pbjunkies

Grim Colberty Tales with Maurice Sendak

2012-01-26T07:51:00.001-08:00

LOL!

You have to watch this hilarious video. We have to be able to laugh at ourselves at some point or another and this is just funny!

Have a look! :o)

Have you met Danita Art?

2012-01-20T11:47:00.000-08:00

Danita is a Mexican artist.

Frida and the Blue House

She began blogging in April of 2007. Back then, she was selling her work on Ebay. Six years later, she is an internet art superstar. She's got thousands of Etsy sales, several features in Somerset family of magazines, and a couple of book inclusions to her credit.

The Owl and the Pussycat

She's built a loyal community on her wonderful art and blog.

Her subject matter runs the gamut, from fantasy...

Rain Drop

...to fairy tales...

Alice Chases the White Rabbit

The Red Queen

Humpty Dumpty

...to images that are ripe for making up your OWN stories..

I Dream of Flying

A Great Catch

These are but a sampling of her fantastic work. She also creates a few special products too. Wait 'til you see some of those... some might be better scouted out on her blog—when she posts new handmade goods on Etsy they are often gone immediately.

For instance, check out these Frida Kahlo encaustic wax journals. All I can think of is DREAMY. Look at these christmas paintings. {sigh.} And how 'bout these ornaments? I mean, want vs. need? The needle is straining toward need...

Anyway, I hope you will check out Danita. She is also on twitter and facebook and flickr.

(...and I hope you fall magically in love with her fairy-dusted work, just like I did!)

Ed Emberly: Getting to know Ed

2012-01-19T04:00:00.000-08:00

This video made the rounds through twitter last week - It's well worth the time to watch Ed Emberley draw and talk. And of course there is the 7 foot tall lumberjack woodcut to swoon over.
Enjoy.

Art Crush

2012-01-18T06:31:00.000-08:00

I've always had the biggest crush on Richard Johnson's work!

In case you are not familiar with it, he is a master of color and light in my opinion. His settings are so theatrical, perspectives always interesting and characters incredibly appealing.

He happens to be a sweet guy too. I had the courage to email him when I was just starting out and he couldn't be nicer. You can tell what a sweet gentle soul he is just by looking at his work. This is another thing I love about this field. Style is always linked with personality, no doubt about that.

Hope you visit his website and admire his work and books. Breathtaking. :o)

Martin Luther King day

2012-01-16T10:16:00.000-08:00

Happy Martin Luther King day.

Check out , "Martin's Big Words" written by Doreen Rappaport and illustrated by Bryan Collier. Not surprisingly, it has received numerous awards including the Caldecott and Newbury. The beautiful illustrations and easily understandable text about the life of Martin Luther King is a great introduction to children about the history of this amazing human being.

Two new books just released!

2012-01-11T10:11:00.001-08:00

I've been working illustrating a brand new baby book series for Penguin/Ladybird - Ladybird Happy Babies. The first two titles, Bedtime and Playtime, have been just released!

These are cute little peep-through books showing babies in their daily routines. The rhyming text describes what is happening in each picture, and the baby reading the book gets to look through the hole in the page to find out what the baby in the book is doing next.

I created a little Teddy who will appear in every book of this series. He helps hints baby what's coming next.

I am really happy with them, they are super cute and so much fun to work on!

I just love baby books :o)

Sadie

2012-01-10T19:19:00.000-08:00

This Christmas, we added a new addition to our family. Meet Sadie, our St. Bernard/Border collie mix that was rescued from a puppy mill. She is such a doll and gives us so much joy.

(11 weeks when we got her)

Having her in the home reminded me of a book dummy that I started last year and put away that I need to revisit. It was about a little pup named Benny but now I'm wondering if I should change it to "Sadie".

The puppy kind of resembles her, after all.

(current picture- 15 weeks)

Books that inspire!

2012-01-06T00:00:00.000-08:00

Here are a few books from my book shelf. I go back to these again and again to invigorate my mind and my eyes! I never grow tired of the books below...

Hello Kitty, Hello Everywhere
This is more than just a Hello Kitty book... it's a staged extravaganza, with haiku! So lovely to look at and read. It's like a magical land! It always makes me feel that same sense of wonder that I got while using my ViewMaster when I was a kid (and I still get that feeling when I use it today!)

Fruits
This book I actually incites in me a dash of secretive (...selfish? nah..) "I-want-to-keep-it-to-myself"-ness (which is a likely sign that it is time to do the opposite)!
I LOVE this book... lots of cute people dressed up in all manner of cute, unique, cartoony, fantasy, otherworldliness. Yes, Gwen may have made them flash-famous, but they are timelessly awesome to me.

Meet Mr. Product
Pick this pocket-sized book up and flip through it to effortlessly visit joyful and silly characters from classic old-timey products. Great production quality, and LOTS of pictures! Lots and lots! It's ALL pictures! We love pictures!

What to do in 2012? Write, write, write

2012-01-05T11:06:00.000-08:00

There are so many wonderful challenges for picture book authors and illustrators. I was so happy to complete the amazing Picture Book Idea Month (PiBoIdMo) this past November, so I'm keeping the ball rolling with 12 x 12 in 2012. (#12x on twitter)

What's that, you say? The challenge is to complete 12 picture book drafts over the course of the year, one each month. There are inspiring posts from guest bloggers, and prizes to make any writer's heart skip a beat. Go to Julie Hedlund's blog and check it out for yourself.

I'm using my PiBoIdMo ideas as a jumping off point, to make it easier (in theory) and make me accountable for bringing those ideas to the next level.

I've already sat down this week and put together a hideous draft for an idea I really liked in it's more primitive state. Does this mean I'm done for the month? Hardly. I might work on a second draft or switch to a different idea entirely. Do I feel comfortable sitting down and just writing? Not one bit. But since my 'theme' for 2012 is Leap, I'm just doing it anyway!

Oh, and didn't Linda Silvestri do a great job on that badge?!?

Julie Andrews & Emma Walton Hamilton

2012-01-04T05:00:00.000-08:00

A very interesting video interview with Julie Andrews and Emma Walton Hamilton. If you want to continue watching the other videos in this series, click here

2012 theme- It's a new day

2012-01-03T07:33:00.001-08:00

Happy New Year everyone!

It's that time again..the time to reflect on the past year and plan/dream for the new one.

For me, 2011 is a blur. It came and went so quickly and it was spent mostly in a fog. Still getting over the loss of my son in Nov 2010 has affected me more than I realized. I have not been engaged in my life or my art. Just going through the motions.

So I feel my theme for this coming year is to start fresh. It's a new dawn, it's a new day...and I'm feeling good. I am blessed to be doing something I love and I need to appreciate and honor that.

I really wish I had a ton of fun goals to share with you but for now..I will savor the day and try not to stew too much about the rest. =o)

Happy 2012! What is your theme for the year?

Zero2illo- illoZINE- December Issue

2011-12-28T05:00:00.000-08:00

The illoZine December issue is out! Features great content for anyone interested in the Children's Book Illustration field.

An interview with me is featured in this month's issue as well as other great interviews with the very talented artists Carin Berger, Kat Chapman and Jeremy Kool. If you'd like to learn how you can purchase your copy of the digital Zine, click here.

Oh, and while you are there take the opportunity to look around the Zero2illo site, a fantastic resource for illustrators.

OwlKids Giveaway Winner

2011-12-27T06:48:00.000-08:00

How to pick a winner:

Step 1: Mix it.

Step 2: Pick it!

Step 3: Share it!

Congratulations Laura Zarrin!

Thank you to OwlKids, all our new and returning readers who participated, and the amazing authors, illustrators, editors, and designers of these beautiful books.

Owllkids Celebration Week: My Beastly Book of Twisted Tales

2011-12-22T20:09:00.000-08:00

My Beastly Book of Twisted Tales: 150 Ways to Doodle, Scribble, Color and Draw -- Illustrated by Berengere Delaporte

My Beastly Book of Twisted Tales: 150 Ways to Doodle, Scribble, Color and Draw is a big (9.5" x 10.5"), bold (160 pp) drawing activity book for the 4-and-up set. I'll get to the meat of the book first and save the varnish for later—this book is a total imagination jump-start, encouraging and daring at every turn. It's activities (dares, really!) are so thoughtful, creative, and inspiring, it's NOT JUST FOR KIDS. Really. I challenge any adult to flip through this book and not get carried away with these drawing challenges. They keep on coming, one just as crazy and fun as the last, and you simply cannot help but turn the page to see what you're going to be drawing next.

