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Viewing: Blog Posts Tagged with: Little Black Ant on Park Street, Most Recent at Top [Help]

Results 1 - 11 of 11

1. Illustration Friday - "Swarm"

By: Kathleen Rietz, on 2/25/2011
Blog: Kathleen Rietz (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Little Black Ant on Park Street, Children's Book illustration, Illustration Friday, science, Children's Book, Add a tag

A swarm of winged ants! From the book "Little Black Ant on Park Street". You can order the book from Amazon here. Thank you for visiting my blog.

14 Comments on Illustration Friday - "Swarm", last added: 2/26/2011

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2. SIGNED books make great GIFTS!

By: Kathleen Rietz, on 12/3/2010
Blog: Kathleen Rietz (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Children's Book illustration, Children's Book, Yoga, Little Black Ant on Park Street, Champ's Story, Add a tag

If you order any of the books I have illustrated (click the links on the right margin of this blog), I will personally sign a book plate and drop it in the mail to you in time for the holidays. I am working on book plate designs for "The ABCs of Yoga for Kids", "Little Black Ant on Park Street", and "Champ's Story: Dogs Get Cancer Too!", and will post examples after the weekend.

0 Comments on SIGNED books make great GIFTS! as of 1/1/1900

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3. Your Stand-out Moment

Posted on 7/13/2010
Blog: Picture Bookies (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Little Black Ant on Park Street, The ABCs of Yoga for Kids, Kathleen Rietz, Add a tag

Hi Picture Bookies! This morning, as I work on my 4th picture book in less than 2 years, I am thinking back on my other books and my career as a children's book illustrator, and my favorite "stand-out" moments. As you may relate, illustrating a children's book is not a job as much as a journey. As artists, we give ourselves as we give our art, and lend our talents to a story in a way that is unique from any other artist.

So as I am reminiscing, certain "stand-out" moments come to mind, moments I am proud of or made me especially happy to be a picture book illustrator.

One of those moments was when I finished "The ABCs of yoga for Kids" and flew to CA for 2 book signings and a school visit. I was so proud! I felt as though I had accomplished something. Kids have been amazingly receptive to the book, and it has won 6 awards now. Every time I have ever handed the book to a child - even a child who is not old enough to read - I see them delight in trying out the poses they see illustrated in my book. they love pretending that they are frogs, dolphins, warriors...and I feel my job is done! You see, I grew up in a chaotic environment, and my "safe place" was found in the pages of my favorite children's book illustrations. Even before I could read, the pictures inside books sucked me in. I remember "The Ugly Duckling" and "The Patchwork Elephant" were two books that deeply engaged me and helped the world make sense to me. I don't know that "The ABCs of yoga for Kids" has the same exact meaning for kids that my favorite books meant to me as a kid, but in this age of video games, electronic over-stimulation and texting, I think that any book that can evoke a kid play an active role in "pretending" is accomplishing something grand! I am so grateful I was chosen to be a part of that experience.

The other "stand-out" moments for me have been choosing the people to whom I want to dedicate my books. That is an important decision, I think, a chance to publicly thank and acknowledge the people who have propelled me toward where I am today, played an important part in my past or my present, or offered support and guidance. I dedicated "Little Black Ant on Park Street" to my mother, who gave me a love for art, nature and God. I would not be the artist I am today if not for her influence.

What are your "stand-out" moments as a children's book illustrator?

3 Comments on Your Stand-out Moment, last added: 7/16/2010

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4. Illustration Friday: "Trail"

By: Kathleen Rietz, on 6/5/2010
Blog: Kathleen Rietz (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Children's Book illustration, Illustration Friday, science, Children's Book, Little Black Ant on Park Street, Add a tag

After the little black ant discovers a plump, juicy caterpillar carcass....

she secretes a scent trail back to the colony....

so she and her nest mates will have food to feed the queens.

(Excerpted from "Little Black Ant on Park Street", written by Janet Halfmann, illustrated by ME :) and published by Soundprints Publishing.)

