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Here is a little quick sharpie-drawing just for you, to celebrate Memorial Day. I like to remember the things I am happy and grateful for every day, in some way. There are always things to be grateful for. We really should not get bogged down by the minute details of tiny little irritating things that may occur in our daily lives, so that they blemish the big picture, which is really hugely positive and generally fabulous. Be like a duck. Let it all roll off. Be grateful!
Today is our special national holiday to honor our troops past, present and future and all that they do to keep us safe and fight for our freedom.... so please enjoy the Monkey love! To our troops!
1 Comments on HAPPY Memorial Day, last added: 5/31/2011
I love Mo Willems' books and the characters he creates! I also like listening to him talk about writing and creating the characters and stories. Ok, so I love New Orleans as well, which is his home town... all around, I am "Pro Mo". If you search his name on You Tube, there is quite a bit of content. Here are just a couple of videos for your viewing pleasure!
The other day I was shopping at my local drugstore, and on the outskirts of the greeting card section, I saw this display, selling recordable children's books. There were three books to choose from. As you turned the page of the story, a voice reading the book came from the speaker mechanism along the bottom of the book.
Apparently the book is customizable-- it is recordable and allows you to re-record the text in each spread using your own voice. Each time you turn the page, the book reads to you. This is the same idea and technology that is used in those audio-enabled Hallmark cards. For the purpose of children's books, I think it is a neat idea. It's cool that, even if a child's caregiver is far away, they can still read a story to the child before bed (albeit in a voice that's a little tinny and electronic-sounding, but probably no worse than a phone voice.)
I have to admit that I was disapointed in the one book I looked at. Not only does the art in the book have a similar vibe to one of our PBJ's, but the actual story title, theme, and even the cadence in which it was written, is extremely close to a published children's book which she has illustrated. This was a bummer of a discovery.
Hallmark has the muscle to demand drugstore floor space for their children's books, which is great. And this recordable book certainly has a market.
Now, I'd sure love to see them put some true originality behind it. (Come ON, Hallmark!)
Here is a book that's been putting a big smile on my face lately. I love that this book is a collaboration between two top contemporary children's book author/illustrators, but within each of their contributions, you see a different and new side to each artist. The book is written by Mo Willems, so well known for his very humorous and sharp writing and bold characters and dialogue. Here, his writing is more restrained but just as evocative, with a delicate gravity that is so complimented by the art. Jon Muth, so well known for his peaceful and so meditative "Zen" series of books, provides the art. I really appreciate his technical mastery of watercolors as well as his style, but in terms of only being familiar with the Zen series, though the books are lovely, I do find them to have a sort of cold, isolating feeling to them. So to be able to experience his picture book art in a different contextual world but still in picture book land was a revelation to me. I will now look at more of his books and will appreciate the new facets of his art that I am now aware of. These two are a match made in picture book heaven in their production of City Dog, Country Frog. I hope you will check it out.
Happy Monday all! This week, we are celebrating the release of PBJ Deb Melmon's brand new picture book! Picnic at Camp Shalom takes place at summer camp and is about a brand new friendship between two girls. It's about so many other things, too — misunderstandings between friends, getting picked on by your peers, and unique-sounding surnames!
The art is sublime! Deb really brings you into the girl's world between her material technique and her composition of the pictures. I love ALL the little details in this book (and there are many, and there's one in particular that makes me laugh pretty good).
We will be featuring special "Camp Shalom" posts all week, and there will most certainly be a book Giveaway as well! So please come check in every day!
10 Comments on Picnic at Camp Shalom Week, last added: 3/23/2011
Another "What I am working on..." Week here at the Picture Book Junkies. Lately I've been working on lots of sketchbook drawings! Here's one to greet you into the day and into the week!
4 Comments on "What I'm Working On" Week, last added: 3/17/2011
Remember "Weird" Al Yankovic from the eighties, the one did all he pop song parodies? He's now come out with a children's book. Now this wouldn't be newsworthy, unless it was GOOD. And guess what? It looks pretty good! I have not read the book yet myself, but I've read excerpts and have seen the trailer (above). It appears that Al takes his writing seriously-- the rhyming is well-crafted, humorous and ripe for visual explanation. I learned about the book from this NPR story. I'm going to look for the book and check it out!