In order for this book to have any potential at being successful at it's goals, the art has to just... be right. The tone of the art work used to encourage the reader would have to meet a specially defined set of criteria: It's got to be accessible. It's got to be loose and non-intimidating. It's got to be light enough (in all respects) to encourage free-styling atop it, above it, beside it, and all over it. And it's got to have real soul in order to encourage interaction with it, to begin with. That's a tall order, and it takes a highly skilled visual communicator. Enter French illustrator Berengere Delaporte. She's certainly master of line work... but her art transcends the page. It's got true personality and a consistent tone. It consistently communicates a point of view, and along with that comes a genuine (and genuinely batty!) sense of humor. It's not only fun to look at but it's a work-horse—having the ability to transport the child into the moment, and out of their own possible self-consciousness around drawing or being creative. I guess what I'm saying is that it t truly has the potential to "draw" a child's creativity out of the shell.

Every page has a brief, bold-text, easy-to-read sentence describing the mischievous drawing challenge before the reader. The tone of the writing (and each challenge) is very much in tune with the tone of the art. All things considered, since every activity in the book is also ultimately a collaboration-of-sorts with Berengere, there is an "invisible friend factor" to the book. I can absolutely see this book keeping a young kid under it's creative spell for hours and hours of imaginative fun! Boy do I wish I had this book when I was younger... but it's so nice that I can still enjoy it today!

I honestly have never experienced (or been so thoroughly charmed) by a such distinct and genuinely quirky sense of humor in any children's activity book. The humor and tone is irreverent and disarming. It's so appropriately wacky for the target demographic (Grade 2), yet there is nothing about this book that is not smart, sophisticated even. Every bit of this book was intellegently crafted, from the art to the writing, to the actual physical construction of the book . It's hefty. For a paperback, it's fairly bulletproof— built for lots of use. The pages are a nice, substantial drawing paper weight that should go the distance with crayons, pencil, pen and marker. The cover is a matte coated finish heavy weight stock.

My Beastly Book of Twisted Tales is one of a series of four drawing activity books by Owlbooks. The folks who spearheaded this book series project have managed to find themes that are at once universally loved and yet also fit into a snug niche. A child will be thrilled to experience one of these books themed to their own current obsession. Check out all of the titles here. If you'd like to test-drive the series, there are downloadable activity pages on this page, as well.

I am so crazy for My Beastly Book of Twisted Tales, I quickly purchased two in the series for Christmas gifts. These books are an unexpected way to encourage creativity in kids'. They won't know what came over them, they will be obsessed with these books. I fully anticipate it!

This post concludes the Owlkids Book Celebration Week... But wait!

Please leave a comment on any of this week's Owlkids review blog posts, and be automatically entered into a drawing to a smashing gift prize of ALL the books reviewed this week! Drawing time will be held Tuesday December 27. Please make sure to get your comment in by Monday December 26 to be entered (please include email address or twitter handle)!

OwlKids Celebration Week: The Human Body

2011-12-22T04:00:00.000-08:00

I won't mince words: I adore this book. The Human Body is extremely durable, interesting, engaging, beautifully illustrated, and well written. There are more interactive elements than I could ever share in one post - and all so well constructed (read: your kids won't wreck it!) and innovative. If I had a top ten for a child's library, this would have a spot near the top. Honestly.
Look at the little pull out above. What a fantastic and fun way to teach about protecting ourselves from the sun!
From skin and bones, to breathing and digestion; this book has you covered! At the back are these great flipables that my son really loves. Both genders and a few ethnicities are covered so most kids can relate and marvel.
The above spread is my personal favorite. Each spread has several short articles so you can read part, or all, as you and your child wish at each reading. The illustrations are lively and humorous. While this is not a picture book, the marriage between the art and words is so key to this book's success. Kudos to the author, Pascale Hedelin and the illustrator, Robert Barborini.
Just look at this cool shutter-style pull tab page! What a nice way to see themselves as they have been, are now, and will be.

Be sure to leave a comment for a chance to win all 5 books reviewed this week!

OwlKids Celebration Week: Why?

2011-12-21T04:00:00.000-08:00

Let's face it. Despite being grown-ups, few of us can really answer the many "Why?'s" of small children. Whether you are a parent, teacher, or caregiver, it can be frustrating but also exciting. Grown-ups are huge part of children's reading life. And if when we're captivated by the content, the kids follow suit.

That's partly why I love this reference book, "Why?". This 10th Anniversary edition gives answers to questions from nature, food, home, the body, and more. There is a nice narrative thread in each spread, with charming characters and settings. The answers, however, are in the inset boxes. Do you know why a bird doesn't fall from a branch? I'll admit that I didn't until I read this book.

Likewise, I've always wondered about the trails from planes. I assumed they were water vapor, but AHAH, they are made up of ice! See. When YOU are excited, your little ones will be too.
This book, and the one tomorrow are must-own references for your library. Understanding the world around us is such a big part of learning, and "Why?" does that in a fun and approachable way. Stay tuned for tomorrow's post and be sure to post a comment for a chance to win all 5 books from this week's celebration.

The Pirate and the Penguin

2011-12-19T18:31:00.000-08:00

Pirate and the Penguin is a modern take on Mark Twain's classic, "The Prince and the Pauper" written and illustrated by the talented Patricia Storms. Patricia's quirky humor and comical illustrative style are the perfect pairing to bring this parable of finding contentment to life for the children of today.

I asked Patricia if she would share how this story came to be and happily she indulged me. I know you will enjoy reading it as much as I did. She told me to edit to fit our needs but I couldn't. I wanted you to "hear" her voice . She's such a hoot! Thanks, Patricia!

(Be sure and leave a comment to be entered to win this fun and delightful book in our drawing.)

I'm not entirely certain of the timeline, but I think it was around 2006 that I first got the kernel of the idea for The Pirate and the Penguin. I was sitting in a café in Toronto with my friend Liam O’Donnell, who is a very talented author of numerous graphic novels. By this point in my career I had illustrated a few books – some humour, some children’s, but what I really wanted to do was write and illustrate my own picture book. So I was drinking coffee and kvetching with Liam about how hard it was to break into the children’s writing market. “If someone really wanted to create a popular picture book,” I snarled, “then they would write a story with a pirate and a penguin in it.” Liam thought it was a great idea, and told me that I should write that story. It hadn’t occurred to me until that moment to write a story with those two popular icons – I was just making a flippant comment. But the words ‘pirate and penguin’ had such an appealing sound, and I just couldn’t get it out of my head.

Over the next few weeks I dithered and dallied, but eventually got the idea of writing a story loosely based on Mark Twain’s ‘The Prince and the Pauper’. Pirate and penguin, prince and pauper – see the connection? Well, at least the alliteration was the same. Now I know that the concept of characters who are unhappy with their lives and want a change is not a new one, but hey – had it ever been done with a pirate and a penguin before? At another coffee chat I threw the idea out to Liam, and he said go for it, write the darn story. But still I dragged my feet, because I was full of self-doubt. I’d never written a picture book before. Maybe the idea was really dumb. Who the heck was I kidding? Every time I met up with Liam he’d say, “Have you written that pirate and penguin story yet?” So I finally got off my fanny and wrote the darn thing. Around this time I joined an online writing critique group, to help me improve the story. Then in 2007 I joined an actual writing class and once again shared my pirate and penguin story. One of the biggest problems was that the story was still too long. It’s not easy to tell an entertaining tale with a spare word count. I still find this a struggle. Then one day out of the blue, I got an email from an editor from one of the big Canadian publishing houses. We had met once, but I’d never sent her any of my writing – she knew me via my illustration work. But she had discovered my blog, liked my writing and basically asked me if I’d ever considered writing picture books. Huh??

I must confess that I’ve been very lucky in that aspect of my career – so often opportunities have landed in my lap simply based on my blog posts. Well, long story short, they thought the story was appealing but in the end turned it down (darn). In the mean time, my friend Liam suggested I send it to a smaller publishing house, Owlkids. I’d never met the editor at Owlkids in person, but I knew that she was familiar with my artwork.

Well, I just happened to see her at a children’s awards gala not long after that, and so armed with a few stiff drinks under my belt, I approached her and asked her if I could send her my story. She said yes (maybe she was scared of this tipsy kooky lady and wanted me to go away?). At first Owlkids turned down the story, but a few months later they changed their minds and that’s when the real work began – creating the characters, and working with the editors to whittle the story away to what is now The Pirate and the Penguin.

So what lessons can we glean from my blatherings?

Make friends with fellow writers. As well as just being awesome people, your writing friends will inspire you and encourage you and sometimes put a blowtorch under your butt to get you writing and submitting.
Get your work on a blog! Be it writing and/or illustrating, the more your work is out there, the better chance you stand at getting noticed. Plus it’s another way to put a blowtorch under your butt to get you creating on a regular basis.
Join writing classes and online critique groups. This is also a good way to make friends with fellow writers and yes, put that blowtorch under your butt to produce work.
Liquor can sometimes be helpful in giving one courage to approach an editor. Though I don’t recommend this as a rule. Ahem.

The Vole Brothers

2011-12-19T00:33:00.000-08:00

This week the PBJunkies are reviewing books from the catalog of Owl Kids, a children's publisher in Canada who also publishes Owl, Chirp and ChickaDEE magazines. Their catalog, which is chock full of fabulous books can be found at www.owlkids.com. Each day this week, we will be reviewing a different book and at the end of the week we will give away the entire week's selections to a lucky reader! All you have to do is leave a comment to be entered into the drawing.

