Entries from: May 2018

Children’s Stories

May 17th, 2018, Comments (0)

As I work on my own picture book manuscripts, I've been paying a lot closer attention to all the books I read to my children. I mean, we read so many, but how often do you analyze how a children's book is put together, how the author gets you to want to turn the page, or how the illustrator gets you to feel emotion? It's masterful!

I thought it would be fun to share some of our latest favorites. Extra Yarn by Mac Barnett and illustrated by Jon Klassen is my daughter's current favorite. She brought it home from school after her librarian read it. She was drawn to it because the main character shares her first name, but she also loved the story and images. We were already a big fan of Klassen's I Want my Hat Back, but I love this one so much more. 

My 3 year old son loved Rex Wrecks It because he could relate to the desire to DESTROY ALL THE THINGS, but we all liked the humor and how they resolved their problems in the end. 

You Are Stardust by Elin Kelsey, illustrated by Soyeon Kim is quiet and lovely. My daughter, husband and I loved the message and I found the images to be fascinating. 

Any current favorites in your household?

New art

May 10th, 2018, Comments (2)

Hello, creatives! I have some new work to share with you. 

First up, a painting I made for a friend of mine who loves her sweet little dog. I don't think she'll see this before I give it to her. Hope not, it's a surprise! It was fun to paint. 

Next a painting I made recently, based on an image that popped into my head. It's called "Sleepwalking." The ground is meant to look like the night sky.

And lastly, this piece was created for a friend of a friend, who was in a horrific car accident in which two children passed. I can't imagine what these families are going through, just painting this was emotional. But I hope this brings them a small amount of peace. 

May 2018 Check-In Post

May 1st, 2018, Comments (2)

Happy May, everyone! Here's your May 2018 check-in post. The (totally optional) theme of the month is Persistence. This week is my daughter's 7th birthday. She continually teaches me about persisting at things. I love how hard she works at a goal (like perfecting a headstand or writing a story) when she sets her mind to it. I'm in the midst of working on a dream of mine, to write and illustrate children's books and I'm trying to keep up that persistence as I write and revise and write and revise. Good luck with whatever you are working and persisting at this month! 

Sign up for the 2018 Creative Every Day Challenge is here. You can sign up anytime during the year.

Leave a link to your April creativity below and/or leave a comment about what you're up to!