E is for Erik

The fine art of shoveling!

2012-01-23T16:34:00.000-08:00

Suffice it to say that I'm sort of a snow shovel perfectionist. I mean sure, there are days when I throw and go. Days with too much work and too little time to do it right. But then there are other days... Bluebird days when the sun is shining and your back is sore and your spirit broken from the writing/drawing slouch of a morning... On those days - days with a backlog of snow-fallen inches from a busy weekend - you get outside and make some art!

Bliss

2012-01-19T10:57:00.000-08:00

Ahhh... The snow was piling up outside the studio window yesterday afternoon. Magic stuff! Good for work and good for play. Further, and perhaps more tangible evidence of the "piling" can be found in the kitchen window/picnic table shot below. More on the way tomorrow!

Steampunk Sleepdog!

2012-01-13T18:44:00.000-08:00

December's sketch gets some January color...

December Sketches

2012-01-11T08:52:00.000-08:00

Happily, I've been doing a LOT more free drawing of late -- filling up a few little sketchbooks to wrap up 2011 and cruising on into the new year. Amazingly, the more I draw, the more ideas actually see the light of day!

StorySki in AAA Journey

2012-01-04T11:49:00.000-08:00

The January/February 2012 edition of AAA's Journey Magazine features a nice little description of the second annual StorySki. The extra photos were taken just before Christmas and the skiing has only gotten better!

And Happy New Year!

2011-12-31T16:33:00.001-08:00

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-24T10:33:00.000-08:00

I usually make a Christmas card, but I've been chasing my tail since September and this year it'll be something for New Years or maybe Valentine's Day... I hope! Thankfully, my daughter and I have started a little card making tradition of our own and collaborative projects get extra incentive -- as do the weekly comic strips :)

Merry Christmas!

Feet Tweet No. 6: Polar Bear Feet!

2011-12-19T19:08:00.000-08:00

Feet Tweet No. 6

2011-12-19T09:22:00.000-08:00

This particular animal ranks among my very favorite...

Feet Tweet No. 5: Santa's Elves!

2011-12-16T18:39:00.000-08:00

Indeed! With bells and all. Speaking of Christmas, LOTS of gift/card making to do this weekend. Feet Tweets to return on Monday12/19/11 @ErikBrooksBooks.

Feet Tweet No. 5

2011-12-16T09:53:00.000-08:00

These busy feet might get colored later this afternoon :)

Feet Tweet No. 4: Sand Fiddler Feet!

2011-12-15T23:04:00.000-08:00

Colored pencil on Canson Mi-Teintes drawing paper.

A little late for the east coasters... busy days!

Feet Tweet No. 4

2011-12-15T09:02:00.000-08:00

From a scientific illustration class...

Feet Tweet No. 3: Cheetah Feet!

2011-12-14T17:22:00.000-08:00

Howard the Cheetah even! Follow along @ErikBrooksBooks.

Feet Tweet No. 3

2011-12-14T08:51:00.000-08:00

FEET Tweet No. 2: A Tree Frog

2011-12-13T19:56:00.000-08:00

And incredibly COLORFUL feet at that!

FEET Tweet No. 2

2011-12-13T08:11:00.000-08:00

@ErikBrooksBooks

Feet Tweet No. 1: Gecko Feet!

2011-12-12T16:26:00.000-08:00

More tomorrow!

FEET Tweets!

2011-12-12T10:59:00.000-08:00

So here's an idea that I should have hatched in August :)

In honor of my latest book, I'll be "Feet tweeting" daily for as long as I can manage. Those that actually follow such things can find me @ErikBrooksBooks. I'll post pictures here as well - which should cover the bases of cyberspace to the extent that I find physically possible.

And so, without further ado I give you FEET Tweet no. 1 (featuring artwork that did not appear in the final book!):

Harts Pass Paintings

2011-12-12T00:20:00.001-08:00

Just a couple of recent paintings inspired by the characters in my weekly comic strip. I sold a few at Saturday's Christmas Bazaar here in Winthrop -- along with a good number of hand-colored prints.

Thanks for stopping by and have a great week!

Books Beside My Bed: Slow Days, Fast Friends by Erik Brooks

2011-12-07T15:52:00.000-08:00

Books Beside My Bed: Slow Days, Fast Friends by Erik Brooks: A sweet, albeit nearly year old review of Slow Days that I just discovered. Thanks Karen!

Thank You Green Gables!

2011-12-06T11:49:00.001-08:00

A great couple of days at Green Gables Elementary School last week. I have some kid artwork to post soon, but here is a quick "thank you" sketch of a very unique class pet -- without further ado, I give you Truffles the hedgehog!

November Sketches

2011-12-06T11:45:00.001-08:00

A few recent favorites from my sketchbook. Enjoy!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-23T20:22:00.001-08:00

click to enlarge!