Roslyn Schwartz, the creator of the Mole Sisters, has written and illustrated a new picture book with the irresistable and adorable Vole Brothers. The characters were first created as a comic for Chirp Magazine and became extremely popular with the readers. But before they were comics, they were doodles and drawings in a sketchbook that she would send to her brother for a few laughs. I think there might be a lesson here somewhere.....

The book is simply illustrated in a clean, colored pencil style and blends the picture book form with an innovative comic book approach, layered with playful dialogue and onomatopoeia.

The vole brothers, who are always hungry, romp through the book with their silly antics that start with chasing after a cat and lead to a pepperoni pizza.

You'll love this video of Roslyn Schwartz's version of how a picture book is created and how the Vole Brothers came to be!

Bérengère Delaporte

2011-12-16T22:01:00.000-08:00

DRUMROLL.....

For just a little segueway into next week's big-bang PBJ Owlkids Book Week (which is sure to be full of fun! thrills! and—yes!—a very nice giveaway, too!), please do meet the latest illustrator-subject of my complete adoration!

Bérengère Delaporte is the masterful artist behind Owlkids' My Beastly Book of Twisted Tales activity book. I'll go so far as to say I am googley-eyed over her work. Furthermore, I will break the suspense and tell you even before my official review that, yes, this book is a totally delightful ride of wild mayhem, bewildering humor, and some extremely humorous, crazy-pants creativity.

But without even going there just yet, please do click on the above screenshot image, and check out Berengere's web site* yourself to immerse your eyeballs and brain in her work. (I am willing to bet it'll get to your heart and your funny bone, too!)

*The site is in Flash, so if you are on a non-flash-viewable device, check out her work here through google images instead.

See you next week for Owllkids Book Week, starting Monday!

Next week, guess who-who? A Publisher Celebration and Giveaway!

2011-12-15T10:11:00.000-08:00

Can you guess what publisher we're going to celebrate all next week? Stay tuned tomorrow!
We're all so excited because the books we're reviewing are just so wonderful. The book Miles is reading is a MUST own reference for every family with young kids. You know. In my humble opinion. And the giveaway is for ALL the books we review next week!

From the sketchbook

2011-12-14T10:43:00.000-08:00

I have been sick for two weeks now with bronchitis. Boo..

I'm resting at home and trying to get better for the Holidays.

Meanwhile I have been writing some stories and

editing one in particular that I really like and think it could work. Let's see..

Cross your fingers for me, will ya? ;o)

Above is a little sketch that I drew this morning.

Mice always seem to appear on my sketchbook

even when I'm not thinking about them.

Better Late Than Never- Thank You!

2011-12-13T12:10:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago I received an email from a real estate manager from Las Vegas looking for me. Someone sent her a package intended for me from Highlights Magazine and she wanted to know my address so she could forward it my way. It turned out that this package was sent to me in 2008 and being in the military we were reassigned and I never received it.

I'm not sure what the backstory is. I'm guessing the new renters held on to it and never returned it to the post office for it to be forwarded on to me and when they left the new renters found it? Maybe?

Regardless, I am amazed and grateful to be receiving the "Visual Puzzle of the Year" for 2008.

Thank You, 3 years later, Highlights! I'm so honored.

Here is the illustration and a link to my blog post back then regarding the process of this challenging project.

Oliver Jeffers

2011-12-12T07:49:00.000-08:00

Penguins always remind me of the holidays....or is it vice versa? Anyway, here is a really fun link to Oliver Jeffers' tutorial on how to draw your own penguin. Click here, but make sure you have your pencil ready :)

You can see more of Jeffers' fabulous work at his website.

And we have a winner!

2011-12-11T07:32:00.000-08:00

This morning I wrote 45 names on a piece of paper..

I cut them into little pieces,

folded them

and made it snow on the little village on top of my piano..

little papers fell everywhere..

One of them caught my eye because it fell on the

bench beside Beth and her grandmother,

They were resting from shopping around that day.

and we have a winner...

Laura Zarrin!

Congrats Laura! :o)

Thank you everyone for visiting and for your lovely comments,

and a special thanks to my PBjunkies for throwing me a fantastic Christmas Book Party!

Christmas Book Week Celebration - Day Five

2011-12-09T07:00:00.000-08:00

You know what three things really thrill me?

#1 ... Details.

I love the musical notes! I love the little boy's expression!
There are SO many lovely little details in this book...
And all done in Alicia's signature soft, sweet style.

#2... Die cuts!

Okay... so any excuse for a die cut is good enough for me.
But you know what's really special and meaningful?
When it's done with thoughtfulness, purpose, and a design
specifically intended for its audience. Functional fun!

#3... Spot gloss!

Spot gloss is so great when used effectively. When it's not, you wonder
why it is there art all (at least I do). No worries about that here!
The cover spot gloss is used sparingly but very effectively. The book
cover is a soft, velvety matte finish, which works perfectly with the
spot-glossed title and angels. It's just the little "extra something" that elevates
the cover art and design to the next level of awesome.

Please comment for a chance to win a copy of Alicia's beautiful new book, Ladybird First Favorite Christmas Book! You have until saturday to comment, and then Ali will be randomly picking a winner on Sunday. So stay tuned! :)

Christmas Book Celebration Week: Day 4

2011-12-08T04:00:00.000-08:00

I'm picking this final spread in Ali's book to focus on. My 3yo son seems most captivated by this spread. It's the first story of Jesus that we've read. Each time, he wants to know what is in the boxes. I explain the gifts of the Magi in a very simple way.
Today he decided he wanted what was in this box (Myrrh). I don't blame him. Look how sweetly Ali has rendered the king (and his camel!). I think the nativity story can feel a little scary but Ali has brought her warmth and heart to every element and it really shows.
The book overall is a great addition to our library. I love the combination of hymns, songs, and Nativity story. It's made so well, it will surely last for many Christmases to come.
Be sure and leave a comment so you can have a chance to win this beautiful book!

Christmas Book Celebration Week- day 3

2011-12-07T04:56:00.000-08:00

I was very excited when Ladybird contacted me offering to illustrate one of their books. They had a Fairy Tale book in mind that they thought would work very well with my illustrations. They asked me to whip up a full spread paid sample first with my choice of the Fairy Tale characters in it.

I came up with the illustration you see above. I always thought Little Red Riding Hood set in the winter instead of spring would be so much lovelier, so I placed all the characters in a snowy forest.

After seeing this, Ladybird decided they wanted me to illustrate a Christmas title instead. I was thrilled because I am a Christmas nut. It's my favorite time of the year. I just love the magic in the air. People seem happier and it's all about the kids. So of course, I said yes. :o)

This is one of my favorite spreads in the book. When I was a little girl, I always imagined how thrilling it would be to see Santa. I think all kids wish this at one point or another. So I gave them that in this illustration.

Thank you all for your lovely comments and for participating in the giveaway! I wish I could give copies to all of you but of course I can't. The good news is anyone, anywhere in the world can participate. I will purchase the book and it will ship to the lucky winner.

You have until Saturday to comment. I will announce the winner on Sunday.

Good luck! :o)

Christmas Book celebration week- Day 2

2011-12-06T08:40:00.000-08:00

(Comment on this post to be entered in the book giveaway!)

Anyone that is familiar with Alicia's work knows that it embodies warmth and charm. Always. And this delightful book is no exception. Her illustrations marry so perfectly with this fun collection of carols and Christmas stories, giving this book a comfy cozy feel.

I adore how Alicia adds a little something extra to her illustrations for children to discover. Like her cute doggie's that always seem to find a way into the mix!

Ladybird publishing has added yet another fun layer by hiding a ladybird (ladybug) to each page for reader's to find. See if you can spot the one on this interior:

Find it?

Too Fun!

Alicia, congratulations on a beautiful book that I'm sure will be a part of many family's Christmas collection.

It's a Christmas Book Celebration!

2011-12-05T00:01:00.000-08:00

Today we are kicking off our celebration week of Alicia Padron's latest book for Ladybird. And it couldn't come at a more perfect time if you are looking for a super cute gift for the young ones this holiday season. The book is filled with Ali's beautiful watercolors with all her whimsy and charm. There is such a sweetness and innocence to her work and I can see why the publisher picked her for this project.

I love the layout of the book, with big sturdy pages and tabs. At the end of the book is the Christmas Story. But this book is really all about her artwork. I just love how she lets loose with her watercolor technique. Such freedom.

Be sure to leave a comment to be entered into our giveaway of this book.

You have until Saturday!

Sneak Peak

2011-12-02T00:01:00.000-08:00

Be sure to check in with the PBJ's next week for a super fun celebration week

and book giveaway. We will be reviewing Ladybird's First Favourite Christmas Book, illustrated by our own Alicia Padron! And beginning on Monday you can leave a comment to be entered to win a copy of this adorable book. It's big and beautiful!

