How to use this Page

So I had a great time reading this one. TRAPPED IN LUNCH LADY LAND follows the adventures of Josh and Patty Anne as they are (you guessed it) trapped in a strange world called Lunch Lady Land. Their adventures are very reminiscent of THE WIZARD OF OZ, with meeting new friends (and adversaries) and finding themselves deep in trouble. In addition, the world around them is edible which made me incredibly hungry as I read.
This book will have huge appeal to the younger crowd, probably 2nd grade and up, both boys and girls alike. Totally worth checking out for those younger readers in your life. I enjoyed the adventure from start to finish!

TRAPPED IN LUNCH LADY LAND by David M. Simon (Cbay Books, May 7th, 2014)

I picked up this book and read it nearly in one sitting which was such a welcome relief to my recent reading history. BROKEN WORLDS has that gripping quality that makes you have to turn the pages. To have to find out what happens next. The story and characters pull you in and don't let you go. And though the book is technically a science fiction story, at its heart, it is a story about abuse recovery. I'd recommend BROKEN WORLDS for those fans who enjoyed the TITHE series by Holly Black or the WICKED LOVELY series by Melissa Marr. Because of the abuse recovery theme, I'd save this one for the 9th grade and up crowd.


BROKEN WORLDS by Anitha Robinson (Cbay Books, June 10, 2014)

It's been awhile since I've come across a book that I felt was a suitable replacement for Kat Kong (plus I was out of the country.) But a successor has been found! Scott Beck's Happy Birthday Monster! is a charming book that has already enjoyed repeat readings at our house. The story is straightforward: Ben, a cute little demon-like monster, is throwing a surprise birthday party for his friend Doris (a cute little dragon-like monster.) We see Ben welcoming his guests, the guests hiding, and then the ensuing fun of dancing, snacks, and gift-giving. Beck's clever, cheerful illustrations run as a series of visual jokes: a ghost chagrined when her snacks fall right through her; Ben stuck in the ceiling by his horns after being tossed in the air by his friends; Doris lighting her own candles by breathing fire on them. There are plenty of puns, too. Everyone is so happy to be together. If only all birthday parties were this congenial!

How did I ever miss out on this one?! First of all, I love Dav Pilkey's picture books, and having made a point to read all of them, I thought that I had. Secondly, Kat Kong looks just like my cat, Richie, famous for having traveled over from England with us and being the most talkative, daftest, lovable cat I know (I also have a nine lives/reincarnation theory about him, but I won't go into that here.) Kat Kong is a "faithful" adaptation of the King Kong story--about as faithful as you can be using manipulated photo collage and telling the story with mice and a black cat. The book has been rated, just like a film (TS for "terribly silly".) Forget 'terribly' silly--it's wonderfully silly! There are some truly ghastly puns, both in the text and in the pictures. So if you like to groan while you giggle, this is the book for you. Dav Pilkey's website has some fantastic "behind the scenes" info about this book, including the storyboards he drew for Kat Kong and it's companion volume Dogzilla, on-line puzzles and printables from the book, and insider tips about how he managed to get his cat, Blueberry, to make such menacingly goofy expressions. In fact, the site in general is quite cool. Stay awhile and play!

This is my current life story, but without the benefit of it taking place in Paris! Adele collects her brother Simon from school, and on the way home he manages to lose the drawing of a cat he made in school, his books, his scarf, his gloves (one at a time,) his hat, his crayons, his knapsack, his jacket, and his sweater. All this despite the conscientious Adele's constant scolding and hand-wringing. As my daughter and I made our way through the book--for each page is actually a picture puzzle, with the missing item hidden for little hawk-eyes to find--I was reminded of a day when I dropped her off at school and then followed a trail of hats, gloves, and scarves, all left behind by my little one like a trail of breadcrumbs from her classroom to the front entrance. While I prefer Dahlia as a story, Adele and Simon is an absolutely gorgeous book, with maps of Paris for end pages, and detailed pen and ink and watercolor drawings of early twentieth-century Paris. An absolute feast for the eyes.

-- Meghan

King Me

I had to make a matching card to go with the Queen.

Enjoy!

These were pieces I had done years ago. I created them as a self-promotional series. I've now entered a couple in the Custom 52 contest, plus a new piece. Vote for me! Here, here, and here! Thanks!!

For a client about a year ago. Don't think they used them at all.

My Lovely Queen of Hearts

I incorporated a vector portrait of my wife into this composition. I thought I would have some fun with the file and turn her into my Lovely Queen of hearts.

Enjoy!

Trabajo para una empresa que hace juegos para bingos y casinos, en fin, las cartas las hice con el illustrator, y esta es una de las instancias en las qeu me estaba aburriendo mucho y solo por diversion hice al rey con su cara feliz... descolocado. This playing card it's been done at work with illustrator, that's what i do, gamming design. i've change the face of the king just for fun 'cause sometimes work can be soooooooo boring.

Alright, this week's theme is a a good one, suggested by our very own Meghan Murphy. If you're brand new and haven't had an opportunity to post some work here yet, here is a perfect excuse to do so. By the way, last week's theme of Red was suggested by David Snider of David Snider Design Studio.

For you newcomers, the SFG Challenge runs Thursday to Thursday, and was created to offer every member an opportunity to stretch their creative muscles and post their interpretations on a specific theme. It's a lot of fun!


Be sure to label your illustrations with the appropriate labels as well. I prefer you label your entries with your name or screenname, and the challenge label, SFG: Playing Cards.

Remember, this is a completely voluntary challenge designed solely to stimulate creativity and promote participation. Please don't hesitate to post your other work as normal.

If you would today SFG members, head on over to the SFG forum, sign up and get involved. I'd appreciate each and every one of you taking the time to help that endeavor to flourish and grow. Thank you!



The next challenge begins Thursday, July 19th, 2007.

Challenge yourselves SFG'ers and have a great week!

-Jeff