A Holiday Book Signing at Everyday Athlete

2011-11-22T12:05:00.001-08:00

On Friday, December 2nd, step on out to Everyday Athlete for an evening of cookies and books. In honor of Polar Opposites, we'll be snacking on America's favorite black n' white cookies (the irresistible Oreo) and washing them down with a tall (probably short) glass of milk.

With due respect to Who Has These Feet?, our hosts for the night own the finest running shoe store east of Green Lake.

Who Has This Tail? Summer 2012!

2011-11-16T00:10:00.001-08:00

The final comps arrived today for Who Has This Tail? The publication date is still many months away, but it's looking great and the designers did a terrific job once again.

Zina in Brushes

2011-11-14T16:10:00.001-08:00

Drawing on plane rides is great. In a seat. Small table. Time. No where else to go. My experiments with the iPad Brushes App continue! Three days of school and library visits await :)

"Happy" Halloween!

2011-10-31T09:36:00.000-07:00

Click to enlarge!

Typically melancholy Halloween wishes from the good critters at Harts Pass. Here's hoping that you have more fun than the wolf when you're out trick or treating tonight!

SCBWI Spokane

2011-10-31T08:59:00.000-07:00

A quick photo of Marsha Qualey and I that arrived in the in-box this morning courtesy of SCBWI Spokane/Northern Idaho's Regional Conference (9.24.11). I did a reflective trajectory of my first decade in "the biz" and Marsha presented an excellent workshop-style session on writing/developing strong characters. Kelly Milner Halls (In Search of Sasquatch!) had a great Nuts & Bolts talk covering ALL of the basics, and Pamela Glauber (Holiday House) and Kerry Sparks (agent, Levine Greenberg) covered the editor and agent material to a 'T'. Wonderful presenters and a small but excellent conference!

A welcome dry spell in all of the recent school and conference visits means that I can get back to work on job No. 1 of making books :)

Harts Pass prints for sale!

2011-10-27T09:04:00.000-07:00

Just in time for the holidays, I'm now selling hand-colored prints of the Harts Pass comic strip! I'll be hawking my wares at two local Christmas bazaars (Nov. 19th and Dec. 10th), but I'm also happy to ship them (near or far) for the additional and appropriate fees.

These unique, archival quality reproductions, are printed on 140 lb watercolor paper and packaged in clear acrylic bags. They sell for $20 a piece.

At this point, I have selected about 10 different images for reproduction on a larger scale and I will post the "catalog" soon. However, if you have a personal favorite over the last 71 (and counting) issues please just let me know and I'll be happy to create a special print.

Look for Harts Pass each and every Wednesday in the Methow Valley News, or read it online at the Harts Pass Comics blog.

GRRR!

Thank you Humbolt County!

2011-10-25T14:18:00.000-07:00

A huge THANK YOU to both Pacific Union and Redway Elementary Schools for making my visits to Humbolt County last week SO GREAT! Kids, teachers, staff, pta, and other volunteers were incredibly well prepared and very welcoming.

Thank you as well to the legions of volunteers who coordinate 50+ school visits in two days, and all of the hotel rooms, transportation, and several wonderful dinner events, for 23 authors & illustrators from near and far. The Humbolt County Author Festival is an incredible event and I look forward to going back again in 2013!

For additional photos and a brief description of each, visit the Facebook page for Erik Brooks Illustration!

October Sketches...

2011-10-19T21:32:00.000-07:00

...with a nod to things a little spooky!

The 2011 Humbolt County Author Fest

2011-10-18T11:58:00.000-07:00

Bruce Hale of Chet Gecko fame!

Just a few photos from the 2009 edition, but I'm heading out soon for several great days of school visits and author peeps at the Humbolt County Author Festival. Hello in advance to all of the kids at Pacific Union and Redway Schools. Be sure to stop by the Humbolt County Library on Saturday 10-2pm for the grand finale autograph party!

Links to Literacy

2011-10-17T10:03:00.000-07:00

Last October, I had the pleasure of creating a library "lynx" for the newly conceived Links to Literacy program of the North Central Regional Library System. Books matter. Reading works. Libraries ROCK!

An iPad Brushes Painting

2011-10-04T10:30:00.000-07:00

I'm still working on this, but I was so excited by the results of my first hour with the iPad Brushes app that I thought I'd post the work in progress :)

For a while now I've been coloring my Harts Pass comics with Photoshop and a Wacom drawing tablet. Simple grayscale stuff with an occassional foray into color -- but not very painterly. Something about the immediacy of the stylus on screen/image with the iPad is really nice. Its more tangible and familiar than a hand on the Wacom but eyes on a screen... I'm also starting to get the hand of mixing colors via screen sampling, which is also really nice. I'll add an update with the finished lion later in the day.

