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Hullo everyone. I took a week off from Blogging, then didn't have a second during the whirlwind of the last few days.
As a result of which I have dozens of open tabs and dozens of letters to the FAQ line that I've marked as things I should answer. I'm not going to try and do them all now (Maddy told me that I'm taking her to school at 6:30 am, as she's got her first period of Driver's Ed). But there are a few things I should say before I sleep...
The first one is to congratulate Henry Selick and all the Coraline team (and Laika, and Focus) on the wonderful way they are being recognised by Awards. Yesterday, for example, we learned that Coraline is nominated for a Golden Globe award.
I went to Winnipeg. It was cold outside and I signed for 869 people. Here's the Winnipeg Newspaper article. Just behind me, in the grey shirt, is the wonderful Elyse Marshall, publicist from HarperChildren's, who looked after me on the Graveyard Book Tour and who can now run a huge signing in her sleep, which is great, because it means I don't have to worry about any details or disasters. I just do my job and sign and meet everyone.
(How bad can it get? Well, there was the time Terry Pratchett and I were signing in, er, I think it was Leeds, when the people who worked at the shop saw all the people who had turned up for the signing and got scared enough that they locked themselves in the staff room at the back, leaving Terry and me to climb onto tables and shout at people until they formed some kind of a line. The staff didn't come out again until the people had all gone.)
Strangest moment in Winnipeg was getting back to the hotel room at 1:30 am to notice that, beside my bed, a framed photo of my children had mysteriously appeared. I assumed that this was a cool thing the hotel had done. Elyse, on the other hand, was convinced it was the action of a crazed stalker, and insisted I deadbolt and security chain my hotel room, and was enormously relieved, a few hours later, when she knocked on my door and I removed the chain and was obviously still alive.
Before we left the hotel I took the photo out of the frame and left a thank-you note in its place.
Flew back to Minneapolis. I stopped off at DreamHaven on the way back from the airport this afternoon, and signed more stock for Greg (
No, this post is not about recipes. You’ll not find “Alligator Pie” in any Canadian cookbook, that’s for sure, but you will find scores of Canadian kids familiar with the poem and book of the same title. Alligator Pie written by Dennis Lee in 1974 (original edition illustrated by Frank Newfeld) is a Canadian poetry classic. Children just love this zany poem’s rhymes.
Alligator pie, alligator pie,
If I don’t get some I think I’m gonna die.
Give away the green grass, give away the sky,
But don’t give away my alligator pie.
Many a child, including my own, has gone to a Lee reading to shout out with glee the end word rhymes to this famous poem. Indeed, Mr. Lee encourages it. “I never realized how soon a child can take part in “doing poems.” A two year old will join in, if you pause at the rhyme-word and let him complete it. Usually it will be the familiar rhyme, but if you’re making up new verses you’ll be surprised what he thinks of. Try starting a verse “Alligator juice … ”
Lee’s intent was to create a book of rhymes for children that departed from the old English nursery rhymes he grew up with. He wanted rhymes for children in the context they lived in as Canadians. But not without being playful, of course! My children love Lee’s wordplay with Canadian place names — for instance, this one on our home town.
Someday I’ll go to Winnipeg
To win a peg-leg pig.
But will a peg-leg winner win
The piglet’s ill got wig?
Is there poetry about your town or the place you live? Is there a way to make word play with its name that will make your kids laugh out loud and think about where they live in a new and lively word-conscious way? Do tell!
0 Comments on Alligator Pie — A Canadian Classic as of 1/9/2009 1:38:00 AM
In this show:
Re-visiting a conversation with colleagues from Winnipeg, Manitoba.
A special thank you to Chris and Tannis for their thoughtful contributions.
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0 Comments on Critical Literacy, Everyday Texts and Families_CLIP 62 as of 1/1/1900
I hope you all enjoyed Harry And Silvio. I finished it up over Christmas and enjoyed doing it a lot. I've scripted the next one and plan to put one out whenever I have the time. At some point I'd like to compile them into a mini comic and sell it on Etsy. I actually started doing mini comics and it's a medium I love revisiting. Now that I have some free time on my hands I've started working on some new stuff : A couple of book proposals, a new send out and some personal work. I've been hard at work on the Twelve Brothers proposal. I have the main character designed and I've sorted out the story board. If anyone has any advice on book proposals I'd love to hear it.
