For an upcoming SCBWI event, we were asked to ponder on an ideal super power... thus, the "Power of the Persuasive Pinky". I know, I should get out more...And then there's this recent gem:
Thanks so much for visiting :)FREE PERCY NOW!
5.14.2008
Doodles
For an upcoming SCBWI event, we were asked to ponder on an ideal super power... thus, the "Power of the Persuasive Pinky". I know, I should get out more...And then there's this recent gem:
Thanks so much for visiting :)FREE PERCY NOW!
Fan Art... and REVOLUTION!
I may have gotten a raw deal in the publisher department of my first book, but at least Percy and his fabulous pajamas still have a lot of fans! I love the bear drawings. Keep em' coming!
...and maybe someday I'll be able to make my case for taking this book to another publisher!
HOLD ON... That's a GREAT idea! Send any additional artwork and your very own Practically Perfect Liberation Ideas to:
...and maybe someday I'll be able to make my case for taking this book to another publisher!
HOLD ON... That's a GREAT idea! Send any additional artwork and your very own Practically Perfect Liberation Ideas to:
THE FREE PERCY PROJECT!
PO Box 731
Winthrop, WA 98862
We'll do this grassroots-style for the internet age!
PO Box 731
Winthrop, WA 98862
We'll do this grassroots-style for the internet age!
5.07.2008
5.02.2008
SCBWI Western WA is...Superlative!
To honor a terrific and inspiring weekend of children's book, authors, illustrators, agents, publishers, and librarians... I did this intense little drawing of an angry looking kid??
I'm also going to up the volume on my "spare time" drawing efforts :) I love the work that I'm doing, but I'm currently addicted to a heavier brushstroke-darker-printmakier sort of drawing. Here's to a lifetime of experimentation -- a constant search for superlative -- to throw out one of Mo Willems' words of the weekend. I also liked his "philosophy" for treating the finished book like the work of art -- the sculpture -- and all of the various drawings along the way -- even the finals images -- like just so many shavings of wood. Less in-love with individual drawings. The sum is greater than its parts...
Really, a great conference. From picturebooker Mr. Willems to YA rabble rouser Chris Crutcher, there were many humorous and insightful speakers. I especially enjoyed seeing/hearing Arthur Levine and Librarian Bloggeratti Elizabeth Bird (AKA Fuse # 8) in action -- and Marcia Wernick of the Sheldon Fogelman Agency has me seriously considering the value of such a partnership.
The icing on the cake was a successful effort to emerge from my typical conference bubble -- and to actually talk to people! Usually, when I'm not presenting, I retreat and observe. This time around I did a better job of saying 'hello' and meeting some folks. Not going bonkers mind you, I think I spoke to 3 people at the wine and cheese "social", but way better than usual. Chats with Laini Taylor, Jim Di Bartolo, David Hohn, and Paul Schmid make the shortlist of highlights. A special nod to Simn & Schuster art director Laurent Linn (who I've now met in person - yay!) for the extended conversations beyond our dummy consultation, and to Dial editor Jessica Garrison for the improptu portfolio chat. Thanks to all!
4.22.2008
On a Sunday afternoon...
I spent about 2 hours drawing and collaging (sp?) with my daughter this past weekend. This is our masterpiece!
4.14.2008
Totem Tale: A Sighting in D.C.
Near door neighbor Paul Smith and his family spent their recent spring break touring museums in Washington D.C.. This morning, Paul was kind enough to pass along this photo of TOTEM TALE (dead center) as spotted in gift shop of the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian. Thanks Paul!
For added educational interest... This book's cover was originally planned and painted to look like this:
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As you can tell in comparison, at some point the publisher decided not to use it. Personally, I like the colors and the more dramatic lighting in this first one, but it wasn't very well concieved for type -- a little too busy for any kind of title in the trees. Live and learn!
For added educational interest... This book's cover was originally planned and painted to look like this:
.jpg)
As you can tell in comparison, at some point the publisher decided not to use it. Personally, I like the colors and the more dramatic lighting in this first one, but it wasn't very well concieved for type -- a little too busy for any kind of title in the trees. Live and learn!
4.10.2008
4.08.2008
Did Fleming Rescue Churchill? By James Cross Giblin
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This question, and at least several others are explored and answered with satisfactory gumption in this new book by Sibert Award winning author James Cross Giblin. Mr. Giblin has made a career of writing well researched, engaging non-fiction on everything from John Wilkes Booth to Milk.In Did Fleming Rescue Churchill?, he turns his own profession on end and tells the story of a fictional fifth grader putting real research challenges to their ultimate test - a three-page biography of Sir Alexander Fleming!
It was my great pleasure to create a few simple black & white illustrations to accompany this text, and the fine folks at Booklist recommend that "librarians and teachers will want several copies on hand."
