Morning, poppins!
Yesterday, for the first time in a long while, I submitted a Video Sunday for your approval. Trouble is, I may have failed to mention one of the most fascinating videos out there with a tie-in to books for kids, so I’d like to rectify the situation today.
The title of the article read, ‘Last Week Tonight’: John Oliver Turned a 20-Year-Old Kids’ Book with ‘Startling Parallels’ to Trump into a Bestseller. Naturally I tried figuring out what book they were talking about but I was coming up short. Turns out it’s good old The Kid Who Ran for President by Dan Gutman. That’s a title that is consistently on New York City public school reading lists every single year. Wouldn’t be surprised a jot if that’s how Last Week Tonight‘s writing staff heard about it (some of them must have kids). Glad to see it getting a bit of attention here and there. I won’t give away which candidate the “startling parallels” refer to (kidding!). Thanks to PW Children’s Bookshelf for the link.
A Gene Luen Yang comic piece for the New York Times simply called Glare of Disdain? Don’t mind if I do!
Horn Book came out with their 2015-2016 Yearbook Superlatives post once more. Fun bit. I wonder if they collect them throughout the year as they do their reading.
Tis the battle of the smarty-pants! Who did it better? Adam Rex and Christian Robinson at Horn Book or Jory John and Bob Shea at Kirkus? The choice is yours (though Christian Robinson probably sweeps the deck with his magnificent “Black people are magic” line).
See how I’m going from a Horn Book post to a Horn Book / Kirkus post to a Kirkus review? That’s why they pay me the big bucks, folks. In any case, usually when I post a review on this blog I like to link the books mentioned in the review to Kirkus. Why? Because they’re the review journal that has the most free archived older children’s book reviews online. Generally this is a good plan but once in a while it throws me for a loop. For example, a reviewer of the original Nate the Great back in 1972 had serious problems with the title. Your homework for the day is to read the review and then figure out what precisely the “stereotype” the book was faulty of conveying really was. I’ve read this review about ten times and I’m still baffled. Any ideas?
So I worked at NYPL for a number of years (11 in total). Of those, I spent about five or six of them working in close proximity to the original Winnie-the-Pooh toys. And in all that time I never knew them to look as good as they do right now. Oo la la! Goggle at that restored Kanga! And a Piglet where his skin ISN’T falling off his body? I don’t even know the guy now. No word on whether or not the restoration yielded more information on the music box in Pooh’s tummy (or if it’s even still there). Still, they look great (and appear to have a whole new display area too!). Thanks to Sharyn November for the link.
Did you know that Cricket Media (which runs Cricket Magazine as well as other periodicals) has a blog? I tell you this partly because I’m trying to contact someone at their Chicago location and so far my efforts have been for naught. A little help?
Did you know there was a children’s book award for science fiction? Yup. “The Golden Duck Awards, which are designed to encourage science fiction literature for children, have been given annually since 1992.” And as far as I can tell, they may still be going on. Check out their site here to see for yourself. You can suggest books from the previous year too, so have at it, peoples.
So I give up. Slate? You win. You do good posts on children’s books. I was wrong to doubt you. That post about how your son loves “bad guys” so you read him Tomi Ungerer’s The Three Robbers? That’s good stuff. And the piece on how terrible the U.S. is at translating children’s books? Also excellent. To say nothing of all the other excellent posts you’ve come up with and researched well. I doff my cap. Your pop-up blog is a rousing success. Well done you.
Question: How often has a documentary been made about a nonfiction children’s picture book about a true subject? Once at least.
Saw this next one on the old listservs and figured it might be of use to someone:
I just wanted to pass along an opportunity that I’m hoping that you’ll hope promote for ALSC. Every year, we give away four $600 stipends for ALSC members to attend Annual for the first time. Applications are open now and are being accepted up to October 1, 2016. For 2017, Penguin Random House is including one ticket for each winner to the Newbery-Caldecott-Wilder Banquet. Here is some more information.
Daily Image:
Because I just cannot stop with the Stranger Things. This one came via my friend Marci. Look closely enough and you’ll see Will hiding in the Upside Down.
