children’s picture book. 

“While the world struggled to know how to handle the pandemic best, I felt frustrated with not knowing for myself what was best for me and my family,” she said. “I wanted to feel understood while also having an understanding of others. I started thinking about how learning another’s perspective, truly listening to them, and allowing them a safe place to be heard, was so important in my relationships with my family, friends and community.”

Due to their simple yet poignant messages, Perry has always loved children’s books. She shares her passion for children’s books by reading some of her most cherished books to her four children and nieces and nephews. Growing up, one of her favorite television series was “Reading Rainbow.” The show was successful in effectively cultivating a love of reading in children. 

Each episode explored diverse themes and, similar to Perry's book, linked books to real-world experiences. Some of Perry’s favorite children’s book authors she discovered were Kevin Henkes, Eric Carle, Ezra Jack Keats, and Matt de la Peña, all of whom have influenced her writing and illustrating.

An interest in paper dolls when she was young influenced Perry to consider becoming a collage artist.

“I create small people and scenes around them with machine and hand-cut paper shapes. I loved paper dolls growing up, so it's pretty similar, in my opinion. I get to design clothing, hairstyles, furniture, flowers, leaves, pianos, cellos, out of little pieces of paper. Then I assemble them with various types of adhesives,” she said. 

Perry’s book has been used as an effective tool by social workers to help clients practice seeing a life challenge from multiple perspectives. Also, Perry uses her book to teach art techniques and storytelling at her children’s elementary school.

“Seeing how elementary students make an aerial view with paper collage is so inspiring, and the stories they tell through their art are really amazing,” Perry said. 

Perry is working on collage images for her second book. Usually, when creating an image, she has a specific person or memory in mind.

“Many of the people in my book are friends, family members, mentors and heroes,” Perry said. “Some of the images are specific memories. For instance, the page with people rowing in a boat references the time my husband and I lived in Seattle and learned to row. This experience taught me that the safest way to row is to be in sync with the other rowers. We had different levels of physical ability, but rowing together in time was so important. I definitely want to continue on this path of using collage as a medium for illustration. It brings a lot of joy to me.”

Perry’s book can be purchased through her publisher, Familius Books, as well as on Amazon and wherever books are sold. Also, “The Overlook Book” is available at the Salt Lake County Library, Holladay Branch.

To learn more about “The Overlook Book” visit: www.meganfullmerperry.com/.