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Viewing: Blog Posts Tagged with: animal idioms, Most Recent at Top [Help]
Results 1 - 25 of 28
1. Hot Chicks!

Hot chicks new2 450So, I think I can safely say that today, I was one hot chick!

Anything over 75 degrees is too hot for me. So let’s just say today’s weather topping off at 109 really ruffled my feathers!

I don’t want to count my chickens before they’re hatched, but IS IT FALL YET?!!


4 Comments on Hot Chicks!, last added: 9/16/2014
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2. Ants In My Pants!

ant in pants final 450

EXCUSE ME, BUT I DO BELIEVE AN ANT’S IN MY PANTS!

There is an excellent chance that a situation such as this could cause a wee bit of anxiety and might even make a person feel, ahem, well… darn right antsy.

So one must remember to remain calm. You see, the attention span of an ant is quite short so feigning nonchalance is best. In roughly 10 to 15 minutes the novelty of wearing  your jeans will have warn off. The bored ant will soon run along to find spilt milk or some sugar to walk through.

Possession of your pants and your sanity, regained!

Maybe.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Reworked an old bit of silliness in honor of the ant trails now taking over our home. They might as well be giant, as intrusive as they are.

Oh well, at least the flies (Amityville Horror) are gone.

Bugs, eh? So rude!


1 Comments on Ants In My Pants!, last added: 9/12/2014
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3. … like a fish needs a bicycle

fish bike newer 450

Folks using the above saying have obviously never met Fiona Dorsal.

Fiona, unlike many of her species, may not NEED but absolutely prefers a bicycle as her main means of transportation.

 ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Because of abject laziness I am re-posting this lil gal from way back in 2007. In fact, I’m actually re-re-posting for about the third time.

You know, Fiona has evolved, not in a Darwinian way but as a drawing a few times since then.


1 Comments on … like a fish needs a bicycle, last added: 8/14/2014
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4. Fish Noir

red-herring_color new 450

RED HERRING

This week’s Illustration Friday theme is “red“ and the first thing that popped into my addled brain was ”red herring”. So I thought, hey,  I’ll redraw and repost this from a couple of years ago. What the heck, I’m on a roll.

Most mystery novel and film buffs know that a red herring is a plot device used in film noir, murder mysteries and suspense films, to distract the audience away from the more important aspect of the plot. The red herring can sometimes be a character, believed by the audience to be the killer, only to discover later in the film that they are innocent and another character, never even considered is, in fact, the murderer.

Now that you have your twist ending, do you know where the term red herring originated?

Wikipedia tells us:

A tradition whereby young hunting dogs in Britain were trained to follow a scent with the use of a “red” (salted and smoked) herring. This pungent fish would be dragged across a trail until the puppy learned to follow the scent. Later, when the dog was being trained to follow the faint odor of a fox or a badger, the trainer would drag a red herring (which has a much stronger odor) across the animal’s trail at right angles. The dog would eventually learn to follow the original scent rather than the stronger scent.

I’ve also heard that British fugitives in the 1800s would rub a herring across their trail, in order to divert the bloodhounds pursuing them.

All this talk is whetting my appetite for a bit of kipperes and toast (NOT!) and a Hitchcock film or two (YES!).

 


12 Comments on Fish Noir, last added: 3/26/2014
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5. Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing

wolf in sheeps clothing 450Sheila finally solved the mystery of that wet dog smell in her closet.

Felt like it was time for a nice animal idiom.

“Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing:
One would use this idiom to describe a person or thing appearing to be good but is, well, not so much. There seems to be a few different ideas about it’s origin, but here is what Wikipedia has to say about it.


5 Comments on Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing, last added: 2/13/2014
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6. Time

time running 450

RACE AGAINST TIME

Despite strenuous training and conditioning, Murgatroid found it difficult to beat the clock.

The Illustration Friday theme for this week is “Time.” So, since it is 11:00 pm on Thursday, with only an hour  left to post… time is running out!


4 Comments on Time, last added: 1/12/2014
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7. SkADaMo 2013 Day 22

Counting Sheep

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

So, I seem to be continuing on a bedtime theme here. It’s wishful thinking, no doubt. This chilly weather puts me in a mood to kick off my cloven sheep slippers and curl up in bed with a good book.

