LEEZYBLOGGS

Good News Times Two!

2008-09-15T06:07:00.000-07:00

I just got my first picture book contract - yay! Very exciting. I'll be illustrating a 48-page picture book to be released in the Fall of 2010. The deal is through Charlesbridge Publishing. I am so excited about this book. Can't wait to tell you more and keep you posted throughout the process.

I think I'll be doing a play-by-play diary of sorts, charting my progress from the acquisition through to final art then on to printed product. So if you are interested, please look out for Diary of a First Time PB Illustrator. I may laugh, I may cry but at least I will have you with me!

PLUS: Out this month, is Twin Formation, a boys chapter book about twins who rival through sports and end up playing the biggest games of their lives. I illustrated the cover and about a dozen interior greyscale spot illustrations for the interior. I can't wait to see them in print. This book was independently published by Golden Ram Press.

Been underground …

2008-09-08T20:42:00.000-07:00

But working hard on some new illustrations, a tonne of freelance work and som egood news, I'll share very soon.
I have a lot of catching up to do including blogging - come back soon, I promise to have some new stuff on show shortly.
Cheers and make it a creative day!
:)

Upcoming Illustrator's Day

2008-07-29T11:47:00.001-07:00

In case any one is interested, the New Jersey SCBWI chapter is hosting its very first annual Illustrator Day at the Theological Seminary in Princeton on November 9, 2008. I am the Illustrator co-ordinator for the day andI thought you might like to know about it. If you would like more details I'd be happy to add you to the mailing list, just e-mail me leeza(at)leezaworks(dot)com. I'll be sending out the e-flyer toward the end of August. Art directors TBC, more info coming soon! Thanks and hope you are all enjoying your summer! This event is geared towards illustrating children's books.

Let there be room for growth

2008-07-27T04:00:00.000-07:00

Sometimes it's good to go back to an old style to see how far I have evolved over the past few years. I am so much more comfortable nowadays in my 'found' style and I am quite happy to stay with it. The two examples below are for an excerpt from Thumbelina.

The original sketch.

First came the India Ink and Dr. Marten's Watercolor Inks …

… THEN, I went back to my signature style. (Acrylic/Pencil/Mixed Media). As an illustrator I always look for ways to push myself creatively. Here, my pencil work (line art) is much more sketchy than I typically use. It's a little heavy for my liking but a good exercise nonetheless and personally, I prefer #2 to #1, but that's just me. What do you think? The only thing I might do with #2 is add some shadow to create a little more depth and atmosphere.

What do you do to exercise and push your creative boundaries? Do you stay in your safety area or boldly tread out of your comfort zone? How do you evolve?

Take an inspiration pill ...

2008-07-22T03:06:00.000-07:00

Now, wouldn't that be cool.

It has been ages since I did a bit of blog browsing, and boy it feels good. Thanks to Dee, who posted about this, I am inspired to create more art again - hurrah! it's not quite a pill, but who needs pills anyway.

Check it out if you feel like a good dose of eye candy today. I feel this is just an amazing feature and is filled with oodles of inspiration. PLUS, it gives you a glimpse of some of the wonderful artists on Etsy. Just click here.

This Little Piggy …

2008-07-22T02:55:00.000-07:00

… loves Chocolate-Cherry-Berry ice-cream … but he doesn't like sprinkles!

Medium: Acrylic/Pencil (just in case you were wondering!) I created this piece for the Blog Watercolor Wednesdays organized by Linda T. Snider Ward. The medium must originate from either Watercolor or a water-based medium and should be an illustration geared toward children's books.

What a great topic. I just finished reading "This Little Piggy's Book of Manners" written by Kathryn Allen and illustrated by the oh-so-talented Nancy Wolff. I just love her work! It's a great book by the way. Fab illos, fun read-aloud and great humor.

The eyes have it …

2008-07-20T20:19:00.000-07:00

Just lately, some folks have been kind enough to describe my work as … ahem … CARTOONY!

