Bob Odenkirk, Daughter Erin Transform His Whimsical Poems into a Captivating Children's Book

By Lucia Paula , Parent Herald Oct 10, 06:54 am

Photo: (Photo : Amy Sussman/Getty Images )

Famed Emmy-nominated actor Bob Odenkirk, known for his gripping roles in "Breaking Bad" and its spinoff, "Better Call Saul," has always cherished the quirky poems he crafted with his children over the years. Initially, he imagined turning these poems into a book later in life, perhaps during his grandfatherly years. However, the unexpected events of 2020 presented an opportunity.

From Bedroom Walls to Published Pages: Erin's Artistic Journey

Being confined under the same roof due to the pandemic, Odenkirk and his daughter, Erin, decided to breathe life into these playful verses. They hoped their creation would bring some joy to children during a period marked by overwhelming despondency.

"That was a challenging period for everyone," Odenkirk said, reflecting on the global health crisis. But with Erin's emerging talent as an illustrator and artist, they felt the timing was perfect. "Let's just get to work on that book," he proposed.

The cherished poems they had crafted together almost two decades ago were revisited, with Odenkirk adding new ones. Erin, completing her studies remotely at the Pratt Institute, filled her bedroom walls with these poems. These verses became her muse as she brainstormed illustrations during study breaks.

"I had this wall filled with pages. Every day, I'd pick a few and sketch," recalls Erin, now 22.

While they cherish the memories of this collaborative venture, it wasn't devoid of challenges. Odenkirk likened the experience to any collaborative project, with inherent tensions and differences in vision. The unique nature of their bond-being both family and business partners during a lockdown-made the experience even more intense.

Yet, it's an experience that enriched their relationship, allowing them to connect and understand each other more deeply.

Their book, titled "Zilot & Other Important Rhymes"-the name 'Zilot' being inspired by a term Odenkirk's son coined, meaning "fort"-does not oversimplify its content for children. It addresses topics like bacteria and climate change. Odenkirk believes in introducing children to refined language early on, making them comfortable with words even if they misuse them occasionally.

While Odenkirk has recently ventured into more serious roles, his roots lie in comedy. He's a two-time Emmy winner for writing and has showcased his talent in iconic sketch comedies like "Saturday Night Live."

Encouraging the Next Generation: Navigating the World of Arts

Odenkirk has also been an active member of the Writers Guild of America (WGA) for over 30 years. Despite the recent agreement between writers and studios, he remains committed to standing with his peers in the ongoing challenges they face with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers.

However, his extensive knowledge of the inner workings of Hollywood doesn't deter him from supporting his children's artistic ambitions. Although he admits the entertainment industry can be challenging, his daughter is grateful for his unwavering encouragement.

Erin, currently an artist in Brooklyn, has her own journey of growing up in a creative Hollywood family. She confesses, "It was a mix of motivation and developing a rapid sense of taste, sometimes restricting."

Odenkirk adds, "Kids raised in Hollywood often possess a realistic perspective on the industry. They recognize its potential while understanding that it's not as glamorous as it might seem from afar."

This father-daughter duo's collaboration serves as a heartwarming testament to the beauty of family bonds, creativity, and resilience in challenging times.