Ah, but I have sketches to catch up on! Missed another two days. Oh for shame! But wait, that’s right, there are no rules. No harm done!

Anyhoo, stop on over here and let’s see how the other SkADaMo participants have been doing.


5 Comments on SkADaMo 2013 Day 22, last added: 11/26/2013
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8. SkaDAMo 2013 Day 21

pig in a blanket450 2

“Pigs in a Blanket”

Well at least two of them.

The lovely Laurel Gaylord of Studio Lolo suggested this porcine pun. One of a many other idioms and puns. A girl after my own heart, she is. Can’t wait to dig in to that list.

Stop on by here to see what the other SkADaMo participants are up to.


10 Comments on SkaDAMo 2013 Day 21, last added: 11/27/2013
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9. SkaDAMo 2013 Day 20 (catching up)

weiner dog ski 450

“Hot Dogging”

Well the only thing about Boswell that’s hot dogging is his tubular physique. He’s much more familiar with the snow plow than any sort of shredding.

Why not schuss on over here to check out my fellow SkADaMoers at work.


6 Comments on SkaDAMo 2013 Day 20 (catching up), last added: 11/23/2013
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10. SkADaMo 2013 Day 18

Hot chicks450

“Hot Chicks”

A little rougher sketch today. Probably so I can hurry and run to the window to stare at the rain. We finally got some of that ole precipitation today! I’m feeling rather hydrated and very energized.

But memories of the long, hot summer still haunt me. So much so I remembered an old drawing I did a few years ago depicting the heat and redrew it.

So here are some hot, hot chicks for your animal idiom pleasure. Of course, last time I posted these hot chicks, I got some… shall we say… interesting hits on my blog.

Go figure.

So for some hot, hot sketches go here and check out what my fellow SkADaMoers are doing today.


12 Comments on SkADaMo 2013 Day 18, last added: 11/21/2013
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11. SkADaMo 2013 Day 13

Doggie bag450“Doggie Bag”

Beulah was bullish about hoity-toity bags.

Wow, it’s the SkADaMO 2013′s two week anniversary eve! You should check out what the other doodlers are doodling here!


10 Comments on SkADaMo 2013 Day 13, last added: 11/16/2013
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12. SkADaMo 2013 Day 12

swan diver 450

“Swan Dive”

Just under the wire on this one!

Swing on by and check out my partners in crime here.


15 Comments on SkADaMo 2013 Day 12, last added: 11/14/2013
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13. SkADaMo 2013 Day 11 (still behind)

Pig skin“Pig Skin”

In an effort to avoid a leathery hide, Winona slathered on the sunscreen!

Come on over here to see what the other SkADaMoers are up to.


10 Comments on SkADaMo 2013 Day 11 (still behind), last added: 11/13/2013
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14. SkADaMo 2013 Day 10 (late)

high horse 450

Whoops, missed a day! I guess I’m was just a little low “energy”. So don’t get all up on your “High Horse” about it!

Get it? High horse… I was late… and you’re…

It’s funny, trust me.

Cornball jokes aside, why not cruise on by here and check my fellow SkADaMoers!

Just wanted to mention that I seem to be keeping up with PiBoIdMo, a picturebook idea a day so far! Nothing earth-shattering yet, but some fun ideas to riff off of and those daily post on Tara’s blog, “Writing for Kids (While Raising Them) are so inspiring and fun to read!

Also, I tried to slip in a reason to post to Illustration Friday this week, where the word of the week is “energy.”


12 Comments on SkADaMo 2013 Day 10 (late), last added: 11/11/2013
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15. SkADaMo 2013 Day 9

cat's pajamas new 450

oIn an effort to assuage the annoyance of my cat Iggy towards all the doggies I’ve been drawing lately, I present to you:

“Cat’s Pajamas”

So, when you get a chance, swing by here and check out my fellow SkADaMoers (yes it’s a word. I know because I just made it up.)

Cheers!


10 Comments on SkADaMo 2013 Day 9, last added: 11/12/2013
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16. SkADaMo 2013 Day 7

Dog Eat Dog

“Dog Eat Dog”

… and the puns and idioms just keep coming!