Now, despite feeling a bit mortified at this, I'm trying to take their comments and do something constructive with them. Someone closer to home suggested it was because of the eyes in my characters. Ah, the eyes, the eyes. I have always struggled creating eyes that are cool, and different and stylized. I don't do dots, I prefer balls and pupils, but maybe that's why my characters have that 'Cartoony' look.

*Sigh*

So, here is a small exercise I tried to see what eyes I could come up with that felt natural and something I'd be able to repeat. Not sure I am there yet but this is a start and it certainly has shown me how a character can look so, so different just by subtle changes within their features. Do you like any of them? Do you dislike all of them? Which eyes draw you in most, so to speak. Out of these, I gravitate to … well, I am not going to tell you yet. I am curious as to your thoughts, if you have any and are kind enough to leave a comment. Thank you.

Forget the grey matter …

2008-07-17T19:54:00.000-07:00

I'm into black and white at the moment — and on a pirate kick.

Of course, trying to get existing projects tied up always unleashes oodles of doodles and notes 'n' noodles in my head — of new stuff. Things that should be shelved mentally but more often than not, force their way through the clutter and literally burst from my finger tips. I can't help it. Part of the creative process I suppose.

Aside from illustrating (and writing) picture books, I'd very much love to illustrate chapter books (although not necessarily write them). I grew up reading the likes of Roald Dahl. His books are filled with crazy words, clever plots and thee most adorable characters — even his villains are adorable. Matched with Quentin Blake's gorgeous inky renderings, what's not to love about these books! I remember being at a young age, on several counts, trying to write stories and draw my own quirky characters, inspired by Dahl and Blake.

So, here I am some 20+ years later working toward those goals that I had back then. Some editors recently expressed an interest in my color work, saying they could see my work in chapter books, and that I should send them some black and white samples.

In my experience, black & white and greyscale mean two very different things, so when working on assignment it is fundamental to make sure your assumption of these two monochromatic options is the same as the editor/art director/publisher.

Black and white is literally that. Solid black … and … white. And nothing in between.

Greyscale is a series of graduations, blends, and tones which fall in between black and white from dark to light. They are useful to create shadows, textures, depth and it's a lot easier (in my personal view) to work with greyscale than it is to work in BW.

So, Pirate Jane, whom I featured in the previous post is starting to come to life. As her story begins to unfold itself in my mind, and she has made it quite clear to me she is dwelling in a chapter book, I thought I'd use this as the perfect opportunity to create some pieces and try to master the creation of depth and dimension using black and white. I know I've still got a way to go with it, but I am enjoying the process. And naturally, I keep getting distracted by Pirate jane instead of focussing on a new dummy that I should be finishing up! TUH!!!!

Oh Boy!

2008-07-10T20:42:00.000-07:00

Wow, life doesn't half throw some peaks and valleys at you doesn't it? When I said you, I meant me of course, BUT does it for you, too, you know, life and peaks and valleys (highs and lows, fits and spurts, call them what you will)?

There are times, when all I seem to do is blog, post features, work on my stories, juggle six freelance projects, create illustrations ten-fold just like 'that' (she clicks her fingers) and then all of a sudden … nothing .... no time, no inspiration, no brain .. nada...

WHY is that?

Who knows. I find it all frustrating and feel at present life has once again spiraled out of control. Not in a bad way, not really, although I do have my moments, but just in a way where I have lost all control. I have a to-do list as long as ten arms and then some. its only been a few weeks since things got hectic but in one split second I can say it feels like it was only yesterday and then in the next breath I feel the period of chaos has spanned several months. I have to, no, I NEED to play serious catch up already. When it rains it pours … (feel free to throw your own clichés in there) but seriously …

WHY is that?