Thanks to Marci Morimoto for the link.
Two years ago, my first children's story in Spanish appeared in the national magazine, Iguana. El Viaje de Clarisa la Flaquita is a fable written in Spanish. It follows the journey of a brown, skinny, young girl ant who learns to struggle against and overcome problems that life never seems to stop throwing in her path and was inspired by the burdens carried by first-grade, immigrant children I use to teach. I'm still proud of that story and was glad it would be available for some time, which is why I was not happy to receive the following (bold type - my emphasis):
"Dear Iguana family and friends,
I am heart-broken to inform you that the last issue of Iguanawill be Nov/Dec 2014. Cricket Media (Carus Publishing) has decided to stop production of all Spanish language magazines. The company is shifting its focus towards China. As a result, Marc and I are no longer employed by Cricket Media. It is unfortunate that Cricket Media did not fully commit to growing the brands despite the evidence that subscriptions were increasing.
We are in the process of getting Iguana back. However, it is currently financially infeasible for us to continue publishing Iguana. Marc and I want to thank all of you for your continued support and loyalty over these past ten years. It is thanks to you that Iguana was able to enrich the lives of many children. We hope that our paths may cross in the future and we can work together again.
Thank you, thank you so much from the bottom of our hearts.
Christianne Meneses Jacobs, Founder/Editor, Marc Jacobs, Art Director
"Querida familia de Iguana y amigos:Con el corazón destrozado les anuncio que la última edición de Iguana será la de noviembre/diciembre 2014. Cricket Media (Carus Publishing) ha decidido dejar de publicar todas las revistas en español y enfocarse en el mercado en China. Como resultado, Marc y yo ya no estamos trabajando para Carus. Desafortunadamente, los ejecutivos de Cricket Media no estaban completamente comprometidos en desarrollar las revistas a pesar de la evidencia de que las suscripciones estaban aumentado.
Estamos en el proceso de que nos regresen Iguana. Sin embargo, en estos momentos se nos dificulta economicamente continuar publicando Iguana. Marc y yo les queremos dar las gracias a todos por su continuo apoyo y lealtad en estos últimos diez años. Es gracias a todos ustedes que Iguana pudo enriquecer la vida de muchos niños. Esperamos que nuestros caminos se vuelvan a cruzar en el futuro y podamos trabajar juntos otra vez.
Gracias, muchísimas gracias desde el fondo de nuestros corazones.
Christianne Meneses Jacobs, Fundadora/Editora y Marc Jacobs, Director de Arte"
Whatever the merits of my fable, kids in my classrooms loved this magazine. I bought copies for school libraries and always had back issues in my room. Now, the magazine is threatened and might never publish again. As Virginia Alanis notes below: "Each month, approximately 50,000 US Latinos turn eighteen years of age." So, it's difficult to understand how Iguana's publishers are ceasing its publication. That they are "shifting focus toward China" might make sense; there are more Chinese kids than U.S. latinos. But here is the original press release when first taking over Iguana.
"Cricket Magazine Group’s Iguana to bring Spanish language, learning and culture to 7-12 year-olds "In an interest to [sic] better serve the 50 million Latinos in the U.S., Cricket Magazine Group/Carus Publishing, a division of ePals, proudly announces the addition of Iguana magazine, its first Spanish-language magazine for children, ages 7‐12. Iguanawill expose children to the beauty of the Spanish language and the richness of Latin American culture and heritage. The magazine received a 2009 Children's Publication Award from the National Association of Multicultural Education.
"Iguana is a Spanish language magazine for children who grew up learning and speaking Spanish. Each issue engages children with interesting text, beautiful illustrations, and intriguing photographs across a wide variety of new and interesting topics including history, geography, science, technology, language arts, math and more. Iguana's interesting content motivates children to read, reinforcing reading skills in Spanish and encouraging Latino cultural preservation."
It appears Carus is dropping their "proud" commitment to "better serve the 50 million Latinos in the U.S." But you can see for yourself what a great full-color, illustrated magazine Iguanawas, at this interactive sampler. It will be missed by more than me.