1 Comments on When I Grow Up, last added: 3/1/2011
Last week, I posted about attending the Edward Gorey exhibit at the Boston Athenaeum. I attended the exhibit this past weekend (read my blog review here). After the exhibit, my mind is now fresh on pen and ink, and I want to highlight a few of my favorite pen & ink children's books...
I have been a fan of J. Otto Seibold since he came on the children's picture book scene with Monkey Business. His artwork was so fresh and inspired me in new and different ways. In my opinion, J. Otto's work broke new ground on both children's as well as digital illustration.
He is still coming out with fresh and exciting and different new work! J. Otto's newest book is "Other Goose: Re-nurseried and re-rhymed! Chidren's Classics", his re-imagining of Mother Goose. When I came home from a trip last week, my husband had some gifts waiting for me and this book was among them, lucky me!
Check out some of the book here in a slide show presentation (scroll down and you will see it) or pick up the book on Amazon.
0 Comments on Mother Goose? Other Goose! as of 1/1/1900
The beginning of the new year reminds me of my book The Months, which features a spread for every month of the year. It got me to thinking about what other picture books are out there that feature the seasons of the year? I am particularly interested in books which feature ALL of the months of the year, like The Months does, not just one particular season. I found this blog post which talks about four such books. I also found some other books worth checking out, all with the same theme.
I haven't looked at any of these books yet but I thought I'd post a list of the books I found, in case you would like to look for them yourself on your next visit to the library!
My father is artist Don Weller. It's hard for me to hold back the bragging when it comes to my dad. He is extremely talented and prolific. He has had an amazing (and I do mean, an AMAZING) career. He did tons of print design and illustration in Los Angeles in the 1960's, 70's and 80's -- Time magazine, multiple TV Guide's and a series of U.S.P.S. postage stamps for one of the Olympics, to name a few. He has also illustrated a few children's books in his time, too. Today, I realized with surprise I've never blogged about his art here before.
I did a search on Google to locate some links to his children's books (which I found) but I also came across this recent blog post. I've never read this blog before, and I'm really happy I found this.
I love Mary Englebriet's work and I love when she puts her own spin on classic Christmas tales, so coming across this You Tube video was such a treat! In this video, local St. Louis television newscast outlines Mary's process of turning her rendition od The Night Before Christmas from 2D to 3D. Enjoy!
1 Comments on Mary Englebreit and her rendition of "The Night Before Christmas" in 2D and 3D, last added: 10/26/2010
I really enjoyed watching this Kath. I love her work and had no idea she had dipped her toes in animation too.
Did you see how Mary is dressed just like her art? Busy prints with lots of black and kind of a different print scarf that frames her. Funny how that works, huh. :o)
I ran into an old friend today. During our catch-up conversation, I told her about a children's book dummy that I had written & illustrated a couple of years ago, and how it is now languishing on my shelf and gathering dust. This book had been pitched around to several NYC publishers by my former agent, but in the end, it did not get picked up anywhere. Seems like every time I tell someone about it, I feel sheepish for no reason, and a little wistful about the entire saga. In fact, the whole experience of the creation, development and ultimate "time out" of the dummy itself strikes me as a truly unfairly unfinished story.
So, I was telling her about it, half-rolling my eyes over it, half-forlorn. Then, out of the blue, she said "Why not self-publish it?" Being schooled in "How To Be a Respected Children's Illustrator 101", my first knee-jerk reaction: "Well, I can't! I wouldn't! No children's author/illustrator would self-publish their own book, and expect to be taken seriously in this industry."
Self-published books have been (no secret here) a Dirty Word in respected publishing circles, children's or otherwise, right? But then, I stopped and really thought about it, and I question this old code. It's outdated. These days, businesses and industries and their ideas, and opinions move at the speed of light. Self-publishing is coming into it's own, in a big way. (Children's and otherwise.)
