It's a Book Birthday!

Today is the day A BIG SURPRISE FOR LITTLE CARD is officially out in the world. Written by Charise Harper and published by Candlewick Press, it tells the story of a rectangular fellow who is sent to birthday card school, only to discover it was all a big mistake. As Kirkus Reviews said, "Check it out!"

If you'd like to meet me and Little Card in person, I have some events scheduled over the next few months. The first one will be at one of my favorite local bookstores, BookCourt in Brooklyn on Sunday, February 21st at 2PM. In addition to reading the story, we're going to get crafty. Everyone will get a chance to make their own Little Card to color, decorate, and take home. There will also be buttons (custom-made by my esteemed author Charise), singing (yikes—that means me—but just briefly, thank goodness!), and cookies.

If you haven't seen it yet, I made a trailer for Little Card a few months ago—but don't worry, it doesn't give away much of the story. Making trailers has become one of my favorite parts of the publishing process. Since my "production" usually takes place long after my illustrations have been delivered for print, it's a nice way to revisit a story, and figure out a way to best share it with readers...without really sharing it. The Booklist Reader had some nice things to say, "As if the book wasn't lively enough…"

Okay, well it's time to party, or at least ask Little Card if he's willing to share some of that yummy-looking cupcake. He's a super nice guy, so I think my chances are good.

Women in Illustration at SVA

I'm thrilled to be part of an exhibition at the School of Visual Arts this month. "Women in Illustration" features the work of nine graduates of the Illustration as Visual Essay program who have authored or illustrated books in the past year. If you look at this list of talent, you'll understand why I'm pinching myself at being included: Dasha Tolstikova, Joana Avillez, Lisel Ashlock, Cecilia Ruiz, Sara Varon, Lauren Redniss, Natalya Balnova, and Yuko Shimizu.

Please join us for the opening reception Wednesday, February 10th at 6PM, at the SVA Gramercy Gallery, 209 East 23rd Street, New York, NY. If that's not convenient, the show is up from February 6th through March 3rd. For more information, please click here.

A Book Trailer Premiere for A BIG SURPRISE FOR LITTLE CARD

Wow, Little Card feels like a movie star today with the red carpet treatment on All The Wonders! They're hosting the premiere of his book trailer for A BIG SURPRISE FOR LITTLE CARD, a new book by Charise Mericle Harper and me, published by the lovely folks at Candlewick Press which will be in stores on February 9th. There's also a short interview with us with a few behind-the-scenes tidbits.

If you've never visited All The Wonders before, you're in for a real treat. They've got all sorts of great information about everything going on in children's literature: interviews, crafts, videos, and so much more. Special thanks to Matthew Winner and Blake Hamilton for hosting Little Card for his big close up!

Happy Holidays from the Birds and Me

Wishing you and yours a happy holiday season and a terrific 2016!

You Are Not a Cat!—coming fall 2016

There's a special kind of jubilation an illustrator feels when they deliver final art for a book. And after months of churning out work on an accelerated schedule, I can finally unchain myself from my desk. Okay, so I was promptly slammed by a bad cold, but nevertheless I turned in illustrations this week for something I'm really excited about.

YOU ARE NOT A CAT! to be published late next year, is the first picture book written by Coretta Scott King Honor Award winner Sharon G. Flake, author of The Skin I'm In, and several other young adult novels. And it's hilarious! Of course, I can't show much of anything at this time, but if you've been following my Instagram, you might have seen an occasional tidbit.

I posted an image of the pattern above that I thought would be the endpapers, but in the end chose something else. So if you'd like some wallpaper or gift wrap, hit me up—this thing is available. :^)

So now I'm off to join the world of the living or at least find myself some chicken soup.