To get Carus Publishing's explanation for shutting down Iguana, I contacted them this week, and their computer answered: "We received your correspondence and will respond within two business days." That would be this coming Tuesday, and if I receive anything I'll append it to this post. You can contact Christianne M. Jacobs for further information about Iguana's future ([email protected]) or Karen Dudra (kdudra [@] caruspub.com) about Carus Publishing's decision. I assume publishing rights to my Clarisa story will revert to me, so I'll be seeking to get it published as a picture book.
Virginia Alanis about her forthcoming novel
"I wrote Love Field so readers could inhabit the 1980s and 1990s and smile at the things I took so seriously as a young woman. Even though I created outrageous characters and situations in my novel, I remained true to the basic thematic elements of a coming-of-age novel. I think of Love Field as Jane Eyre for Latinos, literary fiction about a girl in high school who runs away from home rather than return to Mexico with her family. She has the added baggage of making an early marriage, a jealous husband, and murderous in-laws—all while attending college."
Alanis's debut novel, Love Field, will be published in 2015, but in the meantime you can read her summary.
Deep Down Dark
"On August 5, 2010, thirty-three miners were trapped underground following a mine cave-in at the Chilean town of Copiapó. Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and novelist Hector Tobar obtained exclusive access to the miners and tells their story in his novel Deep Down Dark. Latinopia asked Tobar how the novel came about.
Es todo, hoy,
RudyG, a.k.a. Rudy Ch. Garcia, author of El Viaje de Clarisa la Flaquita, in print for a limited time
Mary Manning is an Illustrator/ editor who specializes in the children’s market creating fun, whimsical characters with a wide range of personalities.
She works in watercolors, pen and ink, and digitally, and often use a combination of all three. If you have a project that needs to be illustrated in a professional manner, please feel free to contact her.
Client list includes: Time Inc., Red Line Editorial, Outskirts Press, Flowerpot Press, The Educational Company of Ireland, Capstone Productions, LLC, Cricket Magazine, Pearson Education, Double D Ranch.
Published Books :
Jack and the Beanstalk by Ann Malaspina
I Wish I Was A Little by Melissa Everett
When… by Frank Boylan
Hey Diddle Diddle by Melissa Everett
If… by Frank Boylan
Ten Fractured Fairy Tales by Mary Lou Williams
The Polar Bear Tanguista by Cheryl Bowdre
Maggie’s Neighborhood by Carolyn E. Grant
Christmas In Maggie’s Neighborhood by Carolyn E. Grant
Keoni’s Big Question by Patti B. Ogden
I Am Truly Loved by Cheryl Lashmit
Dubious Jack the Pumpkin King by Christopher Esing
Here is Mary Explaining her process:
I always start with a sketch, and once it’s approved, including any changes, I then transfer it to watercolor paper.
After I finish with the painting process, I then scan it, and load it into photoshop, where I finish it off digitally. That also means cleaning it up, and making any corrections I need. I need to be sure the resolution and sizing is correct, and also to convert the image to CMYK if needed.
Jack and the Beanstalk by Ann Malaspina
How long have you been interested in art?
I knew what I wanted to do before I was even able to read, really…when I was growing up, we had some books that we called “the green books”, and in them they had the work of all the “Golden Age” illustrators like Rackham, Dulac, Robinson…anyway, I would pour through them each day just to look at the illustrations, and even learned to read very early because of them.
Did you study art in college? If so, what college did you attend and what did you study?
Sadly, no…but I really wish now that I had. I try to compensate for that in any way I can, by learning as much as I can.
What was the first painting or illustration that you did for money?
Hmm…hard to remember. I think it was for a children’s magazine, and only a spot or two.
What type of job did you do right after you graduated?
I was a visual merchandise manager for many years, and my art really came into play with that kind of work, and I absolutely loved that.
Do you feel that living in the middle of the country has made it harder for you to make contacts and promote your art?
In a sense, yes, because you’re not exactly in the middle of all the action, but as long as you have internet, you can pretty much make up for that.
