Summertime!

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

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

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...

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Once upon a time...

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

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!

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

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

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!

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!

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

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!

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 :)

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!

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!

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.

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

StorySki - Part III

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

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!

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

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!