I have a lot of evidence that points to just that: My father and his wife, a very successful illustrator/graphic designer team, have recently self-published their own book. The e-book market is on fire. After some hesitation, I've even purchased a couple of e-books. Guess what? I'm extremely happy with them, and I'm lining up for more. Children's illustrator Dani Jones is currently publishing graphic novels in both hard copy and e-book formats. I have to then wonder, why have I been surrendering the destiny of my own story to the shoulders of a major publisher? I have all of the tools at my disposal with which to publish it, and market it, myself. Sure, my book probably won't see a shelf in Border's or a B&N (though these days, who knows? That could be just around the corner). But plenty of people (most?) shop on-line these days. Self-published books can get ISBN numbers. You can certainly sell your own self-published book through Amazon, as well as other channels.
Probably the biggest 'unknown' is whether self-publishing can hurt our reputations as Children's illustrators. To some in publishing that hold on to older ideas and ideologies, hey, it might. But if so, it's time for them to embrace the present and rethink strategies. In the past few years, I see the sea change in the publishing industry on parallel with what the music industry started going through ten or twelve years ago. Given all this, at the end of the day, I think it's a risk worth taking.Why not?
For artists and writers, I feel the self-publishing stigma is definitely fading away. People are using e-books as marketing tools to help them sell other services, as well as being a potentially lucrative product for them. A successful "how-to" e-book in a niche industry can help put you on the map as a go-to resource or even as an expert in that field. The tables have seemingly turned, and people are using it to their advantage. I think it's a completely realistic idea to use your experience as a self-published children's author/ illustrator to help you gain leverage in children's and o
16 Comments on The self-publishing stigma: Is it shrinking?, last added: 10/20/2010
Well said Kathy! I have been illustrating in both traditional and self-publishing, and honestly, earning a living in the latter. Things are getting better every year -it is wonderful if you as an author, want a creative voice in the over all books look and quality. You no longer have to leave your "baby" with the publisher, hoping they will pick the most appropriate style and not the most trendy one. It is definitely not for everyone, but it certainly does now have a place at the table. www.picturekitchenstudio.com
Thanks for commenting, guys. You know, you really put yourself out there with a post like this. I have also had some good conversations over on FB about it. All in all, it is a viable option. Picture Kitchen, good for you. It sounds like self-pub is a sizable chunk of your illo income. You created a business for yourself from it, and I see many other illustrators doing same. It's good that you can keep a foot in each pond!
Deb, I didn't know! That's really neat! I'd love to hear more about it.
Thanks for this post, very even handed and provides much food for thought.. I too had always discounted self-publishing, but it's a very good point about the music industry, and Amazon. I'm going to have a good old think about it, and may do a bit of planning :)
I know Kathy, bringing up this subject is not easy. There is basically a taboo almost in using the "self-publishing" word.
I honestly think illustrating a book is wonderful as long as it's a "quality manuscript" that speaks to you. That goes either way for titles picked up by publishers or by self-published tittles.
Having said that, I have 2 concerns from the artist's standpoint: Pay and most importantly the experience of working directly with the author.
If the author understands the importance of pictures in picturebooks he/she should be willing to pay what this deserves. Sadly most people looking to self/publish don't get this and honestly ends up being a waste of time for them and the artist.
The experience while working is even more important. To be able to find an author that realizes that the illustrations should left ENTIRELY to the artists, it's hard. They tend to think of the book as their baby and I truly get why. Makes sense for them to feel this way.. But they have to realize that in the same way they are experts with words they should let the experts in images, the illustrator, do their work.
This is no easy task and ends up being a hassle for the illustrator.
Now if the artist wants to self-publish their own title that is another thing entirely. Why not, right? But.. their is a catch. How will the artist get that book in bookstores? This is not easy and requires money. Advertising, channeling, and distributing all require money and we all know most of us artists are poor, LOL, so it's no easy task. But not impossible of course. there is always a way if you really want something to happen.
I guess is important to realize all these things before jumping in and be well prepared for facing many obstacles.
Ultimately the most important thing here is having the book be in the hands of kids being read every night. That is what we should all strive for. Money and fame are secondary really.
If an artist truly believes their book is worth it, they should definitely try by all means to make this happen, publishing or self-publishing.
Thank you for this post, Kathy. I think the tide must be turning--I've been having the same conversation with myself lately.
For an author/illustrator--especially someone who knows something about graphic design, layout, typography and preparing files for print . . . why not? I don't see how producing a quality piece can in any way hurt you in this industry.