You mention that you are an illustrator/editor. Do you work for a book publisher?
I work for several publishers, but for now, only do some editing when I have a self-publisher who asks me to do it…and just manuscripts.
What was your first big success in illustrating?
Oh gosh…I don’t remember…I think when I got my first book out there, it was a big deal to me, and as any illustrator will tell you, it makes you feel like you finally got somewhere.
When did you decide you wanted to illustrate for the children’s market?
That’s something I’ve always known ;)
Once you decided that you wanted to illustrate a picture book, how long did it take you to get your first contract?
Again, that’s hard to say. I didn’t really concentrate on it full time like I wanted, so I’m sure it took a while.
Who was the publisher and how did the two of you connect?
I don’t remember the publishers name…it was some time ago…but I think she contacted me via email after seeing my work on one of the sites I use.
What do you think influenced your artistic style?
It was all the great “Golden Age” illustrators, as I mentioned above. Their work is magnificent…I thought so then, and I think so now, and they had a huge impact on my own style.
I see that you did three picture books for Flowerpot Press in 2013 and you had another come out in April with them. Did those four books take most of you time in 2013?
Hmm, I don’t know, but I’m almost sure I had other projects going on at the same time, and most likely worrying how I’d get them all done on time.
How did you get your first book with them?
I don’t remember when or how that came about…I think they might have contacted me first, but I’m not sure, and if they did, then it’s probably from seeing some of my work on one of the sites.
I am not familiar with Flowerpot Press. Can you tell us a little bit about the company?
They’re a great little publishing company, and you couldn’t ask for better people to work with! I adore working with them on projects, and because they are exceptional, I’m always very pleased with the final result. I usually work very closely with Stephanie, the art director, and she’s great.
Do you have any desire to write and illustrate your own book?
Sure I do, since I also love to write, but it’s difficult to find the extra time for something like that right now. Maybe one day soon though.
Do you have an agent to represent you? If so how did you connect? If not, would you like one?
I used to have an agent, but I think it depends on each person and their needs. I don’t currently have one no, but for some, it might make things a bit easier if you’re not comfortable with things like negotiating, or dealing one on one with clients.
Are you open to illustrating a picture book for a self-published author?
Sure, and in fact, I have worked with many of them.
How many of your picture books have you illustrated?
I would have to go back and try to count…I usually try to keep my sites updated with the latest book that’s out, but I’m afraid I’ve been awful about that. Sometimes it’s just hard to know because it takes a while after the work is done before the book is actually published, and by that time, you’re on another project, so you tend to kind of forget. Usually they send me copies, so that helps! ;)
Have you worked with educational publishers?
Yes
Have you done any illustrating for children’s magazines?
Yes
What types of things do you do to find illustration work?
I just mainly try to keep my portfolio updated on the sites I use. The more you’re out there, the better it is, so you want to try to get yourself as visible as you can.
What is your favorite medium to use?
Watercolors mixed with digital
Has that changed over time?
Yes, somewhat. I used to work in watercolor alone.
Do you have a studio in your house?
Yes, and I spend a good part of my day there! ;)
What is the one thing in your studio that you could not live without?
I have a paintbrush that I’ve had since forever it seems, and I can’t find another quite like it. I need that silly thing!
Do you try to spend a specific amount of time working on your craft?
I’m always working on it! There aren’t enough hours in the day!
Do you take pictures or do any types of research before you start a project?
No, unless I’m not sure about something, or unless it’s a time period where I need to get the clothes and such right. If I’m not sure about something, then I just scour the internet and get some pictures to give me the help I need.
Do you think the Internet has opened doors for you?
Absolutely!
Do you use Photoshop with your illustrations?
Yes, I do. Not only to combine the two mediums, but I need it to do all my corrections and cleaning and such. At such a high resolution, any junk on your image is going to show, so yes.
Do you own or have you used a Graphic Drawing Tablet in your illustrating?
Always! In fact, I just bought a new one…I wore the last one out. ;)
What do you think is your biggest success so far?
Anytime you get to work with a big publisher, it’s a big deal.
