The Box of Books

That highly anticipated box of books arrived on my doorstep a few days ago. And exactly one week from today, IF I WERE A KANGAROO by Mylisa Larsen and me will land in bookstores. It's a sweet lullaby-like tale about the bedtime rituals of animals such as otters, giraffes, gorillas, and, of course, kangaroos. Mylisa's text is lyrical and lovely.

Kirkus Reviews had some nice things to say, as did School Library Journal:

"Raff's illustrations are soothing, done in jewel tones on minimal backdrops…The animals are expressive and charming, making this selection perfect for bedtime and one-on-one sharing."

As noted in an earlier post, kidlit ambassador John Schu turned over his blog to Mylisa and me to interview each other, and premiered the book trailer.

And if you'd like to see some sneak peeks at the art, here's the link on my site.

This was a really fun book to research and illustrate. At the end of the book, there is a section called "Sleepy Animal Notes" withfacts about the baby animals mentioned, and their sleeping habits. For instance, did you know that the wolf spider carries her babies on her back after they hatch? "The babies ride around…in a big, spidery pile."

Recently, I came across the mini version of KANGAROO I made last summer while finishing the art. I always like to print my books before sending out the illustrations to check on pacing and other potential issues. For my own ya-yas, I also like to make tiny versions of them. Here you can see it to scale. :^)

It looks like I'll be sharing KANGAROO at some book festivals this fall, so watch this space for news on that. Now it's time for me to get back to addressing envelopes and postcards for my publishing pals. I've been drawing stars for several days, but the task is made much more enjoyable thanks to the NCAA basketball tournament. I like to think of this mailing as my own version of March Madness. Here's a look at what's coming soon to an Art Director's inbox near you. And be on the lookout for KANGAROO in your favorite bookstore, or you can place an order here. Thanks!

(add photo of mailing stuff.)

The IF I WERE A KANGAROO Book Trailer

If I were a kangaroo, I'd pick you up and carry you In my pocket, sleepyhead, And hop you gently off to bed. It's time for sleep, and this fun-to-read rhyming tale envisions the bedtime rituals of animals from whales to otters, squirrels to gorillas. So curl up, imagine your favorite animal, and...zzzzzzzzzzz.

It's hard to believe that one month from tomorrow (April 4th) my next picture book, IF I WERE A KANGAROO will be in stores! It seems like yesterday that I was researching sleepy baby animals, such as otters, bats, and wolf spiders.

Earlier this week, generous kidlit ambassador Mr. Schu (Mr. Schu Reads) premiered the trailer I made (also seen above), and shared an interview between author Mylisa Larsen and myself. The two of us have yet to meet in person, but this virtual meeting was a terrific way to start. You can read the interview here. We talk a bit about our creative processes, and I shared my most hilarious bit of art direction, ever.

If you'd like to pre-order a copy of IF I WERE A KANGAROO, click here, or here. It arrives in time for Easter, Passover, and Mothers Day! Nudge, nudge, wink, wink...

World Read Aloud Day '17

For years, I'd heard about World Read Aloud Day (WRAD), but yesterday was the first time I fully participated. My takeaway? I can't recommend it highly enough!

The students of West Salem Elementary in West Salem, WI made this wonderful sign using art from The Wrong Side of the Bed with which to greet me!

Just like traditional, in-person school visits, we authors and illustrators connect with students through our books. With WRAD, the magic of the internet brings us into classrooms across the country that we otherwise might never get the chance to visit.

At the end of this session with kindergartners in Lapeer, MI , the teacher froze the screen so that all each student could stand up, turn around, and have a picture taken with me in the background. So sweet!

Yesterday, I spoke with a range of students from kindergarten through 2nd grade, from West Salem, Wisconsin to Roswell, Georgia. They asked all kinds of great questions about my books and what it's like to work in children's literature. They also got a peek at my work space, and illustration process.

These students in Hartwell Elementary School in Hartwell, GA had some excellent questions about how I make my illustrations.

For sure, I was a little nervous going in. Last week as a primer, teacher/librarian/blogger/all-around great guy, Matthew Winner suggested I try a Skype visit with his classroom. It was so much fun, especially with a seasoned professional like Matthew, I couldn't wait for WRAD.

Some happy faces and high fives from a class just across the river from me at P.S. 30 in Brooklyn, NY.

A few months ago, I signed up for WRAD through author Kate Messner's blog. Shortly thereafter, teachers from all over were writing to set up appointments for February 16th. My dance card quickly filled up, so I did have to turn away a few requests. Hopefully, I'll be able to connect with those classrooms next year.

The goodbyes after Skype sessions can be extensive—everyone wants their chance to be on camera. Here are some enthusiastic students signing off from Sweet Apple Elementary in Roswell, GA.

The teachers, librarians and I came up with a basic game plan four our sessions, discussing via email the books on which we would focus, and I prepared a few props to show how I make my artwork. Since it was often up to me, and because of the various age groups and opportunities for audience participation, I chose to read A Big Surprise for Little Card and The Wrong Side of the Bed for this year's WRAD.

I got even more love from the great kids at West Salem Elementary, in West Salem, WI. THANK YOU!

By the end of the day I was exhausted, but all in all it was an amazing experience. I'm very grateful to all the students, teachers, and librarians who made my first World Read Aloud Day most rewarding. Let's do it again next year!

Magnets Push, Magnets Pull Book Trailer

Hey science fans! My latest collaboration with the great David A. Adler comes out in a couple of weeks, so I made this short trailer to help get the word out. Hope you like it—feel free to share!

If you're interested in ordering a copy of the book, here's a link through indiebound and amazon. Thanks!

Cocktails to Wring Out 2016

To say that 2016 was a difficult year for a lot of us is perhaps the understatement of the year. What better way to ring in the new and wring out the old than with some custom-made cocktails? Here are a few of my suggestions. Click on the images below for all 5 "recipes."