Bookfest Redux

2011-09-30T08:29:00.000-07:00

A quick reminder post about the Northwest Bookfest in Kirkland, WA this weekend. On Sunday, Oct. 2nd, I'll be drawing pictures, visiting with readers, and signing books in SCBWI Booth #16 from 10:30-11:30am. I'm also part of an illustrator's panel discussion at the Kirkland Library from 1-2pm. Craig Orback, Richard Jesse Watson and I will be fielding questions and discussing our work in picture books. A book signing to follow where I should have copies of both Polar Opposites and Who Has These Feet?

A Washington State Book Award!

2011-09-15T22:23:00.000-07:00

In my final act of social networking for the night -- and with apologies again to the Facebook "fans" of Erik Brooks Illustration that are also among my friends -- I am pleased and honored to announce that Polar Opposites is the 2011 Washington State Book Award winner in the picture book category :)

Thanks very much to the Seattle Public Library and the Washington Center for the Book for supporting all facets of the literary arts.

Yahoo and g'night!

Polar Opposites wiki space

2011-09-15T10:46:00.000-07:00

In association with its 2012 Bill Martin Jr. Picture Book Award nomination, Polar Opposites now has its very own wiki space complete with age-appropriate classroom activities and topics for discussion. So cool! Much thanks to teacher Rita Shogren and the Kansas State Reading Association for putting that together.

You find a page of activities for all nominated books, including How Rocket Learned to Read, by Tad Hills, City Dog, Country Frog, by Mo Willems and John J Muth, Big Chickens Go to Town by Leslie Helakoski and Henry Cole, just to name a few...

Happy reading!

Octvaius Bloom and the Digital Overload!

2011-09-15T10:11:00.000-07:00

Don't have a Nook? You can now download Octavius Bloom to your Kindle (with color viewing on the iPad Kindle App), or purchase an iBooks friendly .pdf at both lulu.com and/or The Illustrated Section. As always, a review of any kind at the site of purchase is much appreciated.

September Sketches...

2011-09-13T10:48:00.000-07:00

Octavius Bloom for your Nook!

2011-09-02T09:52:00.000-07:00

As of September 1st, you can now purchase a full-color version of Octavius Bloom and the House of Doom especially formatted for your Nook at Barns & Noble. Its spiffed up a bit with a more exciting cover, and at $.99 per download its a screamin' deal. Enjoy!

Northwest Bookfest 2011!

2011-08-31T17:29:00.000-07:00

A note for your calendar: I'll be signing books and sharing the stage with two fantastic illustrators at this fall's Northwest Bookfest. My illustrator's panel discussion with Craig Orback and Richard Jessie Watson takes place Sunday, October 2nd at 1pm. We'll be hosted by the Kirkland Branch of the King County Regional Library System, but additional Bookfest events will take place at various other locations in the Kirkland area on both Saturday and Sunday. Check out their website for a complete schedule of authors and events.

Reviews for FEET?

2011-08-18T23:41:00.000-07:00

A nice collection of reviews for Who Has These Feet? in the email this week... plus a quick sketch to accompany the hightlights :)

"Brooks’s naturalistic yet affable animals will likely inspire readers to take a closer look at their own feet." --Publishers Weekly

"The simple text, the colorful illustrations, and the guessing game combine to make this an engaging picture book for reading aloud.” --Booklist

"The text and concept are refreshingly simple, while still educating and entertaining. The richly colored and realistic watercolor illustrations depict child-friendly beasts without anthropomorphizing them. A gatefold at the conclusion brings all the animals together, and a checkerboard of heads and feet on its flaps is a ready-made matching game….Young animal fans will find much to enjoy and are sure to ask for multiple readings.” --Kirkus Reviews

Ta Dah!

2011-08-16T12:26:00.000-07:00

Who Has These Feet?, my first true picture book project with Henry Holt is out today! You could have pre-ordered copies on Amazon months ago, and both the Cleveland public library system AND my local bookstore already have their copies (call and order to have one signed!), but the "official" release date is certifiably upon us. Speaking of which, I am going certifiably insane with final adjustments to the art for a follow-up... but that's a tale for another day.

Welcome to the world, Feet!!!!!

PS And congratualtions to author Laura Hulbert on her debut children's book publication. We've had several good reviews from Kirkus and School Library Journal (no small "feet" in and of itself) -- some of which I'll post in the next several days.

PPS I too trumped the release date and was sharing this book with my summer reading visits here in North Central Washington. The guessing game format is terrific for read-a-loud library settings with younger children -- not to mention the "beyond the book" potential for discussing animal habitats and where in the world all of these varied creatures live.

Spotlight on Humbolt Author Fest: Author/illustrator Erik Brooks

2011-07-29T08:32:00.000-07:00

A nice little bio in San Francisco's Examiner.com -- with much thanks to the promotional efforts of the Humbolt County Author Festival. Phew, does that mean its almost October?