Do you have any career dreams that you want to fulfill?
Of course! Don’t we all want to have our own book out there on the bestseller list? ;)
What are you working on now?
Right now I’m actually on 3 books…
Do you have any material type tips you can share with us? Example: Paint or paper that you love -
the best place to buy – a new product that you’ve tried – A how to tip, etc.
Just be sure to be wise when you buy. That brush might be horribly expensive, but you’re also going to get better results. When it comes to equipment, don’t skimp.
Any words of wisdom on how to become a successful writer or illustrator?
If you love it, then do everything you can to get there. Period. You need to be the best you can, and don’t ever stop trying to be better. There’s a lot of talent out there, but don’t get discouraged.
Thank you Mary for sharing your process, journey, and expertise with us. I know you will have many more successes in the future and we would love to hear about all of them, so please keep in touch.
To see more of Mary’s illustrations you can visit her at: http://www.childrensillustrators.com/illustrator-details/marym/id=1000/portfolio/
Please take a minute to leave a comment for Mary, I know she would love to heard from you and always appreciate it. Thanks!
Talk tomorrow,
Kathy
Filed under:
Advice,
authors and illustrators,
Illustrator's Saturday,
inspiration,
Interview,
picture books,
Process Tagged:
Cricket Magazine,
Mary Manning,
Pearson Education 
The title of the article read, ‘Last Week Tonight’: John Oliver Turned a 20-Year-Old Kids’ Book with ‘Startling Parallels’ to Trump into a Bestseller. Naturally I tried figuring out what book they were talking about but I was coming up short. Turns out it’s good old The Kid Who Ran for President by Dan Gutman. That’s a title that is consistently on New York City public school reading lists every single year. Wouldn’t be surprised a jot if that’s how Last Week Tonight‘s writing staff heard about it (some of them must have kids). Glad to see it getting a bit of attention here and there. I won’t give away which candidate the “startling parallels” refer to (kidding!). Thanks to PW Children’s Bookshelf for the link.
So I worked at NYPL for a number of years (11 in total). Of those, I spent about five or six of them working in close proximity to the original Winnie-the-Pooh toys. And in all that time I never knew them to look as good as they do right now. Oo la la! Goggle at that restored Kanga! And a Piglet where his skin ISN’T falling off his body? I don’t even know the guy now. No word on whether or not the restoration yielded more information on the music box in Pooh’s tummy (or if it’s even still there). Still, they look great (and appear to have a whole new display area too!). Thanks to Sharyn November for the link.
The only problem I can see her mentioning with Nate is that he’s a white male solving a girl’s problem.
That must be it. Ah, the difficulties of a limited word count. And I’d agree if he just walked in and explained all her problems to her without her wanting him to but he’s a detective she specifically hired to solve a case. This seems less like mansplaining and more like commerce.
Maybe that he is a white male solving an African American girl’s problem?
Yep. I see that. But she hired him. I feel like that’s important. And for that matter, in 1972 how many white guys were solving black girls’ problems? Seems like they were causing the problems, not trying to solve anything. The reviewer calls this a “stereotype” so my question is how common a stereotype was it?
[I realize, by the way, that I’m arguing with a review that’s six years older than I am for a book that is so popular it’s still in print . . .]
I wonder if it’s more than just the white-guy-solves-black-girl’s-problems issue. I must admit I haven’t read Nate (or if I did, it was when I was wee)—how are Annie and brother Harry portrayed? Are they stereotyped in the illustrations, or in their speech, or … ?
Nope. The book could be published today and no one would blink an eye. I’m actually thinking of doing a post called The Weird Timelessness of Nate the Great. Most books from the past don’t age half as well as this one. Why?
(Not to mention Christian Robinson’s bra joke)
http://www.hbook.com/2016/08/authors-illustrators/interviews/five-questions-for-adam-rex-and-christian-robinson/
It seemed like it was as simple as he’s a white person solving a black person’s problem. I guess the stereotype of the white savior? Though, that’s usually when the problem is related to race, if I’m not mistaken.
Hence my confusion.