No argument here!
Jason puts the final touches on his paper about FlemingFrom DID FLEMING RESCUE CHURCHILL?: A RESEARCH PUZZLE
By James Cross Giblin
Illustrations by Erik Brooks
Henry Holt and Company, April 2008
News!
Dog Diaries: Secret Writings of the WOOF Society (Henry Holt, 2007) by Betsy Byars, Betsy Duffey, and Laurie Myers was recently named to the Bank Street Best Books lists for 2008. Congrats Byars family :) and thanks again for giving me so many great dog stories to illustrate.***
I've also just had my fourth picture book accepted for publication! Aroooo!!!! More on that in future weeks...
4.07.2008
Olympic Peninsula Young Writers Conference
From the Bremerton/Seattle ferry enroute to home. Love those islands...
A room full of writers!My fellow author/illustrator participant this year was Richard Jesse Watson. An SCBWI Golden Kite Award winner for picturebook illustration, he does some fantastic artwork, and you should definitely check him out.
Thank you very much to Sarah F. and all of the other OP ESD staff members and volunteers who make this happen. It was a huge thrill for me to participate!
****
Let me also plug two FANTASTIC illustrated young adult books that I recently finished reading. Both contain some heavy hitting (sometimes read "controversial") subject matter, but the humor in the first and the beauty of language in the second should make these sought after additions to ANY high school list of required reading.
First, Sherman Alexi's Absoulutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian (Little Brown, 2007) is amazing. Completely captivating and well deserving of its praise. It made me laugh out loud -- a rare feat for books that I have read of late. Perfectly paired with cartoon illustrations by Seattle illustrator Ellen Forney. I want to read more of Mr. Alexi's work!
In a different but no less excellent vein, Margarita Engle's The Poet Slave of Cuba: A Biography of Juan Francisco Manzano (Henry Holt, 2006) is a book that wants to be read out loud. Written in verse, to honor the poet whose life it imagines, this book is an wonderful example of "voice" in literature. I could not read it in silence. Sean Qualls, one of many Brooklyn -based illustrators whos work I admire, created the black & white interior art. As lovely and evocative as his images are, I only wish that we could have seen them in color -- or at least on some paper that would give them the stage that they truly deserved. In any case, don't miss this one either.
3.24.2008
3.10.2008
3.05.2008
Spring Fever
The sun is out. It's 47 degrees and we still have snow to play in. T-shirt hockey weather! Say what? There's too much work to do? Aw, man...
2.28.2008
2.27.2008
2.06.2008
Ball Pointed
Yet another great drawing sent in by a student from Mrs. Wilson's class at Abraham Lincoln Elementary. Thank you Juan! In this case, the artist has taken Percy, my original polar pal and given him a little POLAR POLKA style!
Of added interest, I too have been playing around with some ball point pen illustrations of late. Mysterious vibes afoot...
1.29.2008
1.28.2008
Lincoln Elementary Q & A
Visiting schools you never get to answer ALL of the great questions and inquiries. Here are a few of those "unaddressed" from a recent visit:
(William's Class)
Q: Are you always busy writing and illustrating?
A: I try to be - I could be ALWAYS busy writing and illustrating, but sometimes I visit schools and bookstores too. I also like to take a break now and again by skiing (not so much in summer), going for a run (not so much in winter), or playing with my wife, daughter and dog (all year long).
Skiing with my brother Colby (right) just after Christmas '07
Q: When you were a young boy and doodling as a kid, did people notice your work was good?
A: A little bit I think. My friends and I drew together a lot. WE thought we were good – making up robots, spaceships, dinosaurs, and superheroes of our own. Mrs. Terriquez, my high school art teacher, probably sealed my fate to pursue some kind of job as an artist. She was great - super encouraging and enthusiastic about all of the different things that you might do as an artist.
Q: Do you have other books written? If so, what are they about?
A: Yes, but those stories are all hush-hush top-secret at this point. Thanks for asking :)
Q: Was it hard to make every two lines rhyme in OCTAVIUS BLOOM AND THE HOUSE OF DOOM?
A: Yes and no. Many of the rhymes came easy, but making changes AND making them rhyme was tough. It was fun to tell a story that way though. Try it sometime!
(Houston's Class)
Q: Did you go sledding in Alaska?
A: Yes, YES, YES! And lots of snow fort building too.
Q: What is your favorite activity in the snow?
A: Cross-country skiing, followed closely by sledding, and snowshoeing. Snow forts have to be much bigger than they used to.
Unspoiled courderoy trails if you get out early! From a recent ski patrol...
Ok, so I still make snow forts now and again too!
Q: Can you write and illustrate a book about cars and hamsters?
