MAGNETS is a Bank Street Best Book of 2018!

Each year, the Bank Street College of Education assembles a list of the Best Children's Books. I'm thrilled that MAGNETS PUSH, MAGNETS PULL by David A. Adler and me is among this great list of titles.

"In choosing books for the annual list, reviewers consider literary quality and excellence of presentation as well as the potential emotional impact of the books on young readers. Other criteria include credibility of characterization and plot, authenticity of time and place, age suitability, positive treatment of ethnic and religious differences, and the absence of stereotypes."

This is great news since just few weeks ago, I turned in sketches for the 5th science picture book collaboration between David and myself called SOLIDS, LIQUIDS, GASES, AND PLASMA—due out in 2019. And our 4th book, LIGHT WAVES, releases early this summer. Kirkus called it, "a good beginning look at light and all the ways it's important to life on Earth."

On a personal note, I always learn A LOT illustrating these books. I was not interested much in science as a kid, and find it fascinating to digest and interpret David's texts visually. It's great to see these books get consistent props. And I have to add that much admiration and congratulations goes to our very supportive publisher Holiday House!

To see the complete Bank Street list, organized by age group, click here.

World Read Aloud Day 2018

Thursday was my second time participating in World Read Aloud Day. As usual, it was a whirlwind day of Skype sessions with classrooms across the USA and Canada. I read a few of my books (THE WRONG SIDE OF THE BED, YOU ARE NOT A CAT!, and A BIG SURPRISE FOR LITTLE CARD), shared some of my illustration process, and even snuck in a sneak peek at my next project.

A little peak behind the scenes.

South Windsor, CT

Talmo, GA

There's nothing like sharing books with kids. Even over the internet, their enthusiasm is contagious. I'm thrilled to share a couple of highlights of the day, especially the video above from the kindergartners (and their awesome teacher, Marci Johnstone) at the Punahou School in Honolulu, Hawaii. I almost cried! Special thanks to all the teachers and librarians who organized our day!

Honolulu, Hawaii

Derby, NY

National Wildlife Federation: Ranger Rick Cub

Beginning with their December 2017 issue and over the course of 2018, my illustrations will be featured in the National Wildlife Federation's Ranger Rick Cub magazine for a beginning reader series. Each issue contains two spreads with brief text centered around kids and their relationship with nature, along with prompts to spark a conversation with parents. In the first piece—"Tracks in the Snow"—two toddlers follow a mysterious set of footprints to a hole in a tree.

I've created a new section on my site, and will be adding to it as each issue is published. If you'd like more information about Ranger Rick Cub, visit their site and check out their amazing publications and activities for kids. And since this is the season of giving, here's a link to the National Wildlife Federation where your contribution helps preserve and protect wildlife for the next generation.

My Shop Is Open for Business

At long last, my society6 shop is officially open. In it, you'll find an array of prints and other products featuring my work like the "Woof Pack" below. I'm having a great time experimenting with pattern—an area I've only just begun to explore—and will be adding more and more images in the future. Coming soon: birds...go figure!

Working in Deep Space

These days you’ll find me in deep space as I complete final art for my next picture book collaboration with Candlewick Press. THE DAY THE UNIVERSE EXPLODED MY HEAD is a collection of humorous poems about space by poet, performer, and educator, Allan Wolf. Of course, sharing art at this stage is verboten, but here are a few details from my desk.

sometimes with a dash of salt...

Virtually every one of my illustrations starts off on paper. I use sumi ink washes to create shapes and line, drawing and painting the same things over and over, until I get the effect and energy I want. I’m always striving the most natural strokes—ones that don’t show any hesitation or self-consciousness. For this book, I’ve also be experimenting with salt and other random materials to achieve unexpected results. All of these elements are then scanned, collaged, and colored in the computer.

and more circles...

and bands of splotchy ink...

and throw in a few stars.

Here's the original sketch of Jupiter...

...then scan, collage, and color. Of course, this is missing elements of Jupiter's fiery personality.

As you can see, I’m having a great time with all of the planetary opportunities and textures that Alan's poems inspire. THE DAY THE UNIVERSE EXPLODED MY HEAD will be available in Spring 2019. For more updates, watch this space.