Independent bookstores are having a tough time of it these days, but children’s book creators, Ruth Chan and Elisha Cooper came up with a great idea: what if a band of children’s book illustrators created a little something that the stores could slip into the books people ordered? Behold #kidlitsurprise! It’s a great way to thank both the stores and readers who have been so supportive over the years. As for these creatures pictured here, if you order something from Split Rock Books in Cold Spring, NY, The Curious Reader in Glen Rock, NJ, or Rakestraw Books in Danville, CA, you might wind up with a fancy-frocked hippo, a stripey snake, a self-satisfied pooch, a suspicious cat, or my specialty, a freaked out bird. Thanks indie bookstores, and thanks Ruth and Elisha for organizing us!

This October, I’ll be co-leading an intensive workshop for illustrators alongside some superstars of children’s literature at the Highlights Foundation in Honesdale, Pennsylvania. I just about jumped out of my seat when my friend, James Ransome asked me to join him in developing a weekend of drawing, experimentation, demonstrations, and critiques. We will be working with illustrators of all skill levels, helping them with strategies to push their work to the next level.

On top of all that, we’ve got an amazing roster of guest faculty in Sean Qualls, Lucy Ruth Cummins, and Jerry Pinkney. Here’s the description on the Highlights website:

Explore the elements of storytelling through drawing, experimentation, and problem solving with picture making materials. Craft your own artistic style with leading industry professionals illustrators James Ransome, Anna Raff and their special guests during an intensive weekend of one-to-one critique and discovery to expand your illustration practice.

I had an amazing time during my first visit to Highlights a few years ago for an “Unworkshop” with a group of kidlit colleagues. The place is simply gorgeous—perfectly conducive and full of quiet spaces for honing your craft. And did I mention it will be October? With a little luck, the fall colors will be at their peak. There are still a few spots open, if you’d like to join us for "Storytelling Through Drawing: Discovering Your Visual Voice and Style.”