Spotlight on HumCo Author Fest: Author/illustrator Erik Brooks

Sketchbook: 7.27.11

2011-07-28T11:26:00.000-07:00

Good News!

2011-07-26T14:25:00.000-07:00

OK, so I'll admit to photo shopping this image just a bit, but Pottery Barn Kids DID recently place a "nice sized" order for Polar Opposites. Its not there yet, but keep an eye out for Alex and Zina in a store/catalog near you a little later this fall!

PS The kid holding the book could easily be me when I was 10.

Summertime!

2011-06-21T09:47:00.000-07:00

On the drawing board... and in the deli!

2011-06-17T11:55:00.000-07:00

Another work-in-progress from WHO HAS THIS TAIL? I'm wrapping this book up early next week and it'll be VERY nice to kick off the official start of summer by shipping off the art!

If you happen to visit Winthrop this summer you can find an assortment of Harts Pass comics and a few acrylic painting on display (and for sale) at Boulder Creek Deli. While you're at it, you can't go wrong with the Single Tracker sandwich for lunch. Yum :)

Illustration Friday: Shadows

2011-06-08T11:44:00.000-07:00

click the comic to enlarge

This summer, I hope to get back on a more regular Illustration Friday submissions schedule. Kicking thing off, here is a cross-over post with Harts Pass Comics. Unfortunately, the shadows of the past frequently persist...

"Like" Harts Pass on Facebook and/or get weekly growls with the Wolverine Wednesday Twitter feed.

Once upon a time...

2011-06-06T14:09:00.000-07:00

Four or five years ago I was midway through illustrating a tall tale when the publisher decided that the market wasn't quite right for such a story. Curiously (to me at least), it seemed more prudent to table the project rather than proceed to publication. Fairly enough, I was duly compensated for my work, but it was still sad (and a bit deflating) to have several months of effort and inspiration never fully realized.

I haven't thought a lot about the characters in recent years, but this past weekend I stumbled across a pile of sketches. I haven't drawn many people lately, so it was fun to look back and realize how much fun it was to experiment with their gestures and expressions.

It also reminds me that I should pick a piece or two to finish up and round out my portfolio!

On the Drawing Board: June 2011

2011-06-02T10:14:00.000-07:00

With Who Has These Feet? due out August 16th, I've been hard at work on a 2012 follow-up. Any guesses what the new book's title will be :)

StoryHike goes live!

2011-05-20T16:45:00.000-07:00

Earlier this week, my daughter and I helped set the signs for this summer's TOTEM TALE StoryHike. I'll post a few pictures of the trail soon and send out a reminder for the guided reading/hike on National Trails Day. For now, learn more at MVSTA and visit the Beaver Pond trail at Sun Mt. to read the book anytime you like!

Polar Opposites Russian Nesting Dolls

2011-05-13T11:34:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, May 21st, Little Star Montessori School is holding its semi-annual fund raising auction -- a typically gala event, representing an incredible effort put fourth by many dedicated volunteers.

Inspired by the Room One soup bowl auction from last fall, I thought I'd create something a little unique and different to accompany my more traditional offering of signed books. And thus we have... the Polar Opposites Russian nesting dolls (plus Howard and Quince from Slow Days, Fast Friends, and the pajama pattern from The Practically Perfect Pajamas. Alex and Howard are both holding miniature replicas of their respective books, and the tallest of these doll stands about 5.5 inches.

Locals, get your tickets today!

All Things Considered

2011-05-09T23:24:00.000-07:00

Phew! I'm up to my ears in a picture book project right now and have been completely neglecting the blog... So it goes, and as it should be. Anyway, soon enough I'll have some nice work-in-progress to show for my efforts.

In the mean time, my editor at Albert Whitman had her new book, The Wilder Life, featured on All Things Considered this afternoon. Congrats on a very nice interview Wendy!

And here's another Q & A session with A.V. Club Chicago.

A Bill Martin Jr. Picture Book Award Nominee!

2011-03-31T13:28:00.000-07:00

Polar Opposites was recently nominated for the Kansas Reading Association's 2012 Bill Martin Jr. Picture Book Award.

Established in 1996, this award serves to honor internationally renowned Kansas author Bill Martin, Jr., as well as commend outstanding authors/illustrators. It also promotes in young children an appreciation for literature and encourages involvement in promoting quality picture books. Please click here to read more about Bill Martin Jr.

The 2012 voting is a long ways off, but this is still some excellent news on a blustery spring-like afternoon. A big thanks to the KRA and everyone else that has been enjoying this book. I'll keep you posted on what happens next!

Spring!