Trot on over here to see what the other SkADaMo participants are up to today!


10 Comments on SkADaMo 2013 Day 7, last added: 11/8/2013
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17. SkADaMo 2013 Day 6

Two shakes of a Lamb's tail

“Two Shakes of a Lamb’s Tail”

Ah idioms. Ya gotta love ‘em!

So, hey, take a skip over here and check out the other SkADaMo participants and what they’re up to.


10 Comments on SkADaMo 2013 Day 6, last added: 11/7/2013
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18. SkADaMo 2013 Day 4

dog and pony show 450

“DOG AND PONY SHOW”

When all other ideas fail me I can always depend on my trusty animal idioms!

It’s really been fun and the SkADaMo list continues to grow. There are some really kick-butt sketches going on! Check out the list of participants (at least the ones who sent me their links) here.


10 Comments on SkADaMo 2013 Day 4, last added: 11/5/2013
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19. Teacher

“Pollen.” Mz. Buzzbee, the second grade teacher called out to Beep.

“Pppollen.” Beep stammered. “Can you please use it in a sentence?”

………………………………………………………………………………..

UPDATE Aug. 24 2012

I woke up this morning to find my little bee was pick of the week on Illustration Friday. How exciting!!! Woooo hoooooo!!! Weeeeeeee!!!!!


10 Comments on Teacher, last added: 9/8/2012
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20. … like a fish needs a bicycle

.

This idiom only works for those who have never met Finola Dorsal. She, unlike many of her species, may not need, but prefers a bicycle to other means of transportation.

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

So, upon hearing of this week’s Illustration Friday theme, “bicycle”, who could help but think of a fish riding a bike. Who I ask you?


10 Comments on … like a fish needs a bicycle, last added: 4/26/2011
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21. Favorites (Continued)

Continued from the Previous Post...

Picture Books

From Spain

Sebastian's Roller Skates
Written by Joan de Deu Prats
Illustrated by Francesc Rovira

This section - with over three dozen titles to choose from - was also a challenge for me to narrow down to just one book. Sebastian's Roller Skates really jumped out at me, however, in that it really can work with just about any reader (of any age, gender, background, etc).

Sebastian not only masters a new skill (roller skating, of course) but he also gets over his fear of public speaking and builds up his confidence to the point of finally being able to speak to Esther - a girl from school - which he never thought he'd be able to do at the beginning of the story.

We all have our little quirks (perhaps it is public speaking) that makes us feel not-so-confident or not as comfortable doing (maybe roller skating is one of them) so this book does really speak to readers of all ages and encourages us to try something new - even if it does require a helmet.

Picture Books for Older Readers
From Australia

Fox
Written by Margaret Wild
Illustrated by Ron Brooks

I need to tred lightly when discussing this title, because it is dark, sad, and ultimately, a tale of deception. I don't want to give away the storyline for those who have not read it, but it is certainly a book that will haunt readers and have you thinking about friendship, temptation and betrayal long after the book has been closed.

Several middle school teachers - upon first reading Fox - mentioned the story's similiarities to Shakespeare's Macbeth and several of these teachers use Fox in their classroom as an introduction to this classic work.

Whether you're dealing with playground disagreements or boardroom arguments, this book is an emotional and startling look at the realities of life and working or dealing with others.


First Fiction
From Australia
Jack Russell: Dog Detective
(Book 4): The Lying Postman

The Lying Postman is - by far - my favorite book from the Jack Russell series. Involving a new postman to Jack's route, and a "he said," "she-said" situation, Book #4 in this canine caper series keeps readers guessing until the end as to whether or not the postman is telling the truth.

Also introduced in this mystery is a new character - Ralf Boxer - a little chihuahua who surprises Jack with his courage and shatters every stereotype that Jack has regarding these small dogs.

Gift Books
From Australia

Could You? Would You?
by Trudy White

Trudy has made a fine book for readers of all ages with Could You? Would You? I've personally used this book as a discussion starter with both my four-year-old son and with adult friends. Others that I know have used this book in writing workshops to help get through writer's block.