Picture This

2011-11-30T03:38:00.000-08:00

Picture This is a one stop site for all things

related to Children's Illustration.

You'll find news, events, articles and more!

A great way to start the day and learn

what's happening out there in the Children's Illustration world. :o)

Be Good to Your Body

2011-11-29T13:17:00.000-08:00

Last night I was checking something on Amazon and to my surprise found the cover up for my upcoming recipe book for Dover Publishing. I am tickled with how it turned out. I really like how they handled the title.

This was supposed to come out in February but it looks like it isn't coming out 'til Sept 2012.

Here is a sneak peek at one of the interiors. Someone can color the page while the other tries the recipe. ;o)

I'm thrilled to be working on a 3rd book for Dover. Looking at the time line of this recipe one, it probably won't see the light of day until 2013.

Fun Stuff For Kids on Etsy!

2011-11-25T16:46:00.001-08:00

I think these print-outs are so fun, and so useful and clever! Hey, as a young little lady, I believe this would have motivated me to stay on track. Love it! Girls' Reward Chart PDF printable download by Kindy Garden on Etsy.

This idea might be a little, hm, unorthodox, but I *love* the 'thinking outside the box' idea! These cute hats are part of a "Potty Party Kit"— a kit to help motivate the young 'uns to get into the habit of using the potty. I think it's a GREAT idea! I mean, why not? :) Potty Party Kit by Get Creative Juice on Etsy.

I have been working up some lunch box designs on my own lately, so they are on my mind. Well, I saw these on Etsy and how cute are they? the designs are cute, there's visual variety, and they are empowering and self-esteem building for kids! :D Lunch Box Love Notes by scenerie on Etsy.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-24T04:00:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving!
The above is a card my son and I made for his dear cousin. Today I am thankful for things big and little: my family, friends, health, home, my work, construction paper, tracing-hand turkeys, time to spend with my little son making art together.
Wherever you are, whatever you are eating, and whomever you are with, I hope you are happy, healthy, and thankful for all that makes you smile.
Gobble gobble!!!!

Being Thankful

2011-11-23T04:22:00.000-08:00

This is the most beautiful TV ad ever. I don't know how many times I've watched it, but I laugh and cry every single time. A little something to get you into that holiday spirit and to remind ourselves of the beautiful and important things in life.

This Thanksgiving we have to be thankful for many things.

I know I am very thankful first of all for my husband and kids. They are my biggest joy and inspiration and for all my family and loved ones good health.

I'm also thankful for my wonderful friends and online buddies. It's a lovely community filled with creative, supportive and sensitive people. I love that.

I'm thankful for the publishing industry. For making beautiful children's books that help spark those little minds. I wouldn't be making a living if it weren't for them and I wouldn't feel as happy and complete as I do now.

And of course, I'm thankful for my PBJunkies. What would I do without them?

I'm also thankful for my dogs wet kisses, and coffee.. and chocolate.

Oh, and air conditioning!

Ok, that's it, I promise. :o)

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

My Life as a Turkey

2011-11-21T09:01:00.000-08:00

The PBS series "Nature" has always been one of my favorite shows. This week they are airing a fascinating documentary about Joe Hutto and a bowl of wild turkey eggs that were left on his front porch by a local farmer. Hutto, possessing a broad background in the natural sciences and an interest in imprinting young animals, incubated the eggs and waited for them to hatch. As the chicks emerged from their shells, they locked eyes with an unusual but dedicated mother.

Some might think that anyone who would give up over a year of his life to raise turkeys in their natural habitat, in this case, the Florida Everglades, might be a little nutty, but this is what Hutto does. He is a scientist, artist, naturalist and observer of wildlife. The photography is incredibly beautiful and very close up.

The show first broadcast last Sunday night, but it is repeating this month and you can find your local time at PBS.org. You can also watch the episode on your computer. Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

What I'm Working On

2011-11-17T12:14:00.000-08:00

For the sparse amount of free time I've had this is the most productive I've felt in at least a year! I've been loving the PiBoIdMo challenge this year. Not only the amazing posts from all the guest authors and illustrators (thank you Tara Lazar!) but the actual results! Halfway through the challenge and I'm going strong. I feel like once I took the pressure off myself to finish certain goals, the ideas are just flowing out for the challenge. I know hard work is ahead when I try to revisit these ideas and write picture book drafts, but I'm looking forward to picking from so many different directions.
I'm also happily working away in my Sketchbook Project. Another place that I've just let loose without worrying too much about the results. I really have been missing out by not painting in my sketchbooks. It's really quite freeing!

Awesome Illustrators The World Must See

2011-11-16T03:39:00.001-08:00

Continuing with the theme of Awesome Illustrators the World Must See I bring you today the very talented Gaia Bordicchia!

What I love most about her work is how sophisticated her style is and the fact that is so unique and easily recognizable.

You can tell every line, angle and texture are very well thought out in her work. Is just beautiful.

But don't take my word for it. Have a look around at her website/blog and Portfolio. You can also leave her a comment if you wish, I happen to know her and she is a sweetheart!

December Highlights High Five

2011-11-15T17:47:00.000-08:00

Exciting day today. I received my complimentary copies of the December Highlights High Five Magazine. I was fortunate enough to be asked to illustrate an adorable poem , "See You in the Morning" by Bonnie Highsmith Taylor. =0)

A trip to the supermarket

2011-11-11T14:07:00.000-08:00

Tonight, I spotted a Little Golden Books spin rack at the front of the diaper aisle. What a perfect place to have the display! Perfect for busy moms trying to shop with a toddler... but good luck to the mom who tries to get out of the store without buying one of the books or toys I spotted...

I love the T. Rex book. LGB are sure feeling quite contempo with this title!

I prefer the classics by and large— the sentimental value always wins out. But it's so nice to see the newer generation of Little Golden Books books as well!

Who can resist the saggy baggy elephant?

Completely adorable bunny!! Oooh, the art--- I love!!

Good mix of the old...

and the new... of course Spongebob. Hello.

You are at the head of the class.

A personal favorite the Poky Little Puppy!

I didn't know Dr. Seuss had any LGB titles. Well, he does!

Here comes the PLUSH!

(Hey moms- NOW try getting out of the store without a toy...)

Art and character licensing is alive and well here.

Just ask Miss Hello Kitty herself.

...Or, perhaps, a Chipmunk.They like to squeak.

Cute little snowpeople will make their way into stockings soon..

A sweet little praying doggie. Very cute.

Kitty making some new friends.

Alvin in the mosh pit.

What's a Beanie Babies display without a penguin??

I am happy to see that Rubber Duckies are still a staple...

And joined by their froggie friends.

Hope you enjoyed my shopping trip!

(Did you get out of the store without buying anything?)

Peter Carnavas

2011-11-09T04:00:00.000-08:00

Peter by Christine from ABC Open Sunshine Coast on Vimeo.

I just loved this.

Visit Peter's website to learn more about him and his work.

The invention of Hugo Cabret

2011-11-08T17:00:00.000-08:00

Summary: "Orphan, clock keeper, and thief, Hugo lives in the walls of a busy Paris train station, where his survival depends on secrets and anonymity. But when his world suddenly interlocks with an eccentric, bookish girl and a bitter old man who runs a toy booth in the station, Hugo's undercover life, and his most precious secret, are put in jeopardy. A cryptic drawing, a treasured notebook, a stolen key, a mechanical man, and a hidden message from Hugo's dead father form the backbone of this intricate, tender, and spellbinding mystery."

Seeing the movie trailer for, "Hugo" reminded me of my wonderful experience when I attended the 2007 NY SCBWI conference.
Author/Illustrator, Brian Selznick, was one of the speakers and he was riveting as he shared his story of creating such an interesting book. Brian was down to earth and transparent, leaving me encouraged and motivated.

I guess the closest I can compare, The Invention of Hugo Cabret, is to a graphic novel but not quite. Many pages are purely illustrative, especially in the beginning of the book and then less as the characters develop. Brian's illustrations are beautifully rendered in dark pencil using interesting perspectives to create drama and emotion in an innovative way.

Don't be put off by the size of the book. Although the book is thick, it is a quick read due to his heavy use of illustration. the first 22 pages are illustrations alone. I remember reading it on the airplane ride home, I couldn't put it down.

I would highly recommend especially before seeing the flick. I hope it does Brian's book justice and even if doesn't, who cares. Can you imagine your book being created into a movie? Wow!

Fan Mail!

2011-11-07T08:31:00.000-08:00

A friend of mine, Valerie Curtis, is the librarian at Springer Elementary School in Los Altos, California. As part of the reading program in the library, she read them "Labracadabra" which is the chapter book I illustrated last year about a dog with a magic tail. Yesterday she brought me a huge stack of letters from 3 classes of second graders with their comments. Such fun!