2011-03-28T13:01:00.000-07:00

Spring is finally on it's way, and my daughter's teacher is expecting a baby girl. Here is a quick baby shower card that I painted this afternoon :)

Art on the Side

2011-03-15T15:47:00.000-07:00

In recent weeks, I've completed a few small freelance assignments that are kind of fun and "blog worthy". For starters, a friend here in Winthrop is trying to get her "Pampered Hens" business up and running. She'll be selling eggs and birds as I understand it. Pretty much, Jane loves chickens. She's totally infatuated, and will no doubt turn this into a successful pedigree poultry operation out of sheer and delirious enjoyment :)

Simultaneously, my cousin's husband is releasing a folk rock album any day now. Matt made the mistake of recruiting me for album art just before Christmastime... and I finally fit it in amongst the paying projects :) Cursed are the Scorekeepers by Matt Belknap will be found here in due course!

From library cards... to library vans!

2011-03-08T12:01:00.000-08:00

In October, I mentioned my involvement in creating the North Central Regional Library System's "Lynx" to Literacy. The library's literacy site is up and running, as are these specially marked delivery vans that do such a great job of keeping our vast geographical library system interconnected.

A Sno-Isle Library Surprise :)

2011-03-07T15:34:00.000-08:00

I created a new Sno-Isle Kids mascot and website design about two years ago. Recently, I learned that Otis the otter and Squirt the octopus hold esteemed positions on library cards! Color me awesomely honored, and three cheers for libraries. Hooray! Haroo! Hurrah!

Six kinds of Awesome in Black Diamond!

2011-03-03T16:50:00.000-08:00

I'm right in the middle of a two-day school visit, but these kids were totally psyched about the visit. I need to get a few close-up photos, but each letter on my name (plus two exclamation points!) in picture no. 1 is illustrated with characters/scenes etc. from one of my books. Not to mention all of the AMAZING positively perfect pajama art!

Way to go Black Diamond. I'll see you tomorrow!

Happy Read Across America Day!

2011-03-02T12:27:00.000-08:00

And Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss :) I'm celebrating by making three different complimentary elementary school visits in Kirkland, WA and making an appearance at Parkplace Books tonight at 6:30. Now, to properly honor the good Dr. AND all of the amazing children's book art and design out there -- I would challenge the National Education Association to get a better promotional poster next year!

The StorySki in yesterday's Wenatchee World.

2011-02-24T12:03:00.000-08:00

This just in: Some excellent coverage of the StorySki in the Wenatchee World!

StorySki - Part III

2011-02-23T08:13:00.000-08:00

This past Sunday was my final guided StorySki of the winter. Not that we are wrapping up the season anytime soon, but thank you so much to everyone that has been out on the trails (with me or otherwise) enjoying Polar Opposites with family and friends.

I've received many positive comments about the idea, but it wouldn't exist at all without the inspiration and financing of MVSTA and all that they do to support winter recreation here in the valley. A big thank you as well to my daughter for her own unique assistance with the event - and to Trail's End Bookstore for stocking signed copies of the book AND hosting the cookies and cocoa book signing on Sunday afternoon!

If you liked the StorySki, I'm excited to say that we'll be producing a StoryHike in similar fashion sometime this summer. I'll keep the book a secret for now, but stay tuned for additional info when the snow finally melts. Until then, ski on!

Twisp Library Commission

2011-02-15T12:03:00.000-08:00

One of my small local libraries just completed a successful grassroots fund raising and expansion effort. I had the great pleasure of creating this commemorative piece for all of the children who made a contribution. A big thank you to the Twisp Library Friends, and to all the many donors kid and not-kid alike!

Click the image for a closer look. Donor names are collaged onto various books throughout the piece.

Happy Valentines Day!

2011-02-14T09:27:00.000-08:00

Last year, on the heels of an excellent Christmas card printmaking venture, I asked my daughter if she'd like to make her own Valentine's Day cards as well. As of last night, we have a tradition in the making :)

I was more of a printer's assistant this time around, but its really cool to see her wanting to do all of the designing, carving, inking, and printing. I hope that you're sharing time (and something fun) with your loved ones today as well. Happy Valentines!

PS See a few more images from the Valentine card factory is you're a fan on Facebook.

Harts Pass : New York City

2011-02-09T09:43:00.000-08:00

A little cross-platform posting here, so my apologies to the fans of Harts Pass that might be seeing this twice. Thor and I, along with a several new story ideas and a shiny illustration portfolio made the long winter trip to New York City several days ago. Being hearty mountain folk, we were stoked by the 10+ inches of snow that fell on Wednesday night, and shocked many a city visitor by eschewing the fine hotel treadmill in favor of slush puddle-snowbank hopping for our daily constitutional.

"Home again, home again", I'm still riding high from excellent meetings at Sterling and Henry Holt, not to mention the words of numerous speakers at SCBWI's mid-winter Conference. The task now is to translate momentum into work. A few highlights: Sara Zarr (gave the best talk of the conference!), Rubin Pfeffer (an astute and savvy new agent - with LOTS of real-world publishing experience - now working with East West Literary Agency), and some excellent "getting to know my peers" down time with the good folks from SCWBI WWA, John Deininger, and Mainers, Russ Cox, Josh Alves, and Hazel Mitchell, and finally, SCBWI Germany representatives, Daniel Jennewien (with a nice looking new book out with Balzer & Bray) and Kristen Carlson.