I just read Illustrating Children's Book by Martin Salisbury published by Barrons. It's actually really good. With some great sketches by the fantastic Alexis Deacon. Here are a couple quotes from the book I really liked. The first is on drawing from life and the second is on style, a couple of topics that are pertinent to my blog: " The stronger the drawing (from life ) , the stronger the foundation for experimentation. "
and " Style is a word other people use to describe your work."
The sketches above are from my sketch book. The lamps are down the street from me, every year my neighbor fills up his window with vintage lamps and takes it down at epiphany. My wife took the picture.
P.S. I've added a web comics link list above my archives and I'll be keeping any new comics there.
21 Comments on Lamps And Faces, last added: 1/14/2008
I love the idea of filling the window with lamps and it looks so colorful and warm. Our window was filled with a very FAT Christmas tree.
Your faces have so much expression - you can tell there are fascinating stories just waiting to be told about these people.
Eric Orchard said, on 1/10/2008 2:03:00 PM
Thanks Mary Beth, when Julie and I walk the dog we make a point of walking by this house because it's so cheery. Did you publish a photo of your tree on your blog? I really love to draw faces.
John said, on 1/10/2008 11:19:00 PM
Hi Eric,
You were looking for Tonya. I heard from her through Facebook the other day. She said she's well and hopes to land on her feet, though she wasn't yet able to say where/when/how.
Do you use Facebook? You could search for her there, just through her name or her (former) email.
Good luck. And your pictures are so charming! I love them!
John Burns (runnerland.blog.com)
Eric Orchard said, on 1/11/2008 4:22:00 AM
Thanks a million John. I'm glad she's doing OK.
Alicia Padrón said, on 1/11/2008 5:07:00 AM
Love those sketches. How funny you guys took the picture of your neighbor's house. The lamps look really nice. What dog do you have? I'm a a crazy dog lover person :o)
Eric Orchard said, on 1/11/2008 5:55:00 AM
Thanks Alicia, Benny, our dog is made up of all sorts of stuff, mostly he looks Newfoundland with a Collie face. And eagles feet. And a serpents tail. ( OK, I made those last bits up )
Viviane Schwarz said, on 1/11/2008 10:03:00 AM
Whoah I love the linework! And expressive, too!
Hmmm I think while drawing from life is undeniably great for learning what a thing is, drawing from your head is also very valid, and sometimes your imagination might know more than your eye. Have you read Quentin Blake's "Words and Pictures"? I was absolutely amazed to read what he's got to say about these things.
Eric Orchard said, on 1/11/2008 10:14:00 AM
I LOVE Quentin Blake. I just bought Magic Pencil ( you should be in there!) and He has so much to share. I will buy Words And Pictures as soon as possible. I notice that for myself, I draw stuff over and over until it looks like how I want it, which is nothing like how it started.
Viviane Schwarz said, on 1/11/2008 10:20:00 AM
Ha haaa! The lantern picture didn't load first time I looked at this post, now it did, that is EXACTLY what I always wanted my own balcony to look like!!!
Oh you'll love that book! Yes he's grand isn't he, I really liked the year when he was the Children's Laureate over here, he got loads of great projects going.
Alicia Padrón said, on 1/11/2008 1:20:00 PM
Wow Newfoundland and Collie! That's interesting.. I'm sure Benny has the best temperament because those two breeds are so good natured and smart :o) Ha, ha... eagles feet... good one ;o)
Eric Orchard said, on 1/11/2008 6:33:00 PM
Thanks Viviane, that balcony maks the whole street a cheerier, more interesting place. I can't wait to get Words And Pictures. I was so happy when England named him Children's Laureate, I'm optimistically assuming that since Canada is part of the Commonwealth that he's our Children's Laureate too....
Thanks Alicia, Benny's the sweetest dog imaginable. He always looks very serious and sincere.
Ambera said, on 1/12/2008 5:02:00 PM
Am I recognizing Julie in the center sketch? They're great! I'm really really looking forward to a written and illustrated book by you. Can't wait!
ps did you get your xmas present? :)
Eric Orchard said, on 1/12/2008 5:33:00 PM
Hi Ambera! That is a sketch of Julie! It's great you recognize her. I did get the present, thanks a lot! The Himbeer Geist looks great. What does it mean? Something 'ghost'? Is it a raspberry drink?