I got such a kick out of the letters. Wish I could post them all as each one is special. Looks like I may be making a school visit to thank all the kids for their wonderful, supportive letters. And yes, Suhrith, I think I will keep my great job!

Along a Long Road

2011-11-03T04:00:00.000-07:00

I'm lucky enough to have a dear friend who works at a beautiful city library near me. She often puts aside picture books she wants me to read, and frankly, she has amazing taste.
While the book trailer for Along a Long Road is lovely, this book begs to be held, read, and touched. The paper stock marries the 5 color printing and UV spot as beautifully as the words marry the art. You don't feel at all as if you're looking at one giant 35' illustrator file, but that's truly what it is.
I loved spending time with this book on my own, then sharing it with my son. He follows that road with his finger from cover to bookend and back again. Frank Viva, I do hope you have more books in that brilliant mind of yours.
Visit the book's website. And if you are so lucky, visit the 35' artwork at Society of Illustrators in NYC this fall.

for Rozzita..

2011-11-02T09:02:00.000-07:00

Always keep the beautiful memories alive.

xo

Kevvy

2011-11-01T08:12:00.000-07:00

Today, I was going to write a long tribute for my beautiful Kevin that passed away a year ago today. But I can't, I'm finding it too painful. Kevvy loved books and especially being read to. One of his favorites was , "Green Eggs and Ham", by Dr. Seuss. Please enjoy a reading of it with me in honor of him.

Underpants Thunderpants on the iPad

2011-10-31T00:01:00.000-07:00

Just found out last week that one of the books that I illustrated for Parragon UK is now available on the iPhone, iPad and the iPod touch! Of course I immediately downloaded it onto my iPad. What a fun surprise! US and Canada fans can get it here.

Making Mischief - a Maurice Sendak Appreciation

2011-10-27T10:31:00.000-07:00

I spied the coolest book in the bookstore the other day... A big book all about Maurice Sendak and his art. It is a beautiful book!

This picture is from probably my own personal favorite Sendak book, In The Night Kitchen. I love the Laurel & Hardy bakers. I always found them so creepy/cool but entrancing! I'm still entranced. This book makes an impact, a lasting one. That is success right there.

Lovely pencil drawings. I'm such a fan of pencil. Sometimes I enjoy it over a final, finished work of art. It just has that immediacy, the gesture. The moment. It's a magical quality.

A good day

2011-10-26T04:47:00.000-07:00

I'm so happy. A book that I thought would never come to be, will actually get to be. Kids will be able to hold it in their hands, blow out the candles and enjoy it!

I worked on this title at the beginning of last year. As soon as the book was done the publisher suddenly closed its doors. It happens. Not frequently thank God.. but it happens. I was left with this awful mixture of feelings, mostly sadness.

When you work on a book you put so much into it. Some people think they are just pretty pictures but they really are not.

You create characters that didn't exist before and you make them live in a world the author created. You think of the kids reading the book first and make the art for them. You know how important it is for kids to enjoy seeing the details and to "read" your images.

The rest is blah, unimportant business stuff. Of course work and pay matters but honestly, the most wonderful reward is knowing a kid will be in bed at night, eyes fixed on the book, dying to turn the page and see what comes next.

It's a good day today. :o)

Blob tool

2011-10-25T09:47:00.001-07:00

This weekend I worked on a request by a publisher for vector art samples in a thick line style. It has been nearly a year since I worked in Adobe Illustrator so I spent the weekend relearning. I had heard through the grapevine of illustrators playing with the "blob tool" in AI Cs5 and looked into updating my Cs4 version. The $650.00 price changed my mind real quick. Bummed, I went to youtube to see how it worked anyway. I couldn't believe it when I found a tutorial by someone using the Cs4 version of AI.

Sure enough, I had the tool all along and never knew about it.

And it lives up to the hype. Instead of working directly with bezier curves you can draw the points (and erase them) as if you are playing in photoshop.

What a time saver. And fun!

Here is the link to where I learned about the tool.

Monday Hangover

2011-10-24T11:43:00.000-07:00

Whew! Worked a lot this weekend on some books that have lots and lots of cute little mice in them. I always like to search the internet for reference and found this very funny picture of a

mousey that kept me laughing all weekend long.

What did we do without the internet? Remember in the olden days when we actually had to keep scrap files and dig through the library for reference books? I'm not really a cat person, (meaning that I've never owned a cat) but had to draw a cat batting around a roll of paper towels. I Googled "cat paper towels" and found some very entertaining YouTube videos for reference. Amazing how much information is at our fingertips.

Vintage Hello Kitty

2011-10-21T08:29:00.000-07:00

True confessions! I'm a Sanrio nut, and I'm particularly fond of little miss kitty herself, Hello Kitty.

I was a first generation Sanrio addict. The year HK broke in America coincided with my early childhood full-commercial-saturation years, and we met at just the right time to form a life-long friendship! Back then, I lived in Los Angeles which was one of the major North American geographical hubs of trends in the days way before the internet. Back then, trends took on average about a year to travel from L.A. all the way to the North East (where I reside now). It was a different world back then!

Just wanted to hare some classic Hello Kitty and Sanrio fun with you today.

Hello Kitty History

House of Kitty blog

Hello Kitty Junkie blog

What I'm working on

2011-10-19T04:42:00.000-07:00

I can't show you much of course but here is a little peek at part of an illustration from the book I'm working on at the moment.
I'm having fun with this one. All books are so different, I just love that.

This story is set outdoors. It has been a challenge because the main character of the story can't move I so had to find ways to make it visually interesting. Sketching in different angles and perspectives, varying the time of the day, adding fun details and characters to the scene even though they are not in the story are some of the things I found help me keep it visually interesting.

I like the fact that things gets tough at times with certain projects because it pushes you to be creative.

The less you have to work with, the more creative ways you find to express yourself. :o)

David & Goliath Game

2011-10-18T14:23:00.000-07:00

Happy Tuesday all. Here is another piece I did for my portfolio. I really enjoy illustrating puzzles, crafts and games, I'm discovering.

Monday Musings

2011-10-17T12:59:00.001-07:00

Sometimes when I work too long on a project, or I'm just gearing up on a new piece of work, I get stuck. Can't make anything happen. Nothing looks right or everything looks forced. It can be very frustrating. I'm finally learning that walking away is a good thing. Even if it's just for an hour. That can be very hard to do if you're on a tight deadline. But looking at something with fresh eyes (or rested eyes...and I'm talking naps here) really helps.

©DeborahMelmon2011

The other thing I've found that I love, is to work on my ipad (thank you Steve Jobs). I love the ArtRage app and it gives me a lot of freedom to just play around that Photoshop doesn't seem to do. Maybe it's because I can just plop myself in front of the tv and just play and let my unconscious do the work. And maybe it's because the stylus is a little thick and reminds me more of a crayon than a pencil. Makes everything look a little more childlike which is a good thing when you're a picture book illustrator. And maybe it's because the stylus actually touches the screen, like a Cintique. (I use a Wacom tablet with my iMac and Photoshop.) Whatever it is, it seems to be a good problem solving tool for me.

And, of course, if all that fails, there is always chocolate.

AlphaOops: H is for Halloween

2011-10-13T13:27:00.000-07:00

It's that spooky time of year again, boys and girls. And what better way to celebrate than with a Halloween-themed picture book!
My son and I enjoyed Alethea Kontis & Bob Kolar's second collaboration. There are layers of fun (monsters, costumes, silliness) mixed with subtle education (letters, vocabulary, and my favorites - irony and sarcasm!).

I've been following Bob's work for years and really appreciate the attention to mood here. His style wouldn't normally strike me as the right match for 'spooky', but that's a sign of his talent - something I think f often when pondering dream (or nightmare!) assignments. Oh, and for the young fans, there's a great website for the book, loaded with games.

Baby Moses Maze

2011-10-11T08:54:00.000-07:00

Hope everyone is having a good start to the week. Here is a simple little maze that I had fun creating for my portfolio.

Have a great week!

We Have a Winner!

2011-10-08T11:23:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Phyllis Harris, who has won an autographed copy of Labracadabra!! She is a great blogging buddy and dog lover. You can see her beautiful artwork on her website here.

Thank you everyone for your lovely comments! And thanks to my PBJ's Roz, Alicia, Gina and Kathy. It's been a very fun week!!

Labracadabra!

2011-10-07T08:30:00.000-07:00

Labracadabra is just completely charming! It's 36-pages of great story and pictures. The text is slightly large, and well-spaced, on full pages interspersed with Deborah's fantastic art! The paper is very smooth and white, and really nice, had a substantial weight to it. I'm really impresed with the quality of the materials usd in the book, and of course, the content is the best part. The story is effortless and very entertaining. I can see peeling through this book with ease will lead to some great personal pride for young readers. It really is so well crafted. And I can't say enough about the art. Deb's is simply perfect. And her dog! Larry is just a-DOR-able! I love ALL of Deb's dogs, I mean, the woman knows how to draw a dog! And Larry is no different, and has his own special personality.

