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Sandra, originally uploaded by crystal driedger.

I bought a moleskin shortly after I spied my friend Amanda's at a market I was working last summer. It's been such a treasure. It's exactly the right size and weight (can be carried with me at all times for creative moments that come out of the blue), is flexible and so so soft!

No matter what situation I'm in and no matter how hectic my schedule, if I find the time to sketch during my day it brings me great peace. While this is not always the case with client work, where there is always pressure to create something better and more lively, sketching for myself has been a very effective way to test different styles and techniques and an even better way to just clear my head of nonesense.

I like to go back into my sketchbook months afterwards and add colour to the cross hatching I first did with my pen in front of the tv. For some reason I don't like just sitting and watching tv... I enjoy doing something creative while I do this. Perhaps it lessens the guilt factor of being a movie nutt.

* Just a reminder: There's only 6 days left until I draw for those two free calendars and secret prize...

Title: Big Mama
Written by: Tony Crunk
Illustrated by: Margot Apple
Paperback: 32 pages
Publisher: Farrar, Straus, and Giroux
Ages: 3-7
ISBN: 9780374406349

Big Mama is the type of grandma every little boy and girl would like to have. Billy Boyd doesn’t have a mom or dad anymore, so Big Mama, and his papa take care of him.

Big Mama’s house is wonderful, too. She lets the kids play whatever fun games they want, and oftentimes, she plays along with them.

“If you are playing Time Travel
you can talk backward to her, in intergalactic code,
and she never says, “You children stop acting so silly.”
Usually she starts talking backward, too.

If you need something, like a paperclip
Or a piece of string or a pop-bottle top,
Big Mama has it in her housecoat pocket.”

Every day with Big Mama is an adventure! She has such a fun, loving way about her. Kids will love the journey Big Mama takes them on, if only to get some ice cream!

The illustrations are whimsical, and each page invites readers to share in the love, which Big Mama has to share! This book invites readers on an emotional journey, which is sure to be enjoyed. Big Mama is big fun, and a great read, too!

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Reviewed by Sylvia C. Hall