Ambera said, on 1/12/2008 7:38:00 PM
Yup, I think it's raspberry. It's from Austria, born and brewed. It really settles the stomach after a big meal...needless to say, Oliver and I had to drink some after every meal. Himbeere is "raspberry" Geist is spirit
Eric Orchard said, on 1/13/2008 5:16:00 AM
A Raspberry Spirit should be an unseen ghost that smells faintly of raspberry when it's near. A slight rise in temperature and a raspberry scent.
Ambera said, on 1/13/2008 5:56:00 AM
followed by giddy laughter and memory loss!
Eric Orchard said, on 1/13/2008 6:16:00 AM
We tried it last night. It reminds me more of grappa than schnappes, it's like a shot of hard liquor with an after taste of raspberries. I love it.
Ciaran said, on 1/13/2008 1:28:00 PM
Beautiful sketches, eric. I always find preliminary sketches and drafts fascinating.
This picture is for an upcoming book. I didn't really like it as I worked on it and worried the whole time I was doing it. Now I love it. It reminds me of the quote by Degas ( I think...) something about each painting being a battle. It's certainly true for me, I can't figure out how to make things easier. It's my birthday today and I'm scheming. I'm trying to plan out the next year. Here's my plan : Two contract books, one short comic book story, and a Grimm fairy tale illustrated by me. Looking back on the last year I feel I could have accomplished more, but I'm not sure. It's hard to gauge how much you should be doing.
26 Comments on Raccoons In The Hedge, last added: 11/16/2007
Happy Birthday Eric, Love your tree branches, they have so much character. I imagine that the wise old racoon is trying to teach that young mischievous one a thing or two about the dangers out there.
Why would you want the battles to be easier? I think one learns more from the hard ones.
My gauge on how much I should be doing is a flexible one ( especially with a four year old running around wanting to play) I always feel like I could have accomplished more. Set your goals real high but don't let it wreck your world if you don't reach them all.
Eric Orchard said, on 11/12/2007 11:25:00 AM
Thanks Frank. I don't really want things to be easier, I think I'd be very worried if things felt too easy. It makes me feel better that you too have that sense that you could have done more, when I think about most artists probably have a similar sense. Last year I devoted a lot of time to self promotion and travel to help get things moving and to pick up some contracts. It worked, but I only finished one book last year and wish I had more to show. I think setting higher goals will help.
Frank Gardner said, on 11/12/2007 11:41:00 AM
Oh, that self promotion. That one is not that easy for me. It is a necessary evil though. Getting the contracts like you have to get would be the killer for me.
Eric Orchard said, on 11/12/2007 2:25:00 PM
I work hard to get contracts, but I'm still suprised when I do.
rustyconc said, on 11/12/2007 4:01:00 PM
Happy Birthday Eric!
Phyllis Harris said, on 11/12/2007 4:33:00 PM
Your work is really beautiful. Happy Birthday!
Eric Orchard said, on 11/12/2007 5:06:00 PM
Thanks Rusty! Thanks Phyllis! Your work is lovely. Is it gouache?
Mary Beth said, on 11/12/2007 6:45:00 PM
Happy Birthday! I love this picture - I see the older, much wiser raccoon trying to impart wisdom, and hopefully some caution, to the younger one.
Eric Orchard said, on 11/13/2007 3:56:00 AM
Thanks Mary Beth!
Be Inspired Always said, on 11/13/2007 6:05:00 AM
Happy Birthday Eric.
Right now I'm working on a sequel. I wrote a little bit about it on my blog, a piece of it from in the middle of the book. And then I thought of you. I would love to see how you would draw the characters I described in those pages.
I'm sure they would be remarkable.
Jillian
Alicia Padrón said, on 11/13/2007 6:52:00 AM
Oh Happy Birthday Eric!!! Although it was yesterday... hope you had a wonderful day :o)
I love this...is so beautiful. Love those lovely shades of blue from the nightime and the wonderful light were the racoons are. Your trees in the background are amazing. Look a those branches!
I know what you mean... that happens to me too sometimes. Don't know why really. Think we get to be really critical of our own work and sometimes if you just keep going at it you get to go above that, and finally see it in another light.. you know? And yours is truly wonderful!
tlc illustration said, on 11/13/2007 3:57:00 PM
Happy belated birthday from me as well. Hope you got treated and celebrated thoroughly.
I totally relate to the struggle (I wouldn't mind it being a *bit* easier... Or at least being more pleased with what I end up with at the end of it).
Pretty amazing goals for the year! Best wishes. As much as I've enjoyed having a lot of work the last few years, I'm rather missing the downtime. At least occasionally... It's always something, eh?