Everything Alicia says is true, too, though--you have to go into it knowing how very difficult it will be to market it on your own. Don't expect miracles--but if you truly believe in your work, it doesn't have to languish on a shelf somewhere.
I'm hugely excited about the ebook frontier. I think that's where I might try to get my toes in the water.
Thank you SOOOOO much for saying this! I'm a children's book illustrator myself. I've self-published 2 of my own books. It's hard, make no mistake about that. I noticed that self-publishing was a "bad word" and it was very frowned upon. But, I did it anyway. Self-publishing had that "it's not good enough for a REAL company, so I'm doing it myself" kinda vibe to it. But, I never submitted my books to anyone. I wrote them, I illustrated them, and they're exactly the way I want them to be. I don't want a panel of people of a committee to mess with them. That was my main reason for doing it. Just because I'm not a giant entity, doesn't mean I don't have good ideas.
I've also started getting into making comics and graphic novels. The great thing about that market is that it's almost completely opposite of the children's book market. Writing and publishing your own comic is almost like a "Right of Passage" kind of thing. You're actually MORE respected for doing it.
There's absolutely NO reason that the children's book market can't be the same.
I'm glad to hear that self-publishing is coming into it's own and that the walls are breaking down. This can be nothing but good for EVERYBODY.
I agree with you very much. I am coming to this as author / illustrator. I'm not sure how the process would work if I was working directly with an author, no editor. I've been approached several times to work with an author to illustrate their book they plan to self-pub (and you probably have, too!). After doing custom pet portraits for so many years, I know how intense it can be to work with another person, one-on-one, on "their baby" whether it be their manuscript, or their pet! So there are some parallels. It would be dishonest of me if I did not admit that the intense push-pull that often accompanies that type of a interpersonal dynamic does not come into my mind when I think about working directly one-on-one with an author, with no editor to buffer us both.
I had a good convo over on FB between me and a couple of other people last night. One of them (a children's illustrator whom I respect and admire) brings up some good rebuttals against self-publishing, just as you do. I encourage you to go check out the post. She got me thinking more about it. I have not changed my tune, I just realize that in this post, I basically only scratched the surface. Also, Children's pub is ultimately pretty unique from other industries, and for very good reason, and I understand that.
Mark, you are welcome! I'm glad you enjoyed it so much. You have enlightened me with the statement about comic books and how it is almost a rite of passage to create your own. (See how much I know about the comic book process? ;))
I have to disagree with one of your points, I think there ARE reasons that the children's market is more tightly vetted, and I understand why. Books teach children, children absorb books—and publishers who manufacture children's books have to be able to completely stand behind the pedagogic and moral aspects of what they are putting out there, plus everything in between (not to mention grammar and typographic errors, LOL). So it is a bit of a trickier line to walk with children's.
That said, I'm interested to see how things pan out in self-publishing in the children's market, or if not exactly "pan-out", how it develops. Will freelance children's book editors become a hot property for self-publishers?? Hey it could happen! :)
Thanks for chiming in!!! (And congrats on the Scholastic gig, I saw on your blog! )
Bonnie, thanks for your comment! I agree, how can it really hurt? The worst that can happen is our book does not sell. I also hear you on using all the skills in your tool box (design/typography, etc.) It's pretty gratifying to be able to exercise those muscles in a "world" where you usually do not get to fan those feathers.
Kathy regarding the sometimes challenging process of working with an author directly, I think that building in a simple order of procedure works well for me, (most of the time.) When I receive a manuscript, sometimes it's just not a good fit and I decline it. I might receive a manuscript that's great, but needs a little format help, etc., & I will direct the author to a freelance children's book editor who I know has a great reputation & will be honest with them,helping them get their manuscript ready to roll. though I have a graphic's background (AIPH) I've learned that it's important to get that second pair of eyes in the process, so I have decided to build design services into my contracts and have a freelance children's book designer check things out at sketch stage.Developing a good team is important - even for illustrators in self-publishing and this can help insure greater book quality - which has been an valid concern and complaint in the past.
Picture Kitchen, you are inspiring. You've shared a lot about your process and I thank you for it. I know others will be as intrigued/interested in your process outline as I am. Thanks again.