10 Comments on Illustration Friday: "Trail", last added: 6/8/2010

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5. Look, Fan Mail!

By: Kathleen Rietz, on 3/15/2010
Blog: Kathleen Rietz (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Children's Book illustration, just for fun, Hug, Little Black Ant on Park Street, kids, Add a tag

This is so cute, I just had to share it with you! It came today from a friend in Nebraska whose kids love my book "Little Black Ant on Park Street". I decided to surprise them with the book in the mail last week, and today I was surprised with this sweet thank you note from them. Click the image to read what it says...

0 Comments on Look, Fan Mail! as of 1/1/1900

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6. Review of "Little Black Ant on Park Street"

By: Kathleen Rietz, on 2/1/2010
Blog: Picture Bookies (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Little Black Ant on Park Street, science, children's illustration, Kathleen Rietz, Add a tag

I finally received my first sample copy of my newly illustrated book "Little Black Ant on Park Street" from Soundprints the other day.

Then I found this great review...Click here to read it!

1 Comments on Review of "Little Black Ant on Park Street", last added: 2/1/2010

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7. Review of "Little Black Ant on Park Street"

By: Kathleen Rietz, on 2/1/2010
Blog: Kathleen Rietz (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Children's Book illustration, Children's Book, My photos, Little Black Ant on Park Street, Add a tag

I finally received my first sample copy of my newly illustrated book "Little Black Ant on Park Street" from Soundprints the other day.

Then I found this great review...Click here to read it!

11 Comments on Review of "Little Black Ant on Park Street", last added: 2/4/2010

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8. Better in 2010

By: Kathleen Rietz, on 1/16/2010
Blog: Kathleen Rietz (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Sylvan Dell Publishing, Little Black Ant on Park Street, Champ's Story, Children's Book illustration, pet, cancer, Children's Book, Add a tag

I'm really excited about children's book I am currently illustrating for Sylvan Dell Publishing, and written by Sherry North. It's called "Champ's Story: Dogs Get Cancer Too!"

When the folks at Sylvan Dell offered me the project, I skimmed the manuscript and admittedly I was a little disheartened. Having lost both my parents to cancer at a young age, I was not so sure I wanted this theme to creep back into my life in the form of a story about a little boy whose pet gets sick and has to endure chemotherapy treatments. I really had to think about it and pray about it and search my heart about whether this book was a good match for me. For those who don't know, children's books generally take anywhere from 6 months to a year to illustrate. They are all-consuming, at least for me, because I pour my heart and my passion into them. After sitting with my thoughts awhile, it began to become clear to me that the book was Divinely offered to me for a reason. I have great empathy for anyone going through such a difficult illness, whether they themselves or a loved one. I also sweetly love my dog, Sunshine, and could easily imagine how I would feel if I had to watch her endure treatments for cancer. It is my life experience, I believe, that is guiding me as lovingly I create each illustration for this book. I hope that the end result will touch many lives and help many children understand cancer and deal with their own treatments for the disease.

Here is a dramatic scene from the book Champ's Story: Dogs Get Cancer Too!".

Sylvan Dell Publishing has been wonderful to work for. They have given me quite a bit of creative freedom in how I have chosen to illustrate the book. It has been fun mixing media - watercolor, gouache, oil pastel, pastel pencil, and touches of colored pencil - to achieve the look I want. I like how I've been able to bring a softness to the illustrations through the mix of media. It's like getting paid to try something new with my art!

In other news, if your New Year's resolution for 2010 is to a better illustrator, please read my latest column in the SCBWI-IL's e-newsletter The Prairie Wind, appropriately titled "Your New Year’s Resolution: Become a Better Illustrator". I lay out a few tips, accompanied by examples from my latest children's book "Little Black Ant on Park Street", written by Janet Halfmann and published by Soundprints Publishing.

11 Comments on Better in 2010, last added: 1/19/2010

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Joan Y said, on 1/16/2010 11:00:00 PM

I am very excited about your book too Kate. I've lost some people very close to me from cancer and this book will touch many lives, including helping children deal with such a pervasive disease. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. It is really great to see such passion ... and compassion. :)

Ronni said, on 1/17/2010 8:56:00 AM

I love the mixed media effect! Your colors seems so vibrant and rich. The expressions on the faces wonderful! I love how sometimes we are given gifts that at first we think might be hard, but turn out to be blessings.