Here's a few things to look out for on my Blog hopefully soon:

• Notes from the New Jersey Annual Conference
• Some new illustration work
• How it took me ten arduous months to create a PB dummy and I didn't give up
• Notes form the Eastern PA SCBWI Illustrator Day
• Some children's books I have been inspired by lately
• Some illustrators/authors and other fab folk I have also been inspired by lately

Sheri, got her summer plan of action together with her writing buddy Cathy. She wrote it down so she could hold herself accountable for her plan, and follow through. After reading her post, I felt compelled to do something about my catch-up list. Writing it here will hopefully bring some, if not all, of the wonderful people who take time out of their precious schedules to visit my blog and maybe gain something out of my experiences. I promise they'll be photos, too!

One thing on my to-do list from way back when was create some black & white samples, as I have a keen interest in illustrating Chapter Books, not just PBs. This is a piece I created for an article for Once Upon a Time magazine. Linda Snider Ward writes a regular column titled: "Releasing the Artist Within" and she asked me to offer some tips for illustrators wanting to get started in the industry. This is Pirate Jane — keeping it fun, as per one of my tidbits in the feature.

Viva Las Vegas!

2008-07-01T13:15:00.000-07:00

Just sharing some old design work. These were the favors from our wedding...

A good day!

2008-06-01T10:42:00.000-07:00

Today marks the beginning of my three-month feature on the British SCBWI Web site - hurrah!
Candy and the team gave me a great little write up and my images are featured as a slideshow on the main page and left-hand page toppers on each inside page. Thanks to the British SCBWI team for their support and encouragement... it's good to represent in my homeland!!!!
(click image to enlarge)

A new piece

2008-05-30T06:55:00.000-07:00

There's been a lot going on lately, but I am finally starting to pull together some new work. YAY!

Perspectives...

2008-05-16T18:44:00.000-07:00

You know, there are always gonna be good days and bad days. Today was kinda good that turned to bad.

Every now and again you receive correspondence from a client that wasn't so happy with what you thought was a good, your-as-usual-gave -it-110%-of-effort-and-time-to job.

I try so hard with everything that I do to satisfy the client no matter how little I may be being paid, and yet it is still not enough— seemingly. What's a girl to do?

Well, basically, I cried. Then I cried some more.

I always feel like I give it my all and yet, with one single letter, someone can reduce me to a wreck. A bag of crap where I feel I am worth nothing — to no-one.

Then, I have to tell myself (or talk to someone who actually knows ME) that clearly they are mistaken and have clearly underestimated the standard of service they just received. Honestly, I feel sick to my stomach every time this happens. Which, in my 17-year+ career, has not been very often.

I can only wish them well, and lots of success in their future because I believe in Karma, and I truly do wish them well. I know I cannot please everybody - but it doesn't make the kick in the stomach feel any better.

Thanks for letting me rant.

David Saylor Talks at Parsons

2008-05-15T09:14:00.000-07:00

On Monday (May 12), I sat in on Pat Cumming’s class at Parsons for a talk given by David Saylor, creative director and associate publisher at Scholastic — one of the largest publishers in the world.

He spent the afternoon talking about: his profession, his new imprint Graphix, the business of children’s books then he answered questions and gave the students some quick on-the-spot reviews of their book dummies.

Guests in the class were allowed to give him one promotional piece to take away – score!

In case you didn’t already know David is the art director behind books such as the Harry Potter series, and the latest Caldecott-winning novel The Invention of Hugot Cabret.
What’s interesting is that David’s background is not in art & design. He majored in history in college and got into publishing through book manufacturing. During which time, he learned a lot about how books are made — “right at the nuts and bolts level.”

As his interest in children’s books — and design — grew, he took some classes at parsons in the evenings on design.

He became art director at HarperCollins, assistant to Harriet Barton, in 1990. From there he went to Houghton Mifflin and then moved to Scholastic in ’96.

David talked about picture books, as Pat posed questions like: What makes a good picture book; what do you look for and do you have any advice?

“It’s all about telling a story and creating emotion,” David said. “Learn to be more expressive and uniform — you have to also have an affinity with the medium you work in.”

