Great news! The Day the Universe Exploded My Head has been nominated for a 2022 Beehive Book Award by the Children’s Literature Association of Utah. Founded in 1980 by professors at Brigham Young University, CLAU is an organization that “promotes literacy and a love of reading, and serves as a resource for excellence in children’s literature.” I’m thrilled that our book continues to get into the hands of more kids. For more about the Beehive Book Awards, CLAU, and to see the other nominees, click here.
Saturday Stories at the Society of Illustrators
Ever wonder how a picture book gets made? On Saturday, July 17th, I’ll be giving a free, kid-friendly, virtual presentation at on of my favorite New York institutions, the Society of Illustrators.
Presented monthly, Saturday Stories invites guest illustrators to lead children and their adult companions in a read-aloud Zoom workshop related to the wide range of materials and processes that illustrators use to create their picture books.
Join me at 10:30 AM–noon EST, on Saturday, July 17th for a workshop about children’s publishing, including a behind-the-scenes look at my illustration process, a read-aloud, and a character-building craft activity. I’ll present what happens when I first receive a story idea to illustrate, and how I get to know the characters through brainstorming and sketches, long before I put paint to paper. Focusing on the main character from A Big Surprise for Little Card, I’ll do a reading, followed by some step-by-step crafting using common household materials.
Here’s what you’ll need to make your own Little Card character:
1 letter-sized piece of paper cut in half (to approx. 8.5” x 5.5.5”)
2 pipe-cleaners (or 2 strips of paper, approx. 11” x .5”)
drawing materials (crayons, markers, pencils—your choice!)
scissors
tape
a pom-pom and glue (optional)
The program is free, but an RSVP is required. You can register online here.
Support Indie Bookstores with a #KidlitArtSurprise!
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!
World Read Aloud Day '17
For years, I'd heard about World Read Aloud Day (WRAD), but yesterday was the first time I fully participated. My takeaway? I can't recommend it highly enough!
The students of West Salem Elementary in West Salem, WI made this wonderful sign using art from The Wrong Side of the Bed with which to greet me!
Just like traditional, in-person school visits, we authors and illustrators connect with students through our books. With WRAD, the magic of the internet brings us into classrooms across the country that we otherwise might never get the chance to visit.
At the end of this session with kindergartners in Lapeer, MI , the teacher froze the screen so that all each student could stand up, turn around, and have a picture taken with me in the background. So sweet!
Yesterday, I spoke with a range of students from kindergarten through 2nd grade, from West Salem, Wisconsin to Roswell, Georgia. They asked all kinds of great questions about my books and what it's like to work in children's literature. They also got a peek at my work space, and illustration process.
These students in Hartwell Elementary School in Hartwell, GA had some excellent questions about how I make my illustrations.
For sure, I was a little nervous going in. Last week as a primer, teacher/librarian/blogger/all-around great guy, Matthew Winner suggested I try a Skype visit with his classroom. It was so much fun, especially with a seasoned professional like Matthew, I couldn't wait for WRAD.
Some happy faces and high fives from a class just across the river from me at P.S. 30 in Brooklyn, NY.
A few months ago, I signed up for WRAD through author Kate Messner's blog. Shortly thereafter, teachers from all over were writing to set up appointments for February 16th. My dance card quickly filled up, so I did have to turn away a few requests. Hopefully, I'll be able to connect with those classrooms next year.
The goodbyes after Skype sessions can be extensive—everyone wants their chance to be on camera. Here are some enthusiastic students signing off from Sweet Apple Elementary in Roswell, GA.
The teachers, librarians and I came up with a basic game plan four our sessions, discussing via email the books on which we would focus, and I prepared a few props to show how I make my artwork. Since it was often up to me, and because of the various age groups and opportunities for audience participation, I chose to read A Big Surprise for Little Card and The Wrong Side of the Bed for this year's WRAD.
I got even more love from the great kids at West Salem Elementary, in West Salem, WI. THANK YOU!
By the end of the day I was exhausted, but all in all it was an amazing experience. I'm very grateful to all the students, teachers, and librarians who made my first World Read Aloud Day most rewarding. Let's do it again next year!
Magnets Push, Magnets Pull Book Trailer
Hey science fans! My latest collaboration with the great David A. Adler comes out in a couple of weeks, so I made this short trailer to help get the word out. Hope you like it—feel free to share!
If you're interested in ordering a copy of the book, here's a link through indiebound and amazon. Thanks!