On my desk monday

On my desk are some of the goodies I got while at the ALA convention in Florida:

Notice that beautiful thing on top? It's not a book, it's the program from the Newbery/Caldecott/Wilder Banquet that I was lucky to attend (did you miss Newbery winner Matt de la Pena's amazing speech? Go read it NOW.)

The program was created by the Caldecott winner, Sophie Blackall:

 

Isn't it gorgeous? I admit I was particularly thrilled when she won this year because I actually have a Sophie Blackall original.  Back in 20014, she participated in Robert's Snow and I bought her snowflake:

I think I made a good investment, don't you?

What We're Reading Wednesday

Wait! Wait!
By Hatsue Nakawaki; Komako Sakai (Illustrator)

Description:
 Wait! Wait! is an ideal book for young children that gently follows their rhythms and preoccupations. With a text of few words, frequent repetitions, and delicate illustrations with which children will quickly identify, the book follows a young child's discovery of other creatures. This discovery comes with the recognition that while other creatures can suddenly appear they can also go away and disappear just as quickly. But the delightful appearance of a dad and his playful swoop of his toddler up onto his shoulders will remind little ones that the people who love them will always be there and will never, ever not come back.

My Thoughts:
This is one of those books that is a hidden gem. I admit I bought it because I thought the character looks like Rain Dragon, but it's a pitch perfect book--beautifully illustrated and exactly capturing a child's perspective.

But what clinched this as an amazing book to me is when one weekend we went to visit a butterfly garden. Rain Dragon was  she kept pointing at all the butteflies and saying "Wait, Wait!" and then "Book!"

And when we came home she wanted the book read again, too 

Winter Fun

So, we are big fans of Maisy here.  I first got the books out of fondness for the name, but since then have really fallen in love with them.  I want to be Lucy Cousins when I grow up.

Rain Dragon, for her part, loves Maisy as much as I do.  So much so, that during the recent snowfall I made her the happiest 19 month old on the block when I made a Snow Maisy for her:

"I know you!"

"So nice to meet you, Snow Maisy!"

"Mama, it's Snow Maisy!"

"She even has a belly button!"

"hee, hee! It's really her!"

Did I mention I wanted to be Lucy Cousins when I grow up? What do you mean it's too late? 

on my desk monday

I've been buying these postcards one by one from my favorite bookstore. I've been completely charmed by these images by Serge Bloch and whenever I see them they make me smile. Simple joy! I only just found out that the artist has also done books:



I placed an order for this one and can't wait to see what it's like!

on my desk monday

Recently, I've been enamoured with the work of Francoise Seignobosc, a French-American children's book author/illustrator who died in 1961. I found her work in, at all places, a knitting store (they had this book on display) and I've been slowly collecting her books one at a time (they seem to be all out of print!)

Her work is so charming and so joyful, I just heart it.


It's hard to say how studying her work will influence mine, but I do know one way in which it's influenced my life. The Sasquatch and I have made plans to go to...


Yes, Paris! Since it looks like we are going to stay married, we decided it's time to go on a honeymoon. Oh la la!

conversations with Barbara McClintock

Last night, Elaine and I went to the Foundation for Children's Book talk with Barbara Mcclintock. These foundation events are great fun, the more I go to them the more I enjoy myself. And I am a big fan of Barbara McClintock's work as well so, of course, that was a large part of the enjoyment factor. She is just like her books-- lovely, elegant, tall...okay, her books are not tall but they are lovely and elegant:


And this is just a snippet of her lustrous body of work. Her work is also very shiny because of all the awards she has won: four New York Times Best Books, two Time Magazine Best Books, six NY Public Library 100 Recommended Books, two Parents Choice, an ALA Notable Book, a NEBA and probably many more stickers and trophies that are too redundant to mention.

The conversation was extremely interesting. I loved hearing about her process,her path, the ideas behind her work. In fact, talking about Adele and Simon set in Paris gave me a squirt of water for a set-in-China book idea that has been blossoming in my head...so these events are good for personal work as well!

However, my favorite anecdote from the conversation was how Barbara learned how to be a children's book illustrator. Nineteen years old and in North Dakota, she called Maurice Sendak on the phone(!) for advice. Which he gave her(!). This brought her to NYC, where she called up publishers from the yellow pages and met with them (!). Then, after having her book dummy rejected sixteen times(!), it was accepted. And it received a NY Times Best Book Award(!). All I can say is...wow.

I think times have changed(or at least Maurice has, from what I've heard!). Ironically, the only thing that is timeless from her story is that almost every publisher she met with told her that children's books was a nearly impossible field and it was extremely hard and competitive. Hmm, I guess things really haven't changed that much. I'm realizing more and more, going into this industry is truly an act of faith.


But I am glad that I have found fellow believers.

Ed Emberley Inspiration

Last week, Anna and I had the treat of attending Elaine's North Shore Reading Council dinner and seeing Ed Emberley!

For those of you whom the name does not ring a bell, Ed Emberley is an icon to children's book illustrators, creating books like :

as well as his famous drawing book series like:

I'm a huge fan. To me, he embodies so many of the traits of what I aspire to professionally-- a career of longevity and quality books that always make a connection to their intended readers. Of course while my attempt to reach his pinnacle is mainly for his creative accomplishment, when he spoke of his two houses, his boat and his schedule of leisurely drawing in the morning and then choosing his afternoon activity of either biking, boating or skiing, I have to admit the motivations became a little stronger!

But he deserves it. Not only was he completely charming, his talk was inspiring. His theme was "Anyone can draw, at least the Ed Emberley way!" and it was easy to see how kids--usually so scared to make a mistake--would find their courage, both artistic and personal, from his books.


He drew the whole time he was speaking, which is why my photos are blurry! Never kept still for a minute, that man.

His talk was so good, both Anna and I began to reevaluate our own school visit programs. Were my presentations boring in comparison? I have to admit, I began to feel a bit of a panic. But luckily, both Lucille Beeth (Hi, Lucille!) and Pat Keough, librarians at the Weston School that I visited, were there and calmed my fears by mentioning their plans of inviting me again. Phew!


I'll try not to disappoint. Maybe I'll be better then ever--I would think so after seeing Ed Emberley as an inspiration.