Please leave a comment by midnight tonight to be included in the drawing for a copy of Labracadabra!

Labracadabra Love: Celebration Week Continues

2011-10-06T04:00:00.000-07:00

My first love for books (that I remember) came in the form of chapter books. There is something magical about reading something by yourself, and having just a few illustrations paint the picture, while your imagination fills in blanks. And speaking of magical, I was reminded of those qualities while reading Labracadabra.
I just love the composition Deb uses in the illustration above. Both Zach (the boy) and Larry (the dog) have the same tilt to their bodies. They are just getting to know each other. Deb captured that moment when boy meets dog so well throughout this book. Each illustration is meaningful, and charming. Just what young children need when venturing bravely into their reading world solo.
Be sure to enter the giveaway with a comment in any of this week's posts. It would be lovely to share this book with a new reader of your own (or keep all to yourself too!)

Labracadabra Celebration Week Continues!

2011-10-05T04:50:00.000-07:00

When Deb told me she got this job I of course smiled form ear to ear, I was so ecstatic for her! But I wasn't surprised. I think the editor that chose her, knew very well what she was doing.

Not only Deb's style is perfect for this book, but Deb really knows and loves dogs. I am a dog lover as well and I know she really understands the bond between a dog and a human and is more than capable of bringing that into a book.

You don't have to be an illustrator to realize how hard it would be to come up with a dog that was part Labrador, Basset Hound, Dachshund, Terrier and Brittany? LOL.. I know!

But that wasn't a problem for Deb. She came up with the perfect pooch. Belive me, I know dogs. I used to volunteer in a shelter and I was the one who dictated the breed. Larry is part all those breeds, no doubt about that.

Deb really captured the essence of the story and I love how with the character poses she was able to say so much.

My two favorite illustrations in the book are:

and this one

Which are basically the two most important moments where boy meets the dog for the first time and then when he realizes how special this dog is and what a beautiful bond they have. But I didn't have to say all this in order for you to know it because that's why Deb is great at what she does. You already know this by looking at her illustrations.

Labracadabra is an adorable book. My daughter who is 10 loved it! I highly recommend it for boys or girls and of course

for your doggie too! :o)

Remember to comment to enter in the giveaway of a signed copy by Deb!

Labracadabra Celebration Week- Emily Fulcher Review

2011-10-04T08:09:00.000-07:00

(Today we have a guest blogger, my daughter, Emily.

Be sure to leave a comment to be entered in the drawing for a signed copy of your very own!)

I love this book! I love the way the writing and the illustrations worked so well together. After seeing the cover, I was already tied in. From the beginning, it was a great book. I loved how the boy started off wanting a puppy so badly, but once he got him, he wasn’t what the boy was expecting at all. As the book went on, the boy found things about the puppy that absolutely amazed him. In the end, the boy and the puppy were the best of friends. The illustrations that Deborah Melmon did for the story were great! After seeing them, there was no way I could imagine the story illustrated by anyone else. The pictures complimented the story, and kept me hooked. Great job!

Labracadabra Celebration Week

2011-10-03T00:01:00.000-07:00

I know I've posted about Labracadabra before, the chapter book I did for Viking last year, but this week we are going to have a giveaway! It's an adorable book, beautifully printed with hardcover and a jacket, and written by the talented Jessie Nelson and Karen Leigh Hopkins. This week if you leave a comment on our posts, you will be entered into the drawing. The winner will be announced on Saturday and I will mail you your very own autographed copy!

It's funny how jobs come along. In this case, the art director at Viking had seen some of my recently mailed tear sheets (yes, old school...but it works!) that had some quirky, loose sketches of dogs. She emailed me and asked if I had any more art with dogs and boys. She had a story about a dog, with magic powers in it's tail, that she thought would be a good fit for me. "Of course!" I said, and madly set out creating a few more pieces.

I created this piece and glad I kept it loose, because it turned out to be the exact style for the book. After a bit of back and forth, and weeks of waiting, she told me I had the job. And so I began creating "Larry" who is a mutt with about nine different breeds all mixed up together. I sketched and emailed, resketched and emailed, and resketched again. We finally came up with a version of Larry that everyone bought in to. I also had to create the human characters in the book and my favorite was cousin Seymour who is tormented by allergies, bee stings, sun burns and dogs....

I created the artwork with pen and ink and watercolor for the cover and then digitally enhanced it and created the "magic tail" in photoshop. The black and white interiors were done with line work which I scanned into the computer and digitally put in the half tone.

I will always remember the time I spent on this book as it was also the last months of my sweet little Airedale, Gracie, who passed away while I finished up the artwork. I dedicated the book to her.

Don't forget to leave a comment so you will be included in the giveaway!!

Get ready for a book celebration!

2011-10-01T12:17:00.000-07:00

Start looking for you party hats because next week we'll be having a party here at the PBJ's!

We will be celebrating a pretty special book.. Labracadabra written by Jessie Nelson and Karen Leigh Hopkins, and illustrated by our very own Deb Melmon!

Make sure to visit us all week. We'll have reviews, pictures, behind the scenes, and of course a giveaway!! (we would love to give out candy and cake too but darn.. this is just a blog..) ;o)

See you all next week here, you won't want to miss this!

Illustrator: Olivier Tallec

2011-09-29T04:00:00.000-07:00

Can I live in an Olivier Tallec book? Pretty please? Big Wolf Little Wolf is the type of book to make you cheer and sniffle and want more. And luckily, there are two follow-up books.Sometimes I fall in love with an illustrator's work for little technicalities, character design, color palettes, etc. Sometimes (the best times) I just fall in love with the worlds they create.

Go find some Olivier Tallec books and get lost. Be surprised by the way he uses color, line, gesture, white space, character design... sigh.

Here is his portfolio. Here is a publisher of many of his books.

Awesome Illustrators The World Must See

2011-09-28T05:00:00.000-07:00

Continuing with my theme of Awesome Illustrators The World Must See, today I give you Linda Silvestri!

Talent, humor, quirkiness, and pure AWESOMENESS are just a few of the words that pop in my mind when I see Linda's work. :o)

You can see for yourselves at Linda's website and blog!

Daniel in the lions den

2011-09-27T21:25:00.001-07:00

Hope everyone is doing well. I am battling the flu and continuously having to clean my monitor from all the coughing and sputtering. TMI? Sorry. =o)

Here is a piece I worked up today. I have been meaning to add some new bible themed illos to my portfolio for some time now. I don't know how to describe this style. It isn't "digital felt" because I didn't add stitching or anything. Any ideas on a name for this method?

I guess just digital.

Stay well everyone and stock up on your Vitamin C!!

I am the Dog

2011-09-26T11:47:00.000-07:00

I love books that have dogs in them and I love Jack E. Davis. I've posted about some of his books in the past, but as I rolled over this morning and looked into the eyes of my very large Airedale Terrier, Mack Daddy, whose head was resting on the pillow next to me, I realized that my dog has a pretty darn good, stress-free life.

It reminded me of the book that Davis illustrated last year, written by Daniel Pinkwater, called "I am the Dog." A very funny story about a boy and dog who change places for one day. It's silly, colorful and so fun in it's whimsical design.

I love picture books that me make me laugh and this one sure does. So much to look at in the illustrations. Davis describes his pictures as "goofy." That makes me laugh too.

Where The Giant Sleeps

2011-09-23T19:42:00.000-07:00

This book was published in 2007, but I have only just discovered it, so it's new to me! Where The Giant Sleeps is basically THE perfect bed time story. It's got a lullaby story in the form of a softly dancing poem, it's got art that could not be more fairytale enchanting or imaginative, and lastly, the quality is there (the hardcover is lovely). I was at my local bookstore tonight which has wonderful vairety and I gravitated toward this book. It will be perfect for my good friend's three-year-old daughter— I can see them getting a lot of use out of this book, reading this story to send her (and, eventually her baby brother) off into sleep, night after night for a very long time. :)

Where The Giant Sleeps is Written by Mem Fox, Illustrated by Vladimir Radunsky,

published by Harcourt Books

New book out!

2011-09-21T06:55:00.000-07:00

Hi there! I have a new book just released.

365 Animal Stories and Rhymes, published by Parragon, is a BIG book filled with tons of fun animal stories.

Having so many stories to illustrate, 365 in fact, this was a very big project that was broken down between me and several artists.

I had to illustrate around 60 short stories myself, so it was a lot of work. But I had fun drawing so many different animals in such varied scenes!

Parragon allowed me to share some images, so I posted a few so you can take a little peek at my art. :o)

Happy Monday

2011-09-19T00:01:00.000-07:00

Thought I'd share a small spot that was part of a four-page spread for Highlights High Five that I finished up last week. The story was part of the English-Spanish series that runs every month in the magazine and will be published in March. Always fun when there is a dog involved!