He talked about the differences between creating a one-off, ornamental piece of art — to artwork created for a children’s book, that has to flow and sequentially tell a story.

“The work should feel narrative and that it gives you a ‘feeling,’” he added. “It should emit some emotion or you can tell (by looking at the picture) there’s more than meets the eye. You know it when you see it.”

“I happen to love pictures books,” David said. “It’s hard for me to see the market on the down trend. Too many picture books that were too mediochre were published. We’re (the industry) reaping the fallout of over-publishing.”

As he advised the students he emphasized the importance to focus on the execution of your drawing. “Draw, draw, draw!” and “Be a master of your medium.”

As an associate publisher, David has become more involved in the editorial process, so is reading manuscripts as well as dealing with art director, designers and production.

Did you know? Overall, with it’s many imprints, Scholastic produces somewhere in the region of 650 to 700 books per year! David pretty much sees all of these go through his department even though he may not be hands-on with all of them — whoa, that’s crazy!

David then talked about Graphix — a graphic novel imprint, which he launched at Scholastic in 2005. He felt Scholastic should be doing comics and graphic novels for kids, the elementary and middle grade age. The imprint has proved to be a huge success.

David explained that the graphic novel industry is still huge for boys, and they are definitely buying more than girls. But what is interesting is that teenage girls buy a lot of Manga. He thinks that’s because a lot of Manga deals with relationships and boy/girl interaction. So, graphic novels geared toward girls in the MG are certainly desirable right now.

Earlier this year, David Saylor attended the SCBWI conference held in Bologna before the big book fair. He offered the class advice on self-promotion and what he looks for:

“Put out your best work and refine it as much as possible,” he said. “What stands out most is the quality of the work.”

“Showing things half-done or half-baked, or uneven is a no-no,” he added. “Focus on what is your best, best work and let the quality of the artwork speak for itself.”

He talked about receiving an elaborate beautiful portfolio once, but when he opened up the lovely packaging, the work didn’t reflect the same quality as the wrapper and he was disappointed. David would rather see an artist spend that time and energy on making the work stunning and keep the portfolio as simple as possible.

He thinks it’s rare to get really good picture book manuscripts these days and said, even with established illustrators and writers, the market is tough to still make a living from it.

“You have to really love art and work hard.”

Pat had also asked him what style or type of work he likes.

“Personally, I like just about anything but I am not interested in that 3-D-claymation-type stuff. It doesn’t work for me.”

When thumbing through the student’s dummies, he expressed the importance of flow; using unusual perspectives — but without overdoing it; angles; making sure your finished color art looks finished and that the drawing reflects your ability to draw. He also pointed out how some students had a good sense of design and were thinking about type placement within the context or appearance of the illustration.

Here are some additional links for interviews with David Saylor worth checking out:

• Childrensillustration(dot)com

• Cynthia Leitich-Smith's Blog

• All Ages Read Blog

A Spin on the Book Meme Game

2008-04-23T10:09:00.001-07:00

I was tagged by Sheri to play this and so am continuing the fun ... we're doing a fun little spin on the Book Meme Game. This time, though we're giving a sample from our very own books we have written, instead.

Here are the rules...

Choose anyone of YOUR OWN manuscripts. It can be a picture book, MG novel, an adult novel... It makes no difference.

Turn to page 43 of your novel or page 2 if it is a PB
Find the 11th sentence.
Post the next 5 sentences of text.
Then tag 5 writer friends to do the same.
See if you can visit Your Tagged Friends and the Person who Tagged You to read their short excepts.
Sounds fun? I hope so. So here is mine. Oh and be sure to include the genre of your book. Mine is a picture book.

This is what Sheri had me do:
Third page, fifth sentence:
“A tape measure, cool.”

The next five sentences:
“A pair of old socks? Maybe not.”
“A calculator, yeah!”
Tooth Fairy Tim ransacked and rummaged all the drawers in the house. He set off that night with a sack of gadgets and gizmos, certain he’d please the whole of Toffeetown with his brilliant idea.
But alas, things didn’t work out quite as Tooth Fairy Tim had planned.