My two cents. One thing I have encountered is authors or illustrators misunderstanding why they are self-publishing. A self-published book is for you as the creator to sell, have, and put into children's hands. A finished book does not suddenly make a publisher more interested in your story. I think it currently hinders your chances of seeing a publisher pick you up. Now as this blog post puts it perhaps tides will change on this. However, if your real goal is to get your book picked up by a publisher, don't trouble yourself with self-publishing, keep plugging away at your manuscript or dummy book and submitting.
If you have made your book the next big obstacle is convincing people of your product. We have all heard of the slush piles. There are a fair number of people out there who still believe writing is a get rich quick scenario and they think the children's book is the easiest answer in. They pump something out read it to their kids, the kids love it, clearly they have made the next best seller. However, most of the time that isn't the case. I think it is these people that keep self-published children's books from being respected.
But there is always an exception to any rule. If you really love your book and want to self publish you should! Things are changing; there are a lot of venues to sell you work. Just don't short change yourself, get help, as Picture Kitchen said, edit your book, a second set of eyes never hurts. It will most likely greatly increase your chances of being successful.
thank you for this thought and discussion provoking post Kathy!
think you're right about the industry changing, tho my gut reaction to self-publishing is still one of distaste. Your art is amazing and commercially viable! Self-publishing is usually the domain of those who don't know the industry or the market. They don't get that their writing isn't where it needs to be. You've had yours shopped by an agent who believed in it, so again, I'm sure it's commercially viable and of good quality. I think if an author takes the time to get professional critiques, and rewrites it over and over if need be, then the work should be good. The big name publishers can't publish everything they want too. Rejection isn't always about the work, it may just not be in the right publishers hand at the right time.
We're always told as illustrators to create our own jobs, so go for it. Good luck to you and I can't wait to here what you're going to do!
I wanted to add to my comment which was originally posted on Kathy's blog:
I really like have that team behind me on a book. I've worked with art directors who have pushed me beyond what I thought I could do. I'd miss that. Also, I'm more supportive of the idea if we're talking about an author/illustrator. I think self publishing authors have a hard time letting go enough for the illustrator to add their own 'something' to the work. I really like a buffer between us! That's just my two cents. Great convo!
Great post Kathy! I agree with Laura's comments. I've been approached by authors who want to self-publish, but I'm leery about attaching myself to a project that might not be the best quality. As I'm just starting out, I don't yet trust my instincts on what makes a great story. I would rather work with a publisher who is more knowledgeable about the form and the market. The great thing about working with a publisher is all the improvements that happen to the work through the editing process. When collaboration goes on a book can be taken to another level.
But, this post is also starting to get me to think about all this in a new light. Laura also said, "The big name publishers can't publish everything they want too." This opens the door to the idea that there are many more great books that could enter the marketplace through other means.
I believe an author/illustrator would still want to find a good critique group and people who you trust to give honest opinions on improvements, but I think it is possible for a self-published book to receive praise and awards.
The fine arts market allows an artist to create a work completely out of their own vision. Those who appreciate the artist's point of view buy it, those who don't, don't. Does the creation of a book always have to be so different? I understand the point of these books being for children, and shaping their young minds, but we also have parents who should be able to select the best books for their children.
There is a meme going around on Facebook right now. It's called "15 Artists Who Have Left an Impression". You can go to Facebook and find it probably instantly— perhaps 10 of your friends have already tagged you! Anyway, I always have such a hard time with these things. I am such a completist that I agonize over my choices... It's really just ridiculous. Consequently, I usually end up just avoiding these memes altogether, but this one I had to take part in. First of all, I got so many tags to join in that I simply could not ignore it. Then of course, all of those invites got me to really thinking about some of my biggest influences ever. I did end up writing my list of 15, but for every one of the names on the list there are a few others who *should* also be on the list. So the completist in me is rearing it's head yet again!
If you have done the meme, I am sure you feel the same! If not, what are you waiting for? Join in the fun conversations this meme is spurring (and also join me in my own personal agony... ha ha.)
1 Comments on The Giving Tree, last added: 9/30/2010
Oh, I've been dodging this meme too! But feeling like I SHOULD do it already. I have such a hard time thinking 'quickly' about it. It seems like the type of thing you want to mull over. Thanks for sharing!