Jessie said, on 1/17/2010 11:10:00 AM

I think you'll make a wonderful job of this book Kate, I can see the sesitive way you paint is perfect for such a subject. :)

Phyllis Harris said, on 1/17/2010 11:26:00 AM

I love your color pallet for this book! It is so warm and inviting. This painting is wonderful, Kate!

Jack Foster said, on 1/17/2010 12:37:00 PM

Wow this will be a powerful book Kate. A few months ago we lost my mother-in-law to cancer. My wife is still struggling with accepting it. I'm sure this was a tough assignment for you, but I know that your experience combined with your fantastic talent will be a tool for God to touch lives. Thanks for your courage and compassion. The illustrations look wonderful! I'm going to check out your article on being a better illustrator in 2010. Your advise has helped me so much already.

Lindsey said, on 1/17/2010 7:44:00 PM

It seems like you are working really fast on this one? Is it just me? The illustrations are beautiful, and what a touching subject. There aren't many books out there like this, that's an honor to be a part of.

Alicia Padrón said, on 1/18/2010 5:47:00 AM

Oh Kate... this book is going to be so lovely! The illustrations are breathtaking. Congratulations on such a beautiful job!

Dealing with cancer is one of the toughest things in life. For the one with it and everyone around them. This help is going to help many kids all over. What a blessing that is! xo

Ginger*:) said, on 1/18/2010 6:21:00 PM

Having lost a loved one to cancer and having a little grandson who has survived and is thriving I have seen both sides of this disease.

Your gift will make this a beautiful book and I am certain the story will match your fantastic illustrations.
This painting and the cover art are truly beautiful.

bundleofsage said, on 1/18/2010 8:24:00 PM

Lovely work! My first dog died a horrible death from cancer. I am interested in seeing more children's books that deal with hardships; it's like the media often forgets that children experience grief too. I look forward to reading it!

Snickers xx said, on 1/19/2010 9:20:00 AM

This will be a very touching book! I love your illustrations from what I've "peeked" at already! :)

Angela said, on 1/19/2010 10:06:00 PM

You should be excited! Congratulations!!! :) I'm excited for you!!! I have lost my grandfather to cancer and now another family member has come down with it. Cancer is an aweful thing!!! I'm glad that your making this book and educating children on it.
*HUGS*

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9. "Little Black Ant" just released!!

By: Kathleen Rietz, on 12/2/2009
Blog: Kathleen Rietz (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Children's Book illustration, Children's Book, my website, acrylic paint, Little Black Ant on Park Street, Add a tag

In the springtime, little black ant leaves the colony in search for food.

Black ants are gathering nectar from the aphids in the rose garden.

Ant communication!

Flying ants leaving the nest in search of mates.

"Little Black Ant on Park Street" is FINALLY here! Here is what is available now...check Amazon.com: The paperback is a LARGE paperback (11.5" x 8.5") .
Also available in micro hardcover (5 7/8" x 4 3/4"), with or without a plush toy. Not sure when the collector's edition hardcover will be released. Also check Borders and B&N.

If you haven't taken a look at my website in a while, check it out. I am always changing it and adding fun new art stuff!

7 Comments on "Little Black Ant" just released!!, last added: 12/4/2009

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10. Little Black Ant on Park Street

By: Kathleen Rietz, on 10/6/2009
Blog: Picture Bookies (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: children's illustration, Kathleen Rietz, Little Black Ant on Park Street, Add a tag

After several delays, the new release date for my illustrated book "Little Black Ant on Park Street" (Soundprints Publishing) is December 2009. I took these photos of the spreads with a pocket camera, and will repost them when I get actually high quality scans. But I was so excited I just had to show you now! It was hard to choose only 2 spreads from the book, but I cannot give away the story. So until December, this will have to satisfy!