Now, I am going to tag:

Courtney
Diana
Johanna
Frizz
Dee

Happy days!

2008-04-23T08:49:00.001-07:00

Hi everyone,
I am really excited and happy to announce that I just signed with Prospect Agency in New York. I love my agent, Rachel Orr, who has some great ideas on how to take me and my work to the next level. YAY!

Thanks to Pat Cummings for bringing us together and to everybody who I have ever had the pleasure of working with, learning from or knowing to help me get to this point.

I see it as a small victory on the path to children's book success and can't wait to really get stuck in...

Thanks to you all!
:)

Rutgers One-on-One Conference 2008

2008-04-06T06:20:00.000-07:00

Just giving everyone a heads up about another one-day conference happening on Oct.18, 2008. The Rutgers University Council on Children's Literature will be hosting its 37th Annual One-on-One Plus Conference. Details will be posted on the Website mid-April which is right around the corner.

If you haven't heard about it before, it's a day when 65 individuals (authors and illustrators) get to spend "One-on-One" time with 65 editors, agents and other industry professionals. During lunch you have the opportunity to approach any of those professionals as well to ask questions, obtain business cards and network out of the wazoo!

Last year's cost was $150, and the process is by application only. I encourage everyone and anyone, who wants to get their foot in the door of some of these big-name houses who don't accept unsolicited work, to apply. To be in a room with that many contacts and potential 'contracts' is priceless!

Visit the Web site: click here.

Wednesday Word 3: Searching for something Good?

2008-03-11T17:32:00.000-07:00

If you are prone to using one of the big-name search engines, you might want to consider using GoodSearch.com. Powered by Yahoo, this site donates a whopping 50 percent of it's revenue to charities throughout the US and beyond. As a user, you can also nominate a charity to add to the list. For more information about the site or to test its abilities, check it out! Click here. So, spread the word!

Wednesday Word 2: Schedule change for posting

2008-03-11T17:28:00.000-07:00

Okay so my Wednesday and Sunday posts aren't working out as I had hoped so I am going back to my old ways and posting whenever I feel like it. From sources of inspiration to informative references, general chit-chat to works in progress — hopefully you will enjoy what I post or at least find some of what I have to say useful. Cheers and thank yo everyone who pops in for a read!

Wednesday Word 1: So what happens at a writer's workshop?

2008-03-11T16:52:00.000-07:00

I attended a New Jersey SCBWI event back in February where four editors from notable publishing houses spent the day offering advice and feedback to 28 writers/illustrators.

Clockwise from top left: Nicole Kasprzak, G.P Putnam's Sons; Meredith Mundy Wasinger, Sterling Publishing, Anne Gunton, Viking and Christi Webster, Random House.

Kathy Temean, Regional Advisor for the New Jersey chapter of SCBWI, has really built up an impressive progam of workshops for members. I thoroughly recommend you check them out and try to attend at least one of them in the year. You don't have to be a New Jersey resident to attend. A lot of members from out-of-state usually come along. It's all on a first-come-first-serve basis — and the cost is definitely worth every cent. Most publishing houses do not accept unsolicited manuscripts, but when you attend a workshop or conference, the rules change. I strongly advise anyone wishing to break into the business, attend one of these workshops, no matter where you are. To coin a phrase — "Getting to spend one-on-one time with an editor who could potentially buy your book: Priceless."

SCBWI New Jersey chapter RA, Kathy Temean.

So, back to the workshop. We arrived bright and breezy at around 8:30 am on a Sunday morning at Stewart Hall — one of the many beautiful buildings at Princeton's Theological Seminary. Kathy welcomed members and introduced the editors.

Kathy welcomes attendees.

Editors gush at their impressive introduction. You truly couldn't have asked for a nicer group of ladies.