After a too-long hiatus, I have recently been rediscovering Flickr. Flickr is an online community-plus-tools web site, but the focus is on visual arts and sharing images-- so the community, by default, it set up to truly speak our language. I believe Flickr started as a site used primarily by photographers. But by the time I first purchased a "Pro" account there years ago ($25 a year and totally worth it), it already had gained a very solid reputation as a de facto clubhouse for illustrators, too.
For illustrators, Flickr is a great option if you wish to show off some of your art that may not be appropriate for your main portfolio, but still deserves an audience. Do you have work hiding that still is valid, quality work that helps to tell your story and show your range? If it doesn't fit into your professional web site portfolio stylistically or thematically, Flickr could be just the place to show this art off. It has a sort-of casual, more experimental vibe, and the audience is usually made up of supportive peers and fans of illustration.
For illustrators, Flickr is also a great place to do reference research. You will find a group posting photos on specific subject matter for just about any topic you can think of. I'm a member of groups which feature vintage children's books, advertisements from the 50's, and old halloween-themed art, goods and ads. I have even started a couple of groups myself. At one point, I wanted to post some coastal art, and oddly there was no suitable existing group. I started one, and others have since joined and post to it as well. It's fun! "If you build it, they will come" is not always true in the physical world, but in the Land of Flickr, it's very likely!
The community and social networking aspect of Flickr is one of the things that makes it extra special and this is one of the most important aspects of Flickr. It is a great place to build your online social network. You canmake other users a Contact. You can comment on any image or mark it a Favorite, telling everyone that you like it. These, along with other little tools of self-expression can easily lead to dialogue and meeting others with similar interests and goals. It's fun and gratifying to connect with others through art appreciation. On Flickr this happens in a very natural, unforced way because everyone else is also there for the love of visual arts and photography and also for their own personal obsession (see Groups, above!). How nice and comfortable it is that this is where the focus stays on Flickr: peoole are, by and large, there for "the love of the game".
Flickr is a very comfortable place to accomplish a lot online. If you want a lot of "Bang for your Buck" in terms of social networking, beautiful portfolio viewing with ease, plus an indispensable reference tool, Flickr is the way to go.
1 Comments on Flickr for visual artists, last added: 9/14/2010
Thanks for the post, Kathy. I've had an account there for years, but I have let it languish because I'm not to sure how to use it to my best advantage. I suppose when my output of work increases, I'll have a place to post my experiments. For now, I try to keep up w/ Twitter, FB, my blogs...;)
Happy BACK TO SCHOOL! This week, we will be posting on the theme of Back To School. This one hits the theme in two different ways... maybe three.
First, the most obvious -- the bunnies are going back to school.
Second, this is my first time fooling around with a new (to me) software application for drawing, CorelSketch Pad. I'm on their 30-day free trial (which I appreciate that this is available, thanks, Corel).
Third, remember my bunnies? Haven't seen them in awhile, ey? Well they are back to visit you in this loose sketch. And, since I have not drawn them in awhile, it is "back to bunny-drawing school" for me!
Hope you all have a great and fun week.
3 Comments on Back To School Week!, last added: 9/8/2010
This post is a continuation of the conversation I started a couple of weeks ago.
I recently happened upon this iPad App called My Little Big Book (above shows main title screen). This App basically houses many children's books now in the public domain. It's easy to use, intuitive, and it's basically a children's writers' & illustrators' history lesson in an app. Check out these screenshots...
Here is the first screen after the title screen (above). This supplies an index of the books available. You can also search by Category. (See the menu strip at the bottom).
When you click on a book, you will be greeted with this screen (above). You have options to read the book, add to your 'bookshelf', or download the book. You will need to download the book to view it offline. (I am not sure what the "add to my bookshelf" option provides for you, and the user must create an account in order to do this.) On the lower portion of this screen, there is also an option to see other books from same author, which is really helpful.
When you view the actual book, what you will be seeing is what looks like actual scanned pages from the books (see above). It's fun to see the artwork and design from these books in their original form. In one of the books I looked at, I came across a library marking that dated back to 1905!
This is a really neat App which provides a lot of value, and the most amazing thing of all is that it is FREE.
This app is very useful for moms of youngsters, those who make their career in children's entertainment, publishing and educational.