Thanks to all and now back to work. GRRR!

Literary Lions!

2011-02-03T17:34:00.000-08:00

Bring together talented authors and devoted readers with the opportunity to dine and celebrate in the library and you have the premier Northwest event: the KCLS Foundation’s Literary Lions Gala.

The Gala is a literary feast where you’ll meet a bounty of talented writers, celebrate the joy of reading, toast new and favorite authors and help raise funds for literacy and lifelong learning programs.

Author Vince Flynn will keynote the 2011 event. Nancy Pearl will emcee the program and sign her new book: Book Lust To Go.

(Plus I'll be there with Polar Opposites & Cat Diaries. Fun stuff!)

The Bellevue Library on Saturday, March 5, 2011 is the perfect setting for you to discover and meet authors, buy their books and enjoy a unique literary-themed silent auction. Invitations will be in the mail soon.

For more information on sponsorships or to reserve your tickets, contact Claire Wilkinson, cwilkins@kcls.org, 425.369.3448.

SCBWI Western Washington: Spring Conference!

2011-02-01T11:07:00.000-08:00

Fresh off of the New York SCBWI mid-winter shindig? Want to keep that positive vibe flowin', ditch the black pea coat-scarf-wearing attire, AND take a visit to the land of moisturizer free springtime weather? Sign up today for the Western Washington Regional Conference. Truly, this is one of the best regional affairs in the country. Plus, I would bet real money that Dan Santat's presence alone will be worth it.

Sign on before its gone!

ULTIMATE TUESDAY!

2011-01-20T00:36:00.001-08:00

Tuesday, January 25th is ULTIMATE TUESDAY! at Secret Garden Books in Ballard, WA. Come hear my first Seattle reading of Polar Opposites, and give some love to one of the very best children's bookstores in the Pacific Northwest.

The event starts at 7:00pm!

Secret Garden Books
2214 NW Market Street
Seattle, WA 98107
206-789-5006

Spring 2011!

2011-01-11T12:03:00.000-08:00

Yes, there's 20 inches of snow on the ground (with another exciting storm on the way!), but spring is just around the corner over at Amazon.com. Who Has These Feet?, my illustrious illustration project for 2011, is ready and waiting for its marching orders. Written by Brooklyn Friends School Learning Specialist, Laura Hulbert, and published by Henry Holt, Who Has These Feet? will step into the world on August 16th.

Welcome to Harts Pass!

2011-01-07T07:58:00.000-08:00

My apologies to those 28 followers of the comic that have seen this already, but a 2010 collection of Harts Pass is now available as a book (plus bonus material)!

Thanks to the online publishing magic of lulu.com and some design work at Wolf Creek Studios, you can now enjoy this slice of Methow wildlife from the comforts of home. Get a preview and order print and digital copies by clicking the big blue button:

Another Top Ten List!

2011-01-05T08:44:00.000-08:00

These are all temporary seasonal blips, but Polar Opposites made another year end "Top Ten" list over at A Book for All Seasons in Leavenworth, WA. Helped along by my December 18th book signing at the height of the Christmas shopping season, I'll take it where I can get it.

Considering the crowds in town that day I probably should have sold a thousand books. It was less than that, but still very spirited, and the folks that run this shop are great. Be sure to stop in the next time you need some "lit for your lederhosen." My slogan entirely. Apologies!

Happy New Year!

2011-01-04T19:05:00.000-08:00

A quick thank you to the The Boston Athenaeum for selecting Polar Opposites as one of their Holiday Gift Selections for 2010. Somehow, we're blasting right on through to another decade, so buckle up and enjoy the ride. More exciting news for the year ahead soon!

Happy Holidays!

2010-12-21T11:57:00.001-08:00

A little something on the side...

2010-12-20T21:35:00.000-08:00

The Harts Pass Wolverines are Pleased!

2010-12-13T10:44:00.000-08:00

Local News | Feds say wolverines need protection | Seattle Times Newspaper

Studio Views

2010-12-13T10:00:00.000-08:00

12 hours and 19 inches of snow + 4 hours shoveling = 2 feet of light in the studio. Obviously, no real connection to the shoveling part of that equation since that took place in the driveway... There will be a tangible shovel # to factor in once that snow drops and I can no longer see out my window! Plus, it never seems like a good idea to have tons of snow sitting right up against the house :)
New photos and relevant shovel hours to follow. I DO love winter!

A Polar Opposites eBook!

