I had a great opportunity to speak to over 400 children in 3 cities (Gien, Vannes, Montauban: France) about book creation and illustration. It was really a great time, and the kids gave back as much as I gave them. Great learning experience; it was my first time to speak French when presenting formally and in front of a crowd. I hope to have the opportunity to do more of this in the future.

O'Doodle's in Chestnut Hill picked up Pemba Sherpa(and Ollie and Tugg). Thanks guys!
8335Germantown Avenue, Chestnut Hill., PA 19118

It was great to be a part of the LA County Unified School District for a day. I spoke to (and with) over 140 students and was welcomed with open arms.

Glad to be a part of it!

From the website;
..."an annual booklist of the best feminist books for young readers, ages birth through 18. We are part of the Feminist Task Force of the Social Responsibilities Round Table of the American Library Association!"

"Since 2002, when the Amelia Bloomer Project published its first bibliography of feminist books for young readers, American culture has undergone radical change. During this decade, many in U.S. society turned their backs on the ideals of equality and tried to return to the restrictive attitudes of the 1950s, reveling in a backlash that attempts to roll back Social Security and Medicare as well as passing laws that limit women’s rights to our own bodies.

Although the inauguration of President Barack Obama, just one year ago, raised hopes that the anti-women excesses of the previous administration would be overcome, conservative rhetoric co-opting feminist arguments remains deeply engrained in U.S. society. Purity balls “empower” pre-teen and teenage girls to promise their virginity to their fathers as these children pledge to abstain from sex until they are married. So-called crisis pregnancy centers deliberately set up shop near high schools with the intention to counsel young women against having abortions. A U.S. Army Major General commanding U.S. forces in Northern Iraq added pregnancy to the list of prohibitions, with punishments that include courts martial. At the same time, the U.S. military has made few provisions to protect women soldiers from rape and sexual assault by other U.S. soldiers."

See a 40 second trailer for the book click here.

These photos are from my visit to St. Genevieve's School in Flourtown PA. I spoke to the 4th-6th grades and k-1st grades, read the book and opened up to questions from the students afterwards.

Barnes and Noble signing in Plymouth Meeting PA

14"x20" Poster
The image is the full size illustration from the books cover.
($4 shipping costs for the continental US.)

Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by: Debbie Smart

"The Sherpa (meaning “eastern people” in the Tibetan language) are known for their expert mountain climbing skills. Many young boys dream of becoming porters or guides on Mt. Everest, the world’s highest mountain. Pemba, the young schoolboy in this story, dreams of becoming the best porter and guide in all of Nepal.

Yang Ki is Pemba’s sister. She too wishes to become a porter or guide; however, no girls were allowed to work as a guide at this time. But that doesn’t stop her from following her brother on the treacherous mountain trail. Although Pemba is adamant that Yang Ki remain behind at home she continues to follow him. Pemba finds himself in peril when loose rocks on the mountain trail give way to a landslide – and he realizes his life is now in Yang Ki’s hands. Yang Ki’s actions show her brother, Pemba, that she is a strong and brave girl – someone he is proud to call his sister.

Pemba Sherpa is a delightful and inspirational story between a brother and his sister. This story encourages children to dream beyond traditional boundaries. The watercolor and pencil illustrations in Pemba Sherpa are exquisite works of art.

Pemba Sherpa is dedicated to the memory of Pemba Doma Sherpa (1970-2007) the first Sherpa woman to reach the summit of the North Face of Mt. Everest.

I am very pleased and excited to report that within the first 3 and a half weeks of being available, over 6000 copies have been sold. Thanks everyone for your support!

Pemba Sherpa has just been awarded the Junior Library Guild Selection for the Fall of 2009 and has been reviewed by The Children's Book Review

Pemba Sherpa is a story that whisks children off to another land. It will leave girls feeling empowered and boys with a deepened respect for younger sisters everywhere. Now available on Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble.com. Enjoy this story based on actual events and be charmed by its warm, hand drawn illustrations and powerful lesson.

People have asked me what it entails to create illustrations for a book. Every artist has his/her own way of working, and with different media comes another way of preparation and handling of the tools. Below are 3 images from one illustration of the book as a fast look into my work in progress. I started with a rough sketch, then to the final drawing to adding color (washes of watercolor). If you have any questions on the book or you are interested in school, library, etc, speaking engagements, please feel free to contact me directly at garybernard@verizon.net.