There is an option to upload your own book into the system as well. This could be very useful promotional option for and small publishers, writers, and illustrators! With 30,000 downloads thus far, I have high hopes that this App will only improve and continue to grow stronger.
Illustrator & designer extraordinaire Mary Beth Cryan is also a paper engineering expert. She has just authored this totally cool new holiday-themed book full of fun paper crafts, Winter Wonderland., now available from Barnes and Noble on line. The publisher is Fall River Press which is an imprint of Sterling Publishing. I'm a little perplexed as to why this book was released in July, but hey I am not arguing -- I can't wait to see the book myself, and boy am I glad I won't have to wait until the holidays!
Mary Beth also keeps a blog where you can check out many of her other fun creative projects.
2 Comments on A little bit of winter in the summer time!, last added: 7/28/2010
Instead of a book review today, I thought I'd start the week focusing on an artist whose work I so admire: Karen Katz.
I discovered Karen's work on my first NESCBWI conference trip. Art Director Laurent Linn (then of Henry Holt, now of Simon & Schuster BFYR) gave a lecture which I attended. In the lecture, he spoke of books he had designed, and he featured one of Karen's books (Can You Say Peace). On first look, I was smitten with the art and the book! I purchased it at that conference, and from that point forward I became a big fan of Karen's unique, folky, multi-textured style of art and whimsical style.
Check out her Amazon page to read about her career and what has inspired her as well as detailed listing & information on her amazing body of book work!
I'm a big (new) fan of Karen Katz's work too. My son loves her lift-the-flap books - and they are well-loved, and worn out at our libraries. Counting kisses is a particularly sweet story.
Here's a wonderful little piece - Maurice Sendak talks about being a children's storybook illustrator, and what it truly means to him. One of the things he says is that he gets to illustrate the story behind - or beyond - the story on the written page. (This is not a direct quote.) I think he hit it on the head! I agree, and this is something that personally has driven me to work in children's illustration. It is an amazing feeling to be able to create your own story with the images at the same time so creatively and imaginatively amending the pre-written story. It's a very interesting and "alive" kind of kind of creativity that comes about working within this framework. He only scratches the surface of the concept here, but he does a nice job of explaining it in his own words and experience. In your experience, would you agree?
1 Comments on Maurice Sendak on what being an illustrator means, last added: 6/23/2010
Thanks so much for posting this clip! I tutor and for many years have used books illustrated by Maurice Sendak. Kids love them and so do I! Also pleased to discover www.rosenbach.org via the caption at the end. Again, thank you, Karrie.
I never had any Mercer Mayer/Little Critter books as a kid. But I love this book and these little characters nonetheless. To me they feel so classic and nostalgic even without having had a long personal history with the books. That is quite a feat in itself!
Just Grandma and Me is about Little Critter's day at the beach with Grandma. In all honesty I think this book captures the feeling of youth in a bottle. Something about the tone and the perspective (Little Critter tells the story), mixed with the charming, detailed art which doesn't miss a trick. Add these emotive characters that are full of expression and personality and all this adds up to a real feeling of authenticity in this book and story. I just can't think of a more apt word to describe it!
They say it is really hard to do a kid's book right. I can tell a lot of work went into this one. A classic!
This book is one in a huge series of Little Critter books, so if this one looks good to you, there's plenty more. This book is a small paperback and is very affordable ($4 new on Amazon, and you could get it even cheaper new or used through Amazon Resellers).
1 Comments on Just Grandma and Me by Mercer Mayer, last added: 6/9/2010
Oh, Little Critter. We have a few already! I think it's on display at B&N this month too. My boy really likes these already. You described their appeal very well Kathy.
Just perfect for this time of year, here's a book that just makes you feel all bright and summery. Down In The Subway tells the story of Oscar's ride on the subway, and what happens one particular day when commuting with his mom and baby brother. Restless Oscar gets up and twirls holding onto a pole, when a woman (the Island Lady) asks him if he would like to see what is in her bag. Oscar's mom gives her approval, and from there we are taken on a magical subway ride fantasy. Each spread features island entertainment more delightful than the last. I won't spoil any of the fun spreads for you by pointing out any details but I will say that the writing and the art mesh beautifully—both wear a laid-back island vibe that bring the party right to the reader, no invitation needed.