2010-12-09T10:52:00.000-08:00

Thanks to the marketing folks at Marshall Cavendish, and the Ripple eBook Reader, Polar Opposites has entered the digital age. Not only do you get a digital version of the story for your Mac or PC, but you can record your own reading of the book. While not quite as cozy as sitting down with the ink and paper book in hand, it is a comforting option for the ePicturebook set. An iPad app is on the way soon.

I'd love to hear feedback if anyone goes hi-tech and decides to purchase one of these!

Beyond Penguins and Polar Bears

2010-12-09T09:08:00.000-08:00

Lots of penguin news in the studio this week:

On Tuesday I attended an excellent talk on Emperor Penguin diving research by Dr. Torre Stockard. Zina, my character in Polar Opposites, is much more like an Adelie penguin than an Emperor (smaller and a bit less colorful as penguins go) but it's always inspiring to learn more about such the world at large from those that really dig in deep.

And then yesterday afternoon, someone sent me an elementary school-aged science resource in connection to the book as well. The irony, of course, is that Beyond Polar Bears and Penguins wants to get past these two charismatic and appealing creatures and expose students to the many other fascinating things about these extreme polar worlds. For that, I applaud them, and it looks like a terrific site. Still, at least I have my penguins living in the southern hemisphere, and penguins ARE a great springboard into Antarctic studies :)

PS Did you know that penguins have square pupils?

Happy Thanksgiving!

2010-11-24T08:31:00.001-08:00

Bookmark Doodles Too

2010-11-23T14:27:00.000-08:00

It's going to be fun giving all of these away for the holidays :)

Bookmark Doodles Continued

2010-11-10T22:53:00.000-08:00

More Bookmark Doodles

2010-11-10T14:08:00.000-08:00

I did a few of these "Bookmark Doodles" in April, and more are on the way :)

A Polar Opposites Halloween

2010-11-08T08:37:00.000-08:00

When my daughter requested an "Alex" costume for Halloween this year, I was pretty excited to give it a shot. I have sewn a bit with polar fleece (my wife and I created 85 custom designed winter caps for our wedding place settings), and the challenge of creating a polar bear face was impossible to resist. Since Halloween has come and gone, perhaps these pics will add some extra "light" to end of Daylight Savings!

A "mazing" opposites!

2010-10-27T09:32:00.000-07:00

I'm still very excited about the new book and filling out my bag o' tricks for a fall/winter full of school visits and presentations. Click on the image to download and print a maze of your own.

Cheers!

Comics Go Pink: Cartoonists Care

2010-10-13T08:06:00.000-07:00

On October 10th, more than 50 of King Features’ cartoonists observed National Breast Cancer Awareness Month in the Sunday comics section of newspapers across the country.

Budding activist that she is, Melanie insisted that Harts Pass should also participate. With due apologies to all of King Features' legit cartoonists, but in complete and utter agreement with the spirit of the day, please enjoy our small contribution...

The Winthrop Art Walk, and a HUGE thank you!

2010-10-11T09:24:00.001-07:00

On Saturday night, October 9th, a small selection of artwork from Polar Opposites was on display for the semi-annual Winthrop Art Walk. The art will hang for another week or two, but signed books can be purchased (and even personalized and shipped by request) at Trail's End Bookstore all year 'round!

Also, a huge THANK YOU to the very generous donor who purchased my books & bowls collection at the Room One Soup Dinner on Saturday night. The bidding was reportedly "fast and furious" - with the 4 bowl set eventually earning $800 for this worthy non-profit. Really nice to hear!

A fine Saturday evening here in Winthrop, WA if I do say so myself :)

Arctic Circle Comics

2010-10-10T21:21:00.001-07:00

With my own recent comic experiments, I've had fun getting back into the groove of reading some daily strips. This was a ritual -- especially on Sundays -- for many years and is certainly one of those foundational interests that led me drawing my own characters, and becoming the artist and author that I am today. Like so many people, I especially LOVED the irreverence and imagination of Calvin & Hobbes, as well as a slightly more obscure outer space comic called Orbit (I think I have that name right?).

Anyway, last week I discovered this great little strip by Australian cartoonist Alex Hallat called Arctic Circle. It's funny and It's smart. Something that I hope to emulate in my own work both comic and otherwise.

Check out Alex's work AND please note the lovely juxtaposition of POLAR BEARS and PEGUINS that also makes this strip a winner in my book ;)

Cheers!

A Minnesota Original!

2010-10-08T09:16:00.000-07:00

Minnesota illustrator friend Mike Wohnoutka gets some well deserved face time on a new Twin Citites Public Television feature called "Minnesota Original".

Congrats Mike!

Soup Bowls for the Soul!

2010-10-05T12:05:00.000-07:00

Room One is hosting its 4th Annual Soup Dinner on Saturday, October 9th. All summer, artists, citizens, and visitors of the Methow have been painting their hearts out in preparation. 200 bowls are glazed, fired, and ready to go!