Mall said, on 11/14/2007 6:29:00 AM
Happy happy birthday to you, Eric! :)
Eric Orchard said, on 11/14/2007 7:24:00 AM
Thanks Jillian! That's a big compliment. Thanks Alicia, it's a funny thing. When I paint a picture it's like an epic struggle sometimes but it's never boring. Thanks Tara, I think it's balancing things that I find really hard. I want to paint all the time and I want to read all the time and I want to hang out with my wife all the time. Thanks May Ann!
Viviane Schwarz said, on 11/14/2007 11:05:00 AM
Oh... Happy Birthweek!!
I think enjoying the battle of art may be a great gift for an artist. Good luck - may your plans be fruitful, and may any change of plan be a pleasant and exciting surprise!
Eric Orchard said, on 11/14/2007 11:53:00 AM
Thanks Viviane! That's one of the most thoughtful things anyone has ever said to me.
Angela said, on 11/14/2007 7:35:00 PM
Happy belated Birthday Eric!!
Love the raccoons. :)
I haven't yet taken the plunge into full-time freelance work, so my dayjob still steals most of my time. Success like yours inspires me to keep working towards my goals.
Eric Orchard said, on 11/15/2007 4:58:00 AM
Thanks Angela! I have to admit that I have to work part time to make ends meet. I teach art at a private school. But I am working toward just doing art.
Majeak Ann said, on 11/15/2007 9:00:00 AM
oh wow...what a fantastic mood Eric. Oops! and Happy Belated birthday to you!!!! HUGS! Marjorie
Eric Orchard said, on 11/15/2007 11:32:00 AM
Thanks a million marjorie!
claudine hellmuth said, on 11/15/2007 4:38:00 PM
happy birthday! this is a beautiful illo! I feel the same way about each piece I work on too :)
Eric Orchard said, on 11/15/2007 6:25:00 PM
Thanks Claudine! I'm really happy to see you here!
Stephanie Roth said, on 11/16/2007 8:54:00 AM
A big HAPPY birthday (belated) from me too!! Celebrate well- I think it's important to celebrate all month...I mean, you need time to recover in between celebrations, and you need more that one celebration to properly include things like favorite foods, favorite people, contemplate, and to make sure you've done it right (you know an extra celebration to make sure you covered your bases)...
GREAT painting by the way-
Eric Orchard said, on 11/16/2007 10:04:00 AM
Thanks Stephanie! Thirty one is kind of a non event but I'm always up fpr celebrating.
andrea joseph's sketchblog said, on 11/16/2007 2:17:00 PM
Lovely picture. We don't have racoons over here, badgers is our closest creature I think. Do you have badgers Stateside? Well, racoons are very lovely,like your painting.
Eric Orchard said, on 11/16/2007 3:02:00 PM
We do have badgers, I think. It never occurrd to me that raccoons are a north american animal. They're a bit maligned here as they rifle through our garbage. I love them. They wear masks, how can not love them. Thanks Andrea (is Andrea Joseph your full name? Should I address you as Andrea Joseph?)
My husband walked past these baby raccoons on his way to retrieve the hose. "S," I called in a voice I hoped blended into the night. He walked past them again without even seeing them, but they saw him. A third raccoon leaped off the birdfeeder and shot into the woods.
I had the camera by this time, but the birdfeeder was too tall for me to get the straight-on shot I wanted. I handed the camera to S and directed.
10 Comments on Wildlife Week: In Which I Encounter Wildlife Where It's Not Supposed To Be Today's Post: Masked Robbers at Night!, last added: 10/12/2007
They are just the cutest little critters EVER!! And I'd say you did a GREAT job directing because this picture turned out amazing. I had a racoon that frequented my old back yard. Now that I've moved, I'd say he is the only thing I really miss from my old home. Racoons are so cute.. except when they are tearing up your garbage.
Angela said, on 9/25/2007 3:51:00 PM
You are so ready for your own animal show!!"Crocodile Danette". That pic is so cute. The other day my cat killed a sweet innocent chipmunk, dropped it off on the porch(lovely) and another eensy,weensy chippie came up and started nudging it. Just like on a Disney movie. I was crushed, it was so sad!
Danette Haworth said, on 9/25/2007 6:14:00 PM
Kathleen, There were three to begin with, all huddled up there, helping themselves to birdseed. They were very cute!
Danette Haworth said, on 9/25/2007 6:16:00 PM
Angela, Oh, that is a heartbreaking scene. And here's your cat: Yep, I've provided for the humans today.