Jannie's journey - Road Work Ahead

2011-09-16T11:41:00.000-07:00

Jannie Ho, aka Chickengirl Design, has been sharing some great information and experiences on her blog surrounding her recently published book Road Work Ahead (Author Anastasia Suen, published by PenguinViking). She talks about the process and shows off some pretty great-looking dummies. Be sure to check it out!

Library of the Early Mind- Trailer

2011-09-14T19:55:00.000-07:00

I really want to see this. :o)

Does anyone know when it comes out?

Will Terry- Photoshop Tutorial

2011-09-13T11:13:00.000-07:00

More from Will Terry. Love watching these. Tempted to take one of his classes. =o)

My Dog Mack

2011-09-12T10:16:00.000-07:00

This is my dog Mack Daddy.

Last week I did a sketch of him.

Which turned into a very large painting that was exhibited in a local art museum.

The painting was so popular his image was placed on a stamp.....

.....and he made the cover of Vogue Magazine!

I'm sure you can see where this is going....every image shown here was made with a click of a button (not hours using Photoshop) on a very fun site called PhotoFunia. My very creative sister, who is a professional photographer, posted a job she did for a high school reunion on her blog using this site for some great, fun effects.

It got me to thinking about just playing around for inspiration and I popped in some of my own artwork using the photo booth lab. Kind of a fun way to think about creative ways to present your art, don't you think?

Put a Bird on it!

2011-09-08T13:44:00.000-07:00

I made this little amigurumi bird for my Nana. At 91, she no longer crochets. But her many years of crocheting blankets and lovelies for me and her own love of birds had me whip this little yellow guy up. That's about what I've been up this week. And for those of you you haven't seen this gem, a little Portlandia 'Put a Bird on It' should give you a chuckle.

A new book

2011-09-07T07:30:00.000-07:00

One of the books I worked on last year over the summer has been recently released in the UK! :)

Ladybird First Favourite Christmas Book published by Penguin/Ladybird is a sturdy, padded cover board book with fun christmas content for the little ones. You'll find christmas songs, carols and the story of christmas at the very end.

It features full page color illustrations. I had to work very big for this book and I wanted the kids to enjoy all the beauty and magic of christmas so I really pumped up my color. I wanted those pages to pop. I tried to leave little fun details for the kids to look at while singing the song or reading the story.

I'm still waiting for my copies to arrive. Can't wait to see them! It's one of my favorite things of being a children's illustrator, holding that big FedEx box in my hands and having my kids help open it! :)

Play Pen: New Children's Book Illustration

2011-09-02T05:23:00.000-07:00

Play Pen: New Children's Book Illustration is a compilation book that showcases lots of great work by several contemporary illustrators.

I enjoy the distinctly international vibe of this book. There are artists in here from all over the world, and you don't really need to read the text to catch this aspect— it's evident from first flip-through. The variety of art is distinct and refreshing. Different countries have different aesthetics in different genres of art, media and culture, and in children's publishing as well.

The biographies on each artist are also the perfect length: long enough to convey a depth of information enough for you to gain an understanding of the artist, but short enough to keep your interest for the entire block of copy, without the text fighting the artwork for your attention.

All in all, Play Pen is a great addition to my bookshelf, one I go back to again and again as a source of information and inspiration.

Inspiration

2011-08-31T18:25:00.000-07:00

I can't help it, I always get inspired by beautiful things. Sometimes is a beautiful sound, a beautiful sight, a beautiful smell, a beautiful memory even a beautiful feeling.

This is a perfect example of what I mean. Anything and everything can inspire us, you just have to be open to it.

Enjoy :o)

Marking Memories with a children's book

2011-08-30T11:38:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks ago I had the pleasure of visiting Maine for the week. What a beautiful state! I like collecting little tourist trinkets -typical stuff-to mark memories. I bought a key chain, wine stopper, a hoodie and coffee mug. Also found a lovely piece of lavendar sea glass by the sea!

But what I'd really like to recommend doing when traveling, is collecting a children's book from the area. While shopping I found some lovely books that represented Maine nicely. My favorite,though, was "Journey around Maine A to Z" written and illustrated by Martha Day Zschock.

Martha's lyrical water color illustrations work so well with her equally lyrical text, sharing fun factoids and family fun attractions in Maine. Although this is geared for children, I found it just as beguiling a read. Sure, you can find a good sightseeing, touristy book but there's nothing like a well written and illustrated pb to treasure. I know, I'm biased. =o)

Martha has written a series of "journey around" books including Boston, Nantucket, Chicago and Washington DC. I may have to start traveling to collect her books.

Richard Torrey

2011-08-29T12:17:00.001-07:00

Richard Torrey's latest book is called "Because." It is part of a three book series, the other two titled "Almost" and "Why?" Even though Jack's mom tells him that "because" is not an answer, Jack strongly disagrees. This six-year-old thinks "because" is the perfect answer to any question.

I love the illustrations in this book because they are loose and yet there is a lot of attention to detail. I know it takes a lot of work to make a book look effortless in style and I think Torrey has achieved that beautifully. I also love the color pallette. Soft and fresh to enhance the whimsical drawings. And of course there is the cute "terrierish" (I know, probably not a word) white dog that appears in all three books. The dog, although in the background of many of the scenes, is what makes this book so satisfying at the end of the story. And I love this book just.....because.

You can see more of Richard Torrey's work on his webite here.

Vet Volunteers series by Laurie Halse Anderson

2011-08-26T05:00:00.000-07:00

Seeing that I've been posting my pet art all week on my blog, I thought this was a perfect time to give a shout out to a really fun chapter book series, Laurie Halse Anderson's Vet Volunteers. I have only read one of these thus far, but I enjoyed the first one so very much, I want to read every single one,. They are fun to read, but they are not dumbed down at all— they tell serious pet-in-distress stories. We get to experience each "case" from the inside out, and we get to live the story along with the characters.

I 'discovered' Halse Anderson way after she'd become an hugely successful, award winning, and established author of bestselling young adult literature such as Twisted and Wintergirls. I saw her speak at the 2008 NESCBWI conference, and that was the first time I'd heard of her. (Surprising to me now!) WHAT a Keynote she gave. Someday, I'll have to tell you about it. Amazing, and she brought down the house.

Check out ALL of Laurie Halse Anderson's books, here and on Amazon.

What I'm Working On

2011-08-25T04:00:00.000-07:00

I signed up for Sketchbook Project 2012, choosing the theme 'Treehouse'. I keep waffling on my approach. But even the waffling is good for me. I'm filling pages in my regular sketchbook with ideas for the cover, spreads, and possibly a very loose story arc. Who knows what the final product will be, but it's still great exercise for my drawing hand (and brain).
I'm also spending a little time working on my long-suffering picture book dummy. I hope to bring a revised version to a critique group next month. I have 4 pages to edit, and cover sketches to play with before then. I used to wonder at author/illustrators telling tales of how many years it would take for projects to reach fruition. Oh, how I totally understand that now!

Awesome Illustrators The World Must See

2011-08-24T08:44:00.000-07:00

There is so much talent out there.. You just have to take a few minutes online to browse blogs and realize this. So I decided I would post from time to time about great artists that deserve to be seen!

Today I chose Eric Barclay. His art is deliciously graphic and stylized with an old feel to it. Love how he uses color and takes his art to the simplest form. He also creates amazing characters out of everyday things.

Don't you just love that? How he can see something special out of an object that people just throw away in the recycled bin?

Eric's art rocks. But don't take my word for it, take a look at his website and blog. :o)

Folio Academy

2011-08-23T06:20:00.000-07:00

http://folioacademy.com/

Check out this wonderful new resource created by Will Terry & Wayne Andreason.

From My Sketchbook

2011-08-22T00:01:00.000-07:00

Just a quick colored sketch from my digital sketchbook today. Sorry for the short post, but I've got lots of irons in the fire and several looming deadlines this week. Hope you are all enjoying the last days of summer.

Tiny Little Fly

2011-08-18T04:00:00.000-07:00

This big, beautiful book should not be missed. And how could you not pick up a book with such a bold cover? My first impression was, Wow! that's how you sell a book. The inside doesn't disappoint - there are big reveals and fun, simple text. Appealing to younger readers and tired parents alike.
The art, by Kevin Waldron is a combination of gouache, pencil, and digital. The medium marries the jungle setting wonderfully. Also, definitely check out this great post by The Illustrated Book Image Collective about the book design. I love seeing the big double-double spreads all laid out. You'll see what I mean.

ilove my iPad

2011-08-17T07:18:00.000-07:00

Hello there!

This is the first post I do from my iPad2. Hubby and kids gave it to me as a birthday gift and I am loving it! We all have to wait and take turns for using it though.. he he. ;)

Truth is I've been dying to get once ever since the iPad came out but I honestly thought that while having an iPhone and a MacBook, an iPad wouldn't be necessary. Fun of course, but not really necessary. Now I am totally in love with it and feel I can't live without it.