The first session was the peer group critiques.
This is how it works: When you sign up, you submit your manuscript in advance of the workshop to the other people in your peer group. Everyone has about a month or so to read each other's work. Then, you all bring your feedback for each other to the group on the day of the workshop. As with any other critique group, you mark the manuscript and write up an overall set of comments. You can discuss anything that jumped out at you when you read the author's piece, ask for clarification or make suggestions for improvement — as well as point out all the strengths and positives in the MS.
Each peer group session took about 20 minutes, dealing with one author at a time. Example: 10 a.m. to 10:20 a.m I received my feedback, we took a quick break and then moved on to the next person... make sense?

The peer groups discussing a member's manuscript.

At the same time, during each of the peer group sessions (there were about six or seven 20-minute blocks in total depending on the size of the group), one person would go into another room and meet with their assigned editor for a one-on-one critique. That's why you also sent a copy of your manuscript to the RA. She assigned your editor and forwarded the manuscript (also in advance of the workshop). The editor then brought their personal feedback to share with you on the day.

My assigned editor was Nicole Kasprzak form G. P. Putnam's Sons — who offered helpful suggestions and made me look at one part of my story in a different way than I had even thought about. It was an area I knew I had been struggling with and Nicole was more than happy to help by offering some advice. It certainly pays to have an editor look at your work, because they tend to have a different perspective than a peer. The story that I submitted had already been through several rewrites due to critique group feedback — which I love to receive, but it got to a point of "too many cooks" and I found myself going in circles.

I have yet to tackle another rewrite on this particular manuscript. Instead I chose to let the advice digest and take a break from it (always a good thing to do anyway). I find that stepping back from a story, even for a few weeks, I come back to it later and see my work in a new light.

Another good thing about the smaller-scale workshops is that you get to meet some new faces ...

… and some familiar ones (you know who you are!).

Half way through the day we stopped for lunch - yummy! And each table had one editor sat with attendees to answer questions, offer advice and give more detailed insight into the industry.

Everyone enjoying a spot of lunch - see anyone you know?

During the day, members also enjoyed a first-page session. We were split up into two groups, each group had two editors. A first-page session (for those not familiar) is where some reads out loud a first-page of a manuscript anonymously, and the editors offer their comments as to whether it hooked them in, needed help, the voice was strong or something they would consider reading more of.

Meredith Mundy Wasinger and Anne Gunton make suggestions to authors about their first-pages.

I find it fascinating to listen to feedback on everyone's first-pages, not just my own because the comments are so varied and informative.

Avid writers listen to feedback on their first-pages during the editor FP session.

One thing that came up was the debate about illustrator notes. Most of the time, editors prefer to read a manuscript without them as they feel authors should let the assigned illustrator have creative freedom. However, if there is a certain part of the story that definitely needs to be told visually, rather than in the text, then it's okay to mark them in, but keep them to a minimum.

Please note if you are an illustrator who also writes, then the best way is to submit your manuscript is as a dummy. Some editors don't mind looking at a manuscript with a couple of finished samples but most prefer to see a sketched-out dummy. That way they can really sense the package as a whole. Of course publishers vary in their submission requirements, so be sure to check with editors or look at publisher's policies BEFORE sending a submission.

The end of the workshop closed out with a Q&A session with the editors. We learned about what each editor is currently 'shopping' for and other news and views about the industry.

Meredith, Christi, Anne and Nicole offer advice during the Q&A session at the end of the day.

All-in-all, it was a productive and informative workshop and I will defintiely be signing up for future events. Thanks to Kathy for organizing yet another great workshop!

Now, if only I could get these other manuscripts finished for the next one!

Movie of Sendak's WTWTA

2008-02-26T06:34:00.000-08:00

Here's a link to a rough clip from the new Where the Wild Things Are movie, set for release next year I think.

I watched the clip and I am not sure how I feel about it. It's so hard to get a real sense of anything in just a minute or two. I'll reserve judgement about it when it releases, but I'm curious as to what you might think. Quite a few people left comments over at the clip, too. Interesting. Pop back let me know.

