"Let's Get Busy" podcast

A few weeks ago, Charise Harper and I were interviewed by school librarian extraordinaire, and All the Wonders co-founder, Matthew Winner for his "Let's Get Busy" podcast. We discussed our collaboration for A BIG SURPRISE FOR LITTLE CARD, how the story developed and changed, giving a behind-the-scenes peek at our work processes. Since we live on opposite coasts, Charise and I have yet to meet, so this was the closest we've come. If you've never listened to the podcast before, there's a great archive of interviews with a huge assortment of kidlit folks at All the Wonders.

And as a big surprise for Anna Raff, my friend, the amazing illustrator Lori Richmond drew some of her graphic notes while she listened to the podcast! Lori's first picture book, A Hop is Up will be published by Bloomsbury later this year. Just look at this thing...it's incredible!

Graphic Notes by Lori Richmond

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!