A: Hmmm… I just might do that. In the mean time, check out 10 MINUTES ‘TIL BEDTIME by Peggy Rathman. She makes great books.
Q: How long have you been drawing?
A: For as long as I can remember… 30+ years!!!!
(Brown’s Class)
Q: How many books have you written that are NOT published?
A: About four, with LOTS of ideas waiting in the wings.
Q: How did you make the large Percy Bear?
Erik, Percy, and a young fan at Erik's very first book reading c. April 2000.
A: I drew it on a BIG piece of cardboard with pastel.
Q: How many years have you been writing and illustrating?
A: Nine or ten… I started thinking about my first book idea in 1998.
Q: What inspired you to write THE PRACTICALLY PERFECT PAJAMAS?
A: A picture that I drew of a polar bear in pajamas AND my lovely pajamas loving-wife, Sarah.
Q: What type of paints do you use for illustrating?
A: Watercolor paint, and most of the time, a bit of colored pencil too.
Thanks for the great questions Lincoln Elementary!
(William's Class)
Q: Are you always busy writing and illustrating?
A: I try to be - I could be ALWAYS busy writing and illustrating, but sometimes I visit schools and bookstores too. I also like to take a break now and again by skiing (not so much in summer), going for a run (not so much in winter), or playing with my wife, daughter and dog (all year long).
Skiing with my brother Colby (right) just after Christmas '07Q: When you were a young boy and doodling as a kid, did people notice your work was good?
A: A little bit I think. My friends and I drew together a lot. WE thought we were good – making up robots, spaceships, dinosaurs, and superheroes of our own. Mrs. Terriquez, my high school art teacher, probably sealed my fate to pursue some kind of job as an artist. She was great - super encouraging and enthusiastic about all of the different things that you might do as an artist.
Q: Do you have other books written? If so, what are they about?
A: Yes, but those stories are all hush-hush top-secret at this point. Thanks for asking :)
Q: Was it hard to make every two lines rhyme in OCTAVIUS BLOOM AND THE HOUSE OF DOOM?
A: Yes and no. Many of the rhymes came easy, but making changes AND making them rhyme was tough. It was fun to tell a story that way though. Try it sometime!
(Houston's Class)
Q: Did you go sledding in Alaska?
A: Yes, YES, YES! And lots of snow fort building too.
Q: What is your favorite activity in the snow?
A: Cross-country skiing, followed closely by sledding, and snowshoeing. Snow forts have to be much bigger than they used to.
Unspoiled courderoy trails if you get out early! From a recent ski patrol...
Ok, so I still make snow forts now and again too!Q: Can you write and illustrate a book about cars and hamsters?
A: Hmmm… I just might do that. In the mean time, check out 10 MINUTES ‘TIL BEDTIME by Peggy Rathman. She makes great books.
Q: How long have you been drawing?
A: For as long as I can remember… 30+ years!!!!
(Brown’s Class)
Q: How many books have you written that are NOT published?
A: About four, with LOTS of ideas waiting in the wings.
Q: How did you make the large Percy Bear?
Erik, Percy, and a young fan at Erik's very first book reading c. April 2000.A: I drew it on a BIG piece of cardboard with pastel.
Q: How many years have you been writing and illustrating?
A: Nine or ten… I started thinking about my first book idea in 1998.
Q: What inspired you to write THE PRACTICALLY PERFECT PAJAMAS?
A: A picture that I drew of a polar bear in pajamas AND my lovely pajamas loving-wife, Sarah.
Q: What type of paints do you use for illustrating?
A: Watercolor paint, and most of the time, a bit of colored pencil too.
Thanks for the great questions Lincoln Elementary!
1.24.2008
Doggie Dash 2008
On February 17th, the 5th Annual Doggie Dash takes place here in Winthrop, WA. I love xc skiing. I love dogs. I'm helping out with the event :)Bring your skis, a leash, and your favorite pooch. Good times!
1.22.2008
Thank You Wenatchee!
A huge THANK YOU to all of the Wenatchee Schools, students, teachers, PTA and other volunteers that made my visits last week so welcoming and fun. The kids were fantastic, the schedules bustling, and the energy levels catching. Here are just a few photos from the day at Lincoln Elementary. Tomorrow, I'll post the answers to a few of the student questions. I can't wait to be back in February to visit a few additional schools!
A very cool penquin drawing by Carolina. One small part of the amazing first grade "Thank You" card that was presented to me at Lincoln Elementary.
Mrs. Wilson's Second grade class AND the next book-to-be, Chérie Stihler's POLAR POLKA. PP comes out in February, so a few of the classes got a sneak peak!