With the price of admission, you receive a bowl of your choice (they go fast of course), a wonderful meal, and a beautiful fall evening at the Winthrop Barn. There are also a number of artisan bowls that become part of a silent auction. As a extra treat, my inaugural participation includes a four-bowl set featuring characters from Polar Opposites, Slow Days, Fast Friends, and The Practically Perfect Pajamas. You will also receive signed copies of these books, AND a piece of original art for my new comic strip, Harts Pass.

Non-valley residents can feel free to contact me with maximum bids (Erik's bowl set only). I'd be more than happy to facilitate a long-distance bidding frenzy!

Contact me at: #509-996-4345

- Erik

Library "Lynx" to Literacy

2010-10-04T23:38:00.000-07:00

It is my great pleasure to announce a recent collaboration with the North Central Regional Library System. After two wonderful stints on the summer reading tour, I've now put paint to paper and provided them with a series of character drawings for their latest literacy initiative. I'll post the more official and complete materials when the layout and design is complete, but now you've seen two :)

Harts Pass Soccer Club

2010-09-29T08:13:00.000-07:00

Brooks Illustration, and the associated Harts Pas s Comics enterprise, are proud sponsors of a U-8 soccer club this fall. We had our first game yesterday AND received some spiffy new unis featuring Thor in all of his soccer glory. Go Wolverines!

So Shiny!

2010-09-24T00:00:00.000-07:00

Kids LOVE the glossy cover. Enough said!

Beyond Books: Art in Action

2010-09-16T08:38:00.000-07:00

Like anyone, I get asked to make donations to various causes around the country. The requests vary, as do the compelling reasons for participation. When Room One, a local non-profit focused on reducing domestic violence, and increasing parent/child health and well being approached me this summer, I jumped at the chance to help.

It's a soup bowl auction for goodness sakes! 200 hand-painted soup bowls by community members and local artisans. Soup bowls and autumn -- it's practically perfect!

True to tradition (this is the 4th annual event) most bowls are simply given away with the price of admission. The bowls that I painted, however, along with a matching book, will be part of the silent auction.

Take a look and see what you think:

Polar Opposites: Alex and Zina get their debut in both literary AND culinary style!

Practically Perfect Pajamas: Percy stands the test of time -- in dashing red with outer space details.

A closer look...

Slow Days, Fast Friends: Howard's grin will welcome you when the Cheerios are gone!

A closer look...

And finally, Harts Pass: Melanie is all smiles at the bottom of your bowl. Honestly, this drawing looks a little odd. If you want to see Melanie is better form, drop in on the high country action sometime :)

PS The images here are pre-fired glazes. I will post again once the pots have been fired!

PPS If anyone outside of Winthrop is interested in bidding, I am happy to take maximum bids. My wife and I will attend the auction and could place bids on your behalf.

Send an email at: brooks dot methownet dot com
or call me at: 509.996.4345

Gaaa! POLAR OPPOSITES is out yesterday!

2010-09-02T10:39:00.000-07:00

OMG! Amidst a slough of other activity -- the first week of school, painting soup bowls for the Room One Auction, drawing comics, and putting the finishing touches on Who Has These Feet?, I totally forgot to mention my new book WHICH CAME OUT YESTERDAY!

Polar Opposites (Marshall Cavendish, 9.1.2010) is finally in the mix! Hoorah! Already some kind words from Kirkus Reviews, who call it a "refreshing change from traditional opposites books" but why take their word for it when you can have one of your very own :)

I'll celebrate the "one day late" announcement with this early sketch of Alex and Zina. They've changed a bit in the final art, but not too much. Enjoy!

woodfiredkids.com

2010-08-25T10:01:00.000-07:00

For 10 years, my cousin Nate and his wife Hallie have been operating a woodfired pottery business from their home in north eastern Iowa. They make excellent pots, and its a great story of two people doing what they love.

Enter Noah! Two years ago they had a baby boy -- who I got to hang out with for several days earlier this summer. He's a fantastic kid with a wickedly powerful high five.

As these things go, he's also inspired Nate and Hallie to start a new branch of their pottery business: Woodfired Kids!

In a nutshell, these new pots are a handmade, non-toxic, thoughtfully designed alternative to the standard plastic kidswear. Smart stuff. Check it out!

Harts Pass Online!

2010-08-09T12:26:00.000-07:00

After a nice vacation and busy summer days, I'm back to work on all fronts. Harts Pass is now online and will have a new comic strip posted every week. Cheers!

Polar Opposites: Coloring page no. 1

2010-07-08T13:56:00.000-07:00

Polar Opposites: Outakes no. 1

2010-07-07T09:55:00.000-07:00

"Alex is nervous. Zina is not."

Polar Opposites ships out in just a little under 1 month. Reserve your copy today! In the mean time, enjoy this "deleted scene" from the book.

Bon voyage!