Louie V Planning New Book

Tracey Delio sent me a new manuscript for a new book of our favorite feline Louie V. The Secret Adventures of Louie V has been a school visit favorite for Tracey and some of the proceeds have gone to VH1, Save the Music and Autism Speaks.

I plan to start the Layouts for the new, Louie V. Takes the Cake , later this summer.

Picture Bookies Showcase

I'm so excited to be able to participate on the Picture-Bookies Showcase. What an honor to be surrounded with these wonderful illustrators.

Oh to be in Paris this time of year

Just a wish...........

SCHOOL VISITS WITH FLANNEL BOARD

My school visit was great fun last week. After using the overhead to project the story for all to see, I pulled out the flannel board for the next book with the smaller class next in line. As the story was read, I could place a character on the board keeping every ones attention. And keeping attention is key with the younger ones.
For this example I used a book by Cinthia Reeg, DOGGIE DAY CAMP, I illustrated.
After purchasing a large tri-fold poster board, I glued a bright color felt for a background.
My next step was taking the book to a copy shop and enlarging several important characters in the story. I had them laminate the large pieces and trim them. Later I used a velcro type sticker on back of each so they could be placed on the felt and also moved around. Using the characters, I could ask questions and involve my audience even more.
It was very easy and cheap to make and really proved to improve the visit.
I would love to hear how others make their school visits successful.

School Visit Time

I was invited to Pope John Paul Catholic School last week to celebrate St. Patrick's Day and tell about the books I've written and show some of the books I have illustrated. What a wonderful group of children. I used an overhead. By making an acetate copy of each page, I could read as it was displayed above for all to see. This works so well with large groups. I also brought along that wonderful feltboard which I will show you next week.

The Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators New Issue Has Arrived

My new Bulletin for March/April has arrived from the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators. It is filled with lots of great news, stories and tips galore. I find the Caldecott Medal winner "The House in the Night" illustrated by Beth Krommes and written by Susan Marie Swanson, from Houghton Mifflin Company. So I need to go check that out. And wait, remember my last post about Uri Shulevitz and how talented he is, well... he was awarded one of the Caldecott Honor Books. I need to take a peek at "How I Learned Geography" too. So much to do and so little time. See ya....

How to Make a Storyboard by Uri Shulevitz

One of my very very favorite instructors, Uri Shulevitz, continues to be the authority on the writing and illustrating children's picture books.
How to Make a Storyboard by Uri proves my point with simple yet valuable instruction for the beginner and seasoned illustrator or writer.
This lesson is from the book,
How to Write and Illustrate Children's Books and will always be on top of my must have books.

Sweet Dreams

No time to chat. Busy sketching...........

Story Time Fun

A couple weeks ago I made a visit to our local book store, The Country Bookshop.
Since it was during the day, several classes were invited. As I read the story, I used a large felt board with my movable characters which kept all young eyes focused.
It was a grand success, so I plan to use the felt board along with my overhead presentation for my coming school and bookstore visits. I'll hope to share with you how I made my felt board and characters next time.

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY

So, What does an illustrator do on their day off?

So What does an illustrator do on their day off? Fellow Flapjacket artist, Kim Sponaugle's blog ask this question.
I can't resist a pencil and bit of paper myself.
So I ask my illustrators, What do you Do?"

Great Blog for Illustrators on Jacketflap

I found the best blog as I searched around on Jacketflap yesterday. Maybe you have seen it too, but just in case check out, The Drawing Board for Illustrators. I found great resources and useful information like, marketing ideas, what to put in your portfolio, important network links and so much more. I had to add it to my blog reader and I bet you will too.