Church Lady said, on 9/26/2007 7:56:00 AM
Awwwww--too cute!!
Decaf, please said, on 9/26/2007 4:27:00 PM
I love that photo. You could do a wildlife in your yard calendar. I can see it!!
Brenda said, on 9/29/2007 8:54:00 AM
What cute photos...
Remind me never to go hiking with you...I may live in the mountains, but deer are about as wild as I want to see...grin...
Mary Witzl said, on 10/10/2007 4:12:00 PM
I am so envious! That is a fantastic photograph. I love raccoons, and would happily put birdseed in my bird feeder for them. As it is, our cat sits in our bird feeder and puts off all the birds. I wondered why they seldom ate our seed until I saw her sitting in there bold as brass.
Yesterday a neighbor told us that he saw a fox cub come out of our woodshed, just as nonchalant as you please. I may go out there with a flashlight just to see if I get a peek.
I love the idea of filling the window with lamps and it looks so colorful and warm. Our window was filled with a very FAT Christmas tree.
Your faces have so much expression - you can tell there are fascinating stories just waiting to be told about these people.
Thanks Mary Beth, when Julie and I walk the dog we make a point of walking by this house because it's so cheery. Did you publish a photo of your tree on your blog? I really love to draw faces.
Hi Eric,
You were looking for Tonya. I heard from her through Facebook the other day. She said she's well and hopes to land on her feet, though she wasn't yet able to say where/when/how.
Do you use Facebook? You could search for her there, just through her name or her (former) email.
Good luck. And your pictures are so charming! I love them!
John Burns (runnerland.blog.com)
Thanks a million John. I'm glad she's doing OK.
Love those sketches. How funny you guys took the picture of your neighbor's house. The lamps look really nice. What dog do you have? I'm a a crazy dog lover person :o)
Thanks Alicia, Benny, our dog is made up of all sorts of stuff, mostly he looks Newfoundland with a Collie face. And eagles feet. And a serpents tail. ( OK, I made those last bits up )
Whoah I love the linework! And expressive, too!
Hmmm I think while drawing from life is undeniably great for learning what a thing is, drawing from your head is also very valid, and sometimes your imagination might know more than your eye.
Have you read Quentin Blake's "Words and Pictures"? I was absolutely amazed to read what he's got to say about these things.
I LOVE Quentin Blake. I just bought Magic Pencil ( you should be in there!) and He has so much to share. I will buy Words And Pictures as soon as possible. I notice that for myself, I draw stuff over and over until it looks like how I want it, which is nothing like how it started.
Ha haaa! The lantern picture didn't load first time I looked at this post, now it did, that is EXACTLY what I always wanted my own balcony to look like!!!
Oh you'll love that book! Yes he's grand isn't he, I really liked the year when he was the Children's Laureate over here, he got loads of great projects going.
Wow Newfoundland and Collie! That's interesting.. I'm sure Benny has the best temperament because those two breeds are so good natured and smart :o) Ha, ha... eagles feet... good one ;o)
Thanks Viviane, that balcony maks the whole street a cheerier, more interesting place. I can't wait to get Words And Pictures. I was so happy when England named him Children's Laureate, I'm optimistically assuming that since Canada is part of the Commonwealth that he's our Children's Laureate too....
Thanks Alicia, Benny's the sweetest dog imaginable. He always looks very serious and sincere.
Am I recognizing Julie in the center sketch? They're great! I'm really really looking forward to a written and illustrated book by you. Can't wait!
ps
did you get your xmas present? :)
Hi Ambera! That is a sketch of Julie! It's great you recognize her. I did get the present, thanks a lot! The Himbeer Geist looks great. What does it mean? Something 'ghost'? Is it a raspberry drink?
Yup, I think it's raspberry. It's from Austria, born and brewed. It really settles the stomach after a big meal...needless to say, Oliver and I had to drink some after every meal.
Himbeere is "raspberry"
Geist is spirit
A Raspberry Spirit should be an unseen ghost that smells faintly of raspberry when it's near. A slight rise in temperature and a raspberry scent.
followed by giddy laughter and memory loss!
We tried it last night. It reminds me more of grappa than schnappes, it's like a shot of hard liquor with an after taste of raspberries. I love it.
Beautiful sketches, eric. I always find preliminary sketches and drafts fascinating.
Thank you so much, Ciaran.
wonderful sketches, eric!
Thanks Matt!