A closer look at some POLAR POLKA smiles.1.14.2008
School Visits 2008
The New Year's season of school visits kicks off this week in Wentachee, WA. I'll be visiting for 3 days, sharing stuff, drawing with kids. Kickin' it!
1.17 Washington Elementary 8:30am - 2:45 pm
1.18 Lincoln Elementary (a full day)
1.19 Lewis & Clark Elementary 8:30am - 1:30pm
A few more in February. A few more in March. Just about right :)
1.17 Washington Elementary 8:30am - 2:45 pm
1.18 Lincoln Elementary (a full day)
1.19 Lewis & Clark Elementary 8:30am - 1:30pm
A few more in February. A few more in March. Just about right :)
1.10.2008
Keene State Owl
This snowy owl - I do love the arctic climes - is my contribution to the Keene State Festival Owl Project. Its taken me a while to get this together, but it's in the mail this afternoon. Enjoy!
1.03.2008
Happy New Year!
2007 was an incredibly rewarding year for me as both an illustrator and as a presenter at schools and libraries. I welcomed two new books into the world, finished three others, and made steady progress on a few additional stories of my own. I visited over 40 libraries, at least 10 elementary schools, and had an incredible time sharing my work and stories with many MANY kids. Among the highlights: the Humbolt County Author's Festival, the NCRL Summer Reading Program, and the Lynnwood Public Library's "Best Book I Ever Read" Celebration.2008 is shaping up to be equally great, and a BIG thank you to all of the librarians, teachers, kids, parents, and readers everywhere that make my job so fantastic.
Write on. Draw loud. Read happy.
Happy New Year!
12.19.2007
WHEN PIGS FLY!
Holy cow... I mean PIG!
Christmas may** have arrived a little early here in Winthrop, Washington. I think I just won me some mighty fine artwork in Jarrett Krosoczka's 1st ever Punk Farm Raffle.
I mean these are the brazen barnyard Rockers that put the "ARRRRRRRR!" back in Farm and the spunk back in Punk.
Get out!
I've been admiring Jarrett's work ever since loving Annie Was Warned a year or three back, and his promotional chops are so much fun. On top of all this, he a philanthropic fellow too (see raffle).
Thanks Jarrett!
** My obviously lame dial-up connection is too slow for video, and the local library speakers were barely audible. Any friends out there with more reliable access should confirm this for me before I get too excited. Otherwise I'll just watch the mail... like a kid at Christmas...which I surely am :)
12.12.2007
Sweet Dreams 2007
This a one of several possible images for my family's Christmas card this year. It also marks a return to printmaking -- which I really enjoy, and hope to do more of in 2008. Sleep tight!
12.07.2007
Experiments...
More polar bears: a constant theme. At least in these new ink/brush experiments there are a few additional creatures as well. I mean check out that snake and the cheetah/bear thing :)
Hot Off the Presses!
My bound advance copy of POLAR POLKA arrived in yesterday's mail! It really looks great, so thank you to everyone at Sasquatch for taking my pictures and putting them in their best light. I'll be very excited to start sharing this book when it hits the shelves in February.
11.28.2007
On fumes
Earlier this week, I FINALLY put the finishing touches on my last book illustration deadline for 2007. Jame's Cross Giblin's, Did Fleming Resuce Churchill, as it is now called, will not be released until April 2008. Still, it is thrilling indeed to get my small contribution to this project out of the way :)The image above, one of about sixteen in this early chapter book, is a small half page illustration for your viewing pleasure. Ink and charcoal. Fall 2007.
11.21.2007
11.20.2007
Tis the Season
A big thank you this week to all of the kids, parents, and Sno-Isle Library staff/volunteers that were so welcoming during my visits last week. It was an excellent four-day trip in the "north of Seattle area", even if I did miss the first sticking snow of the season back here at home... :)Each library in the system hosted a different series of activites for National Children's Book Week. The Lynwood branch sponsored an terrific "Best Book I Ever Read" poster contest. Over 100 kids submitted entries, and they were all honored at a small awards ceremony on Saturday afternoon. There was also cake to be eaten, juice to drink, and of course the top secret special guest (moi)!
A few of the more interesting trip photos follow suit:
Just a few of the excellent posters. 3rd graders, man. Awesome!
Random, I know, but I drove through lots of rainy rural countryside. This barn, slowly losing ground to the blackberry bushes, was too nice an image to pass up.
And finally, the snow (and a mysterious pig!), in my front yard when I got home :)11.12.2007
Bookplate!
Long promised. Now delivered. Click on the bookplate image to get the largest version possible. Drag/drop/save the image to your desktop. You can print and glue these into your favorite books OR they work very well when reduced to fit the Avery 2" x 4" Ink Jet Labels (style no. 8163). Happy reading!
11.07.2007
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