Be careful though - many of these questions will bring up childhood memories which may have you longing for the times when you could cuddle in a sheet-made fortress under the stars or thinking about what you'd like to do with the time you have left.

What's your favorite Kane/Miller book?


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22. What's Your Favorite K/M Book?

People often ask what my favorite Kane/Miller book is. That's an impossible question to answer since - as a small company - all of our office staff has a chance (and plenty of time) to fall in love with every book we release.

I've thought long and hard about this question and have finally decided to select one title per catalog section just so I cover all the bases. It's only fair that I answer the question.
Selecting favorites from these sections was not easy but I'll explain my reasoning behind each choice.

All of my "favorites" are great books for readers of any age in that they speak to both children and adults in very different ways (the mark of a great illustrated book, in my mind).

Frontlist Titles (March 2008)
From France

Jukebox
by David Merveille

For anyone who loves music (don't all children?) this book is wonderful! It covers over a dozen different musical genres which means that there is - most likely - something for everyone. But what it also highlights is that music is something that inspires people, allows us to reach into our imagination (very child-like), reminds us of times past, or enables the listener to reach outside of their (ordinary) every day life.

For young children who may not be familiar with each type of music mentioned, this book will give them the opportunity to perhaps pick their favorites and be introduced to new and different ways to enjoy active listening.
Libros del Mundo
From Japan

¿Quién se esconde?
by Satoru Onishi

From the Spanish language edtions of fourteen K/M titles, I chose the translation of Who's Hiding? based on the fact that it is an excellent book for beginning Spanish readers - of any age - to use as a way to learn colors, animals, and questions that may be useful (Who's crying?, Who's hiding?, Who's backwards?) or not.

Non-Fiction / Concept Books
From Slovenia

Why?
by Lila Prap

Another book featuring animals and questions, Why? answers many questions that I know my son will eventually be asking me. I am prepared ahead of time and can help him learn more about the specific creatures - typically found in a zoo - such as zebras, lions, giraffes, and monkeys (to name just a few).

Board Books / First Picture Books

From Belgium

The Nights of the World
Written by Corinne Albaut
Illustrated by Arno

This was a tough choice to narrow down this section to just one book, but since young ones like books that "do" things, I selected this one with its picture-changing shutters that show day and night on alternating windows. The fact that it represents children from five different regions aound the world as well as being a comforting, gentle book about bedtime makes it a great pick for all of these reasons combined.

To Be Continued...

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23. Photo of the Day

This is what my office floor looks like tonight, after a major project which required me to resize each and every book image on our website. Oh, and I had to re-scan several, but I'm not complaining. In fact, I'm pretty darn proud of how they look.


Quick! Go to the Kane/Miller website and see just how amazing the books appear!

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24. Yes, Twenty-One More Ways To Give A Book

Today’s re-posted list from last year again has some classic favorites and some often new-to-you 2006 highlighted titles along with a matching gift idea. If you’ve become inspired by the match-up game, throw out your titles and gifts in the comments. I’m very disappointed that I couldn’t think of a good gift match for some of my favorite books, including Clementine (other than a box of the fruit,

3 Comments on Yes, Twenty-One More Ways To Give A Book, last added: 12/19/2007
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25. It's That Time of Year - Gift Books

For the December Carnival of Children's Literature, Kelly (Big A little a) has asked contributors to come up with ideas for gift books. Here are some of my old and new favorites to give during this time of year. Consider it my top ten and then some.