The folk-art illustrations feature the soft and bright colors of caribbean island life, and the characters are full of personality (including the subway car itself). The design layout, illustrations and text all work together in unison. Some elements of the illustrations, for instance, are used as a backdrop for text to perfect effect. The art appears to be in gouache paint, so gouache illustration fans- this is one for you to check out!
This is a great book for those who love New York City since it is also a lovely homage to NYC as well. A super fun book with a lot of energy and spice, and a lot of "music" in the pages!
3 Comments on Book Review: Down In The Subway, last added: 5/25/2010
Thank you so much, Kathy. What a delightful surprise!
While painting this book I discovered The Island Lady was Mother Nature. She bestows upon the subway riders her never ending gifts of Air (breeze), Water (sea), Earth (food) and Fire (musicians). The author thought she was just writing about her friend. But it was much more for me. It was my growth in doing yoga that is all over that book. The train is the chi/kundalini/shakti in the spinal canal (tunnel). The Island Lady transforms everything in her path, bringing them from the dark into the light. And Oscar will carry on what he learned.
Wow! Thanks so much for sharing your point of view and reference! How fascinating!
I love that the book comes across as so simple and inviting, yet if you look a little closer/deeper there are a myriad of little gems and ways to interpret the working parts (just as a truly excellent children's book should do)!
Welcome to Peachtree Week on the Picture Book Junkies blog!
For the first time ever, the PBJ's are doing a week of reviews with a single publisher's books. Each day this week, one of the PBJ's will review a book from Peachtree Press. We encourage you to comment each day because at the end of the week, we will have a drawing to giveaway some Peachtree books! We are so delighted to have the opportunity to celebrate children's books in this way, and we hope you enjoy the week (and maybe even win a book)!
Today it's my turn, and I am reviewing A Place For Birds" written by Melissa Stewart, illustrated by Higgins Bond.
I was very excited for Peachtree Week here on our PBJ blog, but I must tell you that I was a little bit nervous about getting my book. Typically, I choose exactly what I wish to review here on the blog, and thus far, I have only reviewed books I chose because I knew I already loved them. So, reviewing a book I was not familiar with from the get-go, a book chosen from a select group of books which I had never read, was, honestly, a little daunting. I wanted to make sure that no matter how I felt about the book, my review was fair and objective. (What good is a review if it is not objective?)
It turns out that I did not need to worry. A Place For Birds is a wonderful book -- from the tone of the writing to the lavish, colorful spreads.
A Place For Birds shares information about specific breeds of birds. First explaining details of the specific birds' natural habitat, the text then shares a point of great tension regarding how something has interfered in the birds' habitat, whether it be humans disrupting the land for the sake of commerce or technology, or something else. It's tough to learn how the birds lives and livelihoods have been upset, but it is solid, well researched information that is important for everyone to be aware of. The good news is that text for each bird spread wraps up by explaining what strides are being taken by man to rectify the situations for the birds. The writing is somewhat conversational and very easy to digest especially given the subject matter. Which makes it not only an important book but also just a good book, period.
The art work is just gorgeous - lush and detailed. The art is very realistic and accurate to each breed of bird and even to each landscape (all of the greenery and landscapes are, I am sure, correct to each specific birds' habitat).The accuracy of the rendering does not stand in the way of overall creativity and illustrative style. Beautiful illustrations of birds and scenic backdrops take the viewer right into the birds' world view.
A Place For Birds is a great mix of the educational and the inspirational. Check it out!
5 Comments on Peachtree Week! Book Reviews & Book Giveaways!, last added: 5/10/2010
This review (like the other of yours that I read) makes me want to go and get the book. Well done! I have a thing both for birds and endangered species.
Great Review Kathy. My Dad would love to read this to his grandkids,as he breeds birds as a hobby. He'd really enjoy the attention to detail in the illustrations. A whole story devoted to one of his favorite creatures- putting it on my must-have list for sure!
Suzanne & Laura, yes I think it is great for bird watchers / breeders / enthusiasts... or even just anyone who loves birds. But bird enthusasts will especially be fascinated by some of the fun facts! :)
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Loved watching this. Sooo cute Kath! :o)
Hope you all had a great long weekend. Mine was a regular one.. boo. LOL