Wild Things! is a new book coming out about the ‘behind-the-scenes’ stories of writing and illustrating picture books.
I contributed a story about Prancing, Dancing Lily—the cow who loved to dance—that didn’t make the cut for the book. However, you can read it on the book’s website here.
By: Paula Pertile,
on 5/29/2008
We've been having a discussion in one of my 'groups' about udders, and how a lot of certain types of publishers require them be removed in illustrations for children. Yes, you read that right. No udders on cows. Or babies breast feeding, or nipples on men who are shirtless; the list of "no-nos" goes on and on and ON, ad nauseum. Those things are all somehow deemed to be indecent or inappropriate for kids. !?!?!?!?!
Its very frustrating for us as illustrators. I could rant, but I'm tired. I will just put it out there for you to ponder. This is the world we live in.
This gal above is part of my stuffed animal collection, and I LOVE HER. She is very proud of her udders, as you can see. She sits on a ledge right by my drawing table and I look at her every day. I think she's just the best. (Her body is black and white, and her nose and udders are very PINK.)
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Yesterday my cats caught a little baby bird. BAD kitties!!! BAD! BAD!!! A little fledgling house finch. But don't worry, I rescued it and took it over to the Wildlife Care Association here, which is the coolest place. They take in hurt animals of all sorts. The nice lady put the birdie in a little box with some netting clothes-pinned over the top, and the little guy looked up at me with those little birdie eyes, and I said "Bye little birdie, get better!" and actually wiped a tear as I drove away. I am so weak.
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I just signed on for a new book project, which should be fun! Its a cute little story with bunnies.
So I will be busy now on that, and some of my "other" work may have to take a back burner for a while. I still need to finish up my mice, and a couple other things for another deadline, so I am going to go see if I can clone myself somehow. If any of you have figured that one out, please let me know.
I posted this once before when I got my first udderless edu. project.
Paula,
AWWW, HOW CUTE!!!! :)
To your comment about people making a fuss about udders in children's books, I say WHA???? In this world of political correctness and women's rights, where women can sport their udders in public while breastfeeding their babies and their children see it QUITE OFTEN if their mothers are feeding the baby (and maybe a handful haven't... grow up time!)... what is WRONG with a Cow wearing it's NATURAL SKIN? This is crazy! Cows have to feed THEIR babies too and where do you think the milk we drink comes from? ATM machines? Next they'll be making bras for cows. I can see it now... what size? How many CUPS? Width? I think it's nutso crazy, do what you want, this is awesome! ;)
xo Rose
Congrats on the new book!! (And I love your cow too...)
:)
e
Your cow is beautiful and as it should be i SHudder to think what the worlds coming to
Glad to hear the little bird survived to be rescued. I hope it makes it.
You are drawing bunnies!!
I just finished a book about bunnies (as you know) and now I am about to start the next book about the same bunnies.
Thank goodness they don't have udders for me to contend with!
I bet you complete your book before I complete mine :o)