THINK SNOW
While my parents in NY have been dealing with lake effect snow for some time now, it is just a dream for my family here in Virginia (though we did have a few flakes today). For the little people on your list who love snow, here are a few favorites.
  • Snowflake Bentley written by Jacqueline Briggs Martin and illustrated by Mary Azarian - This Caldecott Medal winner tells the true story of Wilson Bentley, a farmer who spent his life photographing snowflakes. The Buffalo Museum of Science has a digital library of these amazing photographs. You can see them at The Bentley Snow Crystal Collection.
  • Snow by Uri Shulevitz - Even though the adults believe that it will not snow, a boy and his dog don't give up hope. This is a Caldecott honor book that beautifully portrays the transformation of a city when it snows.
ORIGAMI MAGIC
I've been known to give gifts with origami animals as the tags. Why not consider giving these books and some colored and patterned origami paper?
  • Fold Me a Poem by Kristine O'Connell George - There are no directions on making origami in this one, just some wonderfully descriptive poems and gorgeous artwork.
  • Lissy's Friends by Grace Lin - Lissy feels alone at her new school, so she creates some origami animals to keep her company. Will she ever make friends of her own? This is a wonderful story for any child who has ever experienced being the new kid. Origami directions are found on the endpapers.
SOMETHING TO PUZZLE OVER
Stories with a good puzzle to solve are always engaging. Here are some books that will encourage young readers put on their thinking caps.
  • The Puzzling World of Winston Breen by Eric Berlin - Winston sees puzzles everywhere. Imagine his dismay when he gives his sister a box for her birthday, only to learn that it has a secret compartment containing four wood sticks with puzzle clues. Readers will solve puzzles right along with Winston and his sister Katie as they try to solve the mystery.
  • The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart - Eleven year-old Reynie Muldoon is intrigued by an ad in the paper that asks “Are You a Gifted Child looking for Special Opportunities?” Reynie and dozens of other children show up to answer the ad and take a mind-boggling series of tests, but only Reynie and three others are left at the end. Puzzles and mysteries abound in this adventurous tale.
  • Chasing Vermeer by Blue Balliett - Petra and Calder are preoccupied with Vermeer. When a Vermeer painting is stolen in transit from the National Gallery in Washington D.C. to the Chicago Institute of Art, they become intent on finding the painting and solving the mystery. Clues and mysteries abound. Calder carries a set of pentominoes in his pocket at all times, so be sure to print your own set to use while reading this one! (You can also play online.)
BOOKS TO EXPAND YOUR MIND
There are many great nonfiction books that share information in thoroughly entertaining ways. Here are some of the best of 2007.
  • Lightship by Brian Floca - Imagine spending your life aboard a ship that doesn't sail, but rather remains anchored in order to warn other ships when there is heavy fog. This beautifully illustrated book helps readers to explore life on a lightship.
  • Living Color by Steve Jenkins - Why would an animal have a blue tongue, a red-belly, or a face on it's back? Learn all about color in the animal kingdom in this fact-filled book.
  • One Well: The Story of Water on Earth by Rochelle Strauss - This book provides an instructive and often-times inspiring look at water. Inspiring? Absolutely. The author reminds us that the amount of water on Earth hasn't ever changed. Since this water has been around for billions of year, it is entirely possible that the water we drink may have "quenched the thirst of a dinosaur" more than one hundred million years ago!
GOING TO THE DOGS
My apologies to all you cat lovers out there, but we love our dogs. Here are our favorite dog books, all guaranteed to make you smile, and maybe even make you laugh out loud.
  • Bark George by Jules Feiffer - When George's mother asks him to bark, he meows. Then quacks, oinks, and moos. Whatever will they do? George is off to see the vet, who will surely have the answer.
  • Martha Speaks by Susan Meddaugh - Martha is a plain old lovable pooch until she is fed vegetable soup and the letters go up to her head instead of down to her belly. Now Martha talks, and talks, and talks.
  • Harry the Dirty Dog by Gene Zion - When Harry runs away from home, he is transformed from "a white dog with black spots to a black dog with white spots." He eventually returns home, but is not recognized by his family until he's scrubbed clean. Originally published in 1956, this new version is enhanced by Margaret Bloy Graham's updated illustrations that feature added splashes of color.
  • Dear Mrs. Larue: Letters From Obedience School by Mark Teague - Prison or a country club for dogs? You be the judge. In black and white (prison) and color (country club) illustrations, Teague takes readers on a rollicking good ride with Larue, the letter-writing canine.
  • Office Buckle and Gloria by Peggy Rathmann - In this Caldecott Medal winner, Officer Buckle gives safety lectures to school kids that are boring, boring, boring. Once Gloria the police dog comes along, safety lectures are never the same again!
If you have favorite books in any of these categories, please share them. I'd love to hear your ideas.

5 Comments on It's That Time of Year - Gift Books, last added: 12/19/2007
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