Sunday Scoop (on Friday) 3: Out on Sunday

2008-02-22T17:25:00.001-08:00

I'm off to a writer's workshop all day Sunday, so I'm posting now, to save time.

It's funny really when I think about it. I said I was only going to blog on Wednesdays and Sundays and this week I have had loads to blab about. Maybe, I'll stick to Weds and Suns as a general rule, but might intersperse with the odd post here and there when I feel the urge - hecks, why not!

If you haven't visited since the SCBWI conference posts, take a scroll down, there's a few things to peek at.

Sunday Scoop (on Friday) 2: Kidlit lunch with Betsy Bird

2008-02-22T17:23:00.001-08:00

Last week, I headed into the City for a spot of lunch with Betsy Bird. What a sweetheart! Betsy works at the New York Public Library, Donnell Central Children’s Room and is (described in her own words) an avid blogger.

Camera shy Betsy Bird.

She’s one of the contributing bloggees over at SLJ (School Library Journal). You may remember, I mentioned her back in October in one of my postings from the Rutgers Council on Children’s Literature One-on-One Plus Conference. Betsy was one of the panelists during the conference, who talked about the importance of having a blog to help drive traffic to you and your Web site.

{In case you didn’t know about the Rutgers gig, it’s a conference where 65 to 70 authors and illustrators spend the day with 65 to 70 editors, agents, published author/illustrators and art director “One-on-One.”}

Anyway, I digress. Man, does this lovely lady know her children’s books! I think I started glossing over after her 50-millionth recommendation to check out a particular illustrator or author who’s ‘cool.’ But, all in a good way. I’ll share more names when I remember them, but off the top of my head here’s a few to start us off:

• Patricia MacLachlan (A Newberry Winner)

• Ana Juan (Illustrator of Jonah Winter’s Frida biography)

• David Small (David is represented by Pippin Properties, I heard Holly McGhee mention him at the SCBWi conference)

• Bob Staake (Ah, Bob I have heard of. He e-mailed me once complimenting my Web site. Almost fell off my chair when I read the e-mail!)

• Lauren Child (Charlie and Lola illustrator) She illustrated a fabulous Pippi Longstocking. What I love about this book, is that is filled with amazing layout. Collage, type, shapes, patterns, it’s so modern and funky, and fresh. Visually well designed, this is a great book.

• Shaun Tan (I’m sure most people are aware of David Wiesner’s beautifully-illustrated wordless picture books, well, Tan is the Australian version of Wiesner in a way, but different and just as talented. I purchased a copy of the Arrival – whoa, you HAVE to check it out. I counted 825 illustrations, excluding cover and end papers. According to Betsy, he also happens to be “very, very nice!”)

One of Betsy's many favorites: The Grumpy Bird by Jeremy Tankard.

• Jeremy Tankard (LOVE The Grumpy Bird! I think his work is so free and bold, too.)

• Lisbeth Zwerger. (She create the most beautiful illustrations for the classic tale Alice in Wonderland, by Lewis Carroll. I have more to talk about my own fascinations of Alice In Wonderland, but another story for another time.) Monica Edinger is an expert on Alice, and has suggested quite a few illustrated editions to check out here at The many faces of Alice project

I didn’t take notes during lunch. Now I wished I had, but I was so focused on what Betsy was saying, I didn’t want to suddenly pull out my laptop or notebook, for fear of appearing rude. After all, this was our first meeting in person. We have e-mailed back and forth a few times since Rutgers, even though we never actually met. By the way, lunch was at The Heights Bar and Grill on Broadway between 111th and 112th streets. Great food and excellent prices, with a laid-back friendly atmosphere — just my kinda place.

Here's another little snippet I remember Betsy telling me: Did you know the NYPL has a program where kids can read books to dogs? How about that! “Some of the kids are nervous about reading to adults, but they have no problems with the dogs. It’s really cool,” she said.

