My agent has challenged me to consider a young graphic novel, so I’ve spent the past few weeks (and a good number of dollars) exploring graphic novels for the very young. There are a lot of them. One that stuck out to me, with characters I instantly liked is Arlo …
The new book by Barbara Davis-Pyles (Stubby the Fearless Squid, Grizzly Boy), illustrated by Justin Hillgrove, is Cliff the Failed Troll. It stars a stocky, young troll named Cliff. Cliff is attending Troll School to become a proper troll. He is a likable enough student, though he is not welcomed …
I was drawn to this book in the bookstore because of the cover, though I can’t place which one, it reminded me of a book or books from my childhood. Opening it up and leafing through it I was mesmerized with both the style and the subject matter—a myriad of …
In the summer of 2011 I was in-between book projects and felt certain another would never come along. I had moved my studio home from a nice space in downtown Seattle to take care of my wife. The space I had at home was a bit smaller than what I …
The Camping Trip by Jennifer K. Mann is a delightful and engaging look at a young girl’s very first camping trip. Ernestine, who lives in the city, is invited to join her Aunt Jackie and her cousin Samantha for a camping trip. Even though she has never been before, she …
I am currently working on the illustrations for the third book of a four-book series by Dori Hillestad Butler. When asked if I’d be interested in illustrating them, I jumped at the opportunity. First of all, it was Dori Hillestad Butler! And secondly, I had never illustrated an early chapter …
Like most of the other writers and illustrators I talk to these days, I am in a creative wasteland. I’m often in a crappy mood and even take a dive into a darkness sometimes. I lack ideas, never mind motivation. I worry about the future financially, about my family. Oddly, …
I am asked often about where my stories come from. I’m sure each and every writer out there is quizzed on this—and frequently. It can be a difficult question to answer, employing self examination and introspection, or an easy one with a flippant—yet true—“I’ve no idea.” Sometimes, depending on the …
Having a friend that you are comfortable with, that understands you, that you love to spend time with is a great thing. Having a friend that you always have fun with and can “tell what the other is thinking without saying a word” is, indeed, fortunate thing. In Jessixa Bagley’s …
Oh, to be an outlier. To bust the chains that tether us. To eschew the mundane and embrace the wild! The new book by Rebecca Van Slyke, illustrated by Anca Sanda, Lana Lynn Howls at the Moon, explores this scenario. Lana Lynn, a young sheep that wants a little more …