I followed Deb's great advice from her post on what sketch/paint program to get and bought a bamboo stylus from wacom. So far it has been great. I like that Artrage feels very natural sort of like Coral Paint and that it has layers like Photoshop too. Its amazing how instinctive and easy to use the iPad and these programs are and how kids "get it" so easily. My 9 year old daughter grabbed the ipad for a second and made the illustration above without me explaining anything to her. Isn't it great?! I know... proud mommy ;)

How about you? Any great or favorite iPad apps you can recommend? I love to hear about them.

Bill Mayer

2011-08-15T12:43:00.000-07:00

When I think of Bill Mayer's illustrations, what comes to mind are his nutty, air-brushed monsters. They are so bright and colorful and lovable.

But Bill is actually a very versatile artist with several different styles. In his latest children's book Hide and Sheep by Andrea Beaty he uses a pen and watercolor technique reminiscent of old comics and early 1930 cartoons. I love buying children's books that have interesting techniques that include some digital aspects. This is one of those books.

This very cute story, written by Andrea Beaty, is about Farmer McFitt's frisky sheep that are on the loose. As Farmer McFitt sleeps the morning away, his restless sheep end up joining the circus, going to the movies and visiting an art museum.

You can see more of Bill Mayer's art on his website here. The entry into his website is worth the visit. And be sure to check out his scratchboard work. Just beautiful!

Press Here

2011-08-09T05:00:00.000-07:00

I came across the most delightful book the other day. "Press Here" by Herve Tullet.

I thought, An interactive book with dots? Will this really keep a childs attention?

Well, I can't speak for the kiddo's but it certainly captured mine. Herve uses simple painted dots on a page and gives the reader directions to follow with the result on the following page.

"Press here and turn the page," "Great! Now press the yellow dot again." A third yellow dot appears beside the first two. "Perfect," the narrator continues. "Rub the dot on the left... gently." And so it goes.

I felt a bit silly in the kids section shaking a book with adults around me, but it was fun and I couldn't help myself.

I would have bought this for my children in a heart beat when they were small. I can just picture a child reading/playing this again and again. IMHO, it's a perfect read aloud with a group of kids (kids will be fighting for a turn to participate) or a one on one experience with your child in your lap.

Love it!

Simms Taback

2011-08-08T12:24:00.000-07:00

I went to Keplers today, our local, independent bookstore in Menlo Park to look at some picture books for a change of venue. I've been working, working, and needed some visual stimulation that wasn't my artwork, if you know what I mean. I came across Simms Taback's latest book, called Postcards from Camp. I so love his art. His creativity and design sense is so wonderful and he manages to keep his style so childlike, which I think is very hard to do.

In this latest book, the story is written in a series of postcards between a father and a son who is reluctant to be at summer camp. At first the postcards from the son are desperate. He really hates being at camp.

But his father faithfully writes positive, upbeat responses and soon enough, the son's postcards

become more and more upbeat and eventually he decides that he really is having a good time.

There are so many fun elements to this book. Envelopes that open with actual letters inside.

A little book dummy of a ghost story that his father writes to him. So creative.

You can see more of Taback's work on his website. Check out this video if you want to see how he came up with the concept for There was an Old Lady who Swallowed a Fly...one of my all time favorites.

Uncovered Cover Art

2011-08-05T06:15:00.000-07:00

Gina touched on this cool new blog in her post the other day: today my mission is to give you a little bit of a deeper look into the Uncovered Cover Art blog and also into this new sub-genre of the art community submission blog that is singularly focused on children's literature. I love this idea for a blog/project, and this one is centered in on reinterpreting the covers of your favorite children's books and offers a deep, dark (and, well... chocolatey LOL) well to explore. Check it out! If you'd like to contribute, submissions guidelines can be found here.

In the recent past, I have been aware of a couple of other similar blogs worth checking out. Both are now completed/ened projects, but lucky for us, the blogs are still available, and the art posts are still on display.

Terrible Yellow Eyes was focused on art created as an homage to Maurice Sendak's Where The Wild Things Are. This finite project had a gallery exhibition at it's culmination (TBE was live from May 2009 to January 2010). The art on the TBE blog site, is at the very least inventive and imaginative, but, usually it's somewhere in the vicinity of stunning or breathtaking. So if you have not seen the blog, it's definitely worth a peruse.

The other children's book art with fresh interpretations blog is (or was) The Picture Book Report. This blog project was created by artist Meg Hunt and featured several contributing artists, all of which were invited to become contributors at the start of the project. This one also has some really amazing work.

Meg's blog was juried, Cory Godbey's (Terrible Yellow Eyes) was not, as far as I know. So there are a few different ways people have test-driven this model, and I'm sure there will be many more. Lucky for us, I'm sure there will be many more blogs of this genre in the future. Looking forward to it!

Auntie Lou, on the go

2011-08-04T04:00:00.000-07:00

Hooray! I finally finished my little painting - the first one I've done in an embarrassing stretch of time. I was really tempted to make this a bit more 3D as I had been working, but the canvas texture was sort of a dominating factor, and I didn't want to put myself off to just plain finishing it. I can't wait to hang it in my daughter's room and move on to my next project. There are so many little 'fun' projects to choose from if you aren't burdened by actual deadlines. Here's what I'm mulling over working on next:
They Draw and Travel
They Draw and Cook
Undercovered Cover Art
Illustration Rally
or maybe just a good ol' Illustration Friday

Book finds

2011-08-03T06:00:00.000-07:00

I'm visiting the US right now and

I'm having a ball visiting bookstores and libraries!

These are a few books that jumped out at me

just because of the illustrations.

Hedgehog, Pig and Sweet Little Friend is so adorable. I have a thing for pigs. If I am doodling and not thinking about it I guarantee you a pig will pop on my sketchbook, no doubt. Lena Anderson's style is so darling. Soft and cute without being overly sweet I think.

She makes sure to have tons of great details

for the kid to find in the book. I love that.

Blue Bowl Down is just striking. I think the illustrations are gorgeous. Looks like cut paper but with the richest textures. The colors really pop in this book. Holly Meade did a beautiful job.

Do I need to say anything about Edwin? LOL!

Look at that face.. and those tiny teeth! Edwin Speaks Up is one of the cutest books out now. I love Sophie Blackall. Super talented, she can go from cute and sweet to more sophisticated without loosing her style. She has a blog too if you want to check it out.

I'll be on the lookout for more adorable books to share with you all.

Loungefly's Hello Kitty products delight and amaze

2011-07-29T11:11:00.000-07:00

I am so impressed with the way the contemporary accessory company company Loungefly reinterprets our classic friend Hello Kitty. They do a truly amazing job at containing and preserving the essence and the sentiment of classic HK in the products they create with the license. But they take it to a whole other level— they succeed at elevating the brand. Fantastic modern design integrating fresh new concepts and often bright ideas, an excellent attention to detail, and to top it all off, really high quality products. I should know— I have two Loungefly HK bags which I use on a daily basis, and I will gleefully purchase more when they hit all these marks. To see a company do such a wonderful job with one of my favorite character brands is a revelation. Big props to Loungefly for such outstanding execution with the HK/Sanrio license — they always leave me wanting more!

What I'm Working On

2011-07-28T15:36:00.000-07:00

I lost my sweet 'fall-asleep-with-no-help' baby a few weeks ago, so my work table was collecting dust until yesterday. I have been working on my Sketchbook Project a bit during the afternoons when I can get baby to nap next to me and free my hands and lap. Painting requires total independence, so I'm just going to have to enjoy the rare moments I do get for myself!

David Carter's Pop-Up Books

2011-07-27T06:00:00.000-07:00

The Pop-Up Artist from Manny Crisostomo on Vimeo.

I REALLY love how this guy thinks.

Simply put, these books are unique little pieces or art.

From My Sketchbook

2011-07-25T11:56:00.000-07:00

Is it Monday already? I've been working every day and through the weekends for the last couple of weeks to finish my picture book for Kar Ben Publishing. It's a story about a classroom full of kids and a police dog that could use some obedience training. It's such a fun book for me right now as I'm also working hard on training my rescue dog "Mack." We have obedience class on Monday nights at our local park. He is a quick learner, so I'm really pleased with his progress. His biggest obstacle is that he is just so full of excitement and very vocal. He just needs to learn a little patience....just like his mommy, lol.

JiveCats preview

2011-07-22T12:16:00.000-07:00

Today, I want to share what I have been up to. This spring, I was very hard at work creating my first-ever fabric collection with Northcott Fabrics. It's a character-based novelty collection featuring my JiveCats characters, and it's called-yes- JiveCats! I have so much more to share with you about it, but all in due time... for now, I will let you make your own discoveries, because today, I am able to share a preview of the collection with you!! Release date to retail is February 2012, but you can check it out now (and pre-plan some fun sewing projects too, if you are so inclined)! Please let me know what you think! Hope you LOVE IT!! :D

The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore

2011-07-20T05:00:00.000-07:00

The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore iPad App Trailer from Moonbot Studios on Vimeo.

I have no words. Just watch. :o)