The other highlight of the day, besides lunch, was discovering another children’s bookstore in the city. The Bank Street Book Store ( The store is practically next door to the grill. Thanks Betsy for the intro, and for helping me spend some money!

Betsy has also promised me a personal tour of the library when I take Liv in for a visit, so if nothing else, I can hold her to that. And when that time comes, I’ll make sure I take plenty of notes. I hear the hand cut-outs collection made by Hans Christian Anderson is well worth a lookie. (At least I think that’s what she said)

Now, I have passion for Picture Books, but my knowledge doesn't top Betsy's — not by a long shot. I thoroughly recommend you check out her blog over at School Library Journal. She is constantly blogging with reviews, news and more about the world of children's books. As a children's book writer and/or illustrator you'd be a fool if you didn't look every once in a while. It's the ideal place to keep abreast of what's happening in the industry, too.

Oh, and while I was looking through the Web sites of the authors and illustrators Betsy mentioned I discovered a great link on the HarpersCollins Website. It lists oodles of authors’ and illustrators’ Websites to check out. Each person is listed as Author, illustrator or both, which is extremely helpful - thanks HarperCollins!

Sunday Scoop (on Friday) 1: Always be prepared

2008-02-22T17:22:00.000-08:00

As a picture book enthusiast, hearing rumors that PBs are still dead and the market is abysmal, is hard to hear. Arthur A. Levine — who thinks that's a load of codswollop — gives me hope.

I've blogged about a discussion held on the future of picture books at the SCBWI conference a couple of weeks ago. And while I hear it's a tough, tough, tough sell, I refuse to give up my dream of becoming a successful PB illustrator/author.

The other rumor, not so widely spread, is the surge in boardbook sales at the moment — well, hulloooo? You know what that means, right? A couple of years from now, those BB readers will become PB readers. (Imagine this moment where the clouds part and trumpets flare!!!!) Ta-dahh!

I see this as positively wonderful, good news!

Seeing as it takes about 18 months to two years to take a book from acquisition to release, NOW is the time to be polishing my manuscripts, and finishing up my dummies. And I'm not talking just one — if I have it in me, my aim (by the end of 2008) is to finish up the six book projects I have sitting on my shelf. It's the year of the submission!

When I was a wee young thing, I was in the Brownies. A successful Brownie's motto was: "Always be Prepared."

I want to be right in there with the editors armed and ready. Should they reject one of my books, well, hey "I have five others … wanna take a look?"

My view is that I need to stay on top of the market. Knowing that there are picture books still being created, and that the lists are not as extensive, means publishers are being much more picky, that's all. Which brings me to the reason for this post. I cannot stress the importance of research. I hear it all the time: "Know your market, be aware of what's out there and what's already been done." As well as: "Find your fit, know how to write well, be original, be creative ... be the best you can be."

It's an overwhelming task to stay on top of it all. But I like to think I try and I pay attention. Every now and again I stumble across a blog or a Web site that I bookmark, because I feel the information or inspiration that it has to offer, can help bring me one step closer to my personal goals.

Here's two links that I recently bookmarked. One is through the School Library Journal (which we should ALL be aware of ALL of the time), New York Public Library's very own Betsy Bird blogs about all aspects of children's literarture including news, reviews, events and more and the other is Sara O'Leary's blog: 123Olearyshe offers a big emphasis on Picture Books, including reviews as well as tips on writing.

So go, be prepared, get those books in order ready for submission. The time is now my friends, the time is now!

Wednesday Word: Jim Carroll

2008-02-20T11:02:00.000-08:00

I mentioned in one of my SCBWI posts that I didn't have a Web address for the winner of the portfolio exhibit: Jim Carroll. Well now, I do. Jim found my blog, saw his mention and e-mailed me with the link — and here it is. jameschristophercarroll(dot)com

One of my personal faves of Jim's work.

Jim is very nice, by the way and has even agreed to be interviewed for a new feature I am launching on my Web site. To be announced very soon! Thanks Jim and congrats again — I'm sure your future in children's books is going to be very exciting!