Now Available — SOLIDS, LIQUIDS, GASES & PLASMA

The latest science picture book collaboration by David A. Adler and me is now available wherever books are sold!

The fifth book in the series from Holiday House, SOLIDS, LIQUIDS, GASES, & PLASMA follows the adventures of a twin sisters, their wise yet gassy dog, and their much-harried dad as all prepare for a birthday feast for Grandma. As usual, the book is chock full of easy-to-follow concepts and experiments for kids to try out at home.

Kirkus Reviews had some nice things to say:

“The creators of Light Waves have teamed up again to create another engaging science book for kids….Eye-catching illustrations with details that will delight."

And as a nod to my own family, the neon pink flamingo my nephews once gifted my mom several years ago makes an appearance. To get a copy for the budding scientist in your life, click here.

I also finished a trailer for SOLIDS which you can watch here. If you are a teacher or librarian and would like a copy for your classroom, head over to my Twitter page for a chance to win one of ten copies.

Breaking Through Creative Blocks

Recently, I was asked by the lovely people at the Highlights Foundation to write a guest blog post for their website.

I’m not going to lie; the prospect was a little daunting, especially since this summer has been a little rough for me creatively. I haven’t really felt much like drawing. It certainly wasn’t the first time I felt that way, and I know it won’t be the last. So I decided to use it as an excuse to make some new images, and to work through some of my own stumbling blocks. Here it is, complete with rainbow poop*. And if you’d like to get more of these kinds of tidbits from me and some superstars of children’s literature, join us for our workshop “Storytelling Through Drawing” at Highlights from October 17-20.

Yes…that little, orange dog is my alter ego. To see the portfolio of images, click here.

*Since the theme of my summer seems to be rainbow poop, I had some fun die-cut stickers made. Next time you see me, hit me up for one. 🌈💩

"Storytelling Through Drawing" at the Highlights Foundation

This October, I’ll be co-leading an intensive workshop for illustrators alongside some superstars of children’s literature at the Highlights Foundation in Honesdale, Pennsylvania. I just about jumped out of my seat when my friend, James Ransome asked me to join him in developing a weekend of drawing, experimentation, demonstrations, and critiques. We will be working with illustrators of all skill levels, helping them with strategies to push their work to the next level.

On top of all that, we’ve got an amazing roster of guest faculty in Sean Qualls, Lucy Ruth Cummins, and Jerry Pinkney. Here’s the description on the Highlights website:

Explore the elements of storytelling through drawing, experimentation, and problem solving with picture making materials. Craft your own artistic style with leading industry professionals illustrators James Ransome, Anna Raff and their special guests during an intensive weekend of one-to-one critique and discovery to expand your illustration practice.

I had an amazing time during my first visit to Highlights a few years ago for an “Unworkshop” with a group of kidlit colleagues. The place is simply gorgeous—perfectly conducive and full of quiet spaces for honing your craft. And did I mention it will be October? With a little luck, the fall colors will be at their peak. There are still a few spots open, if you’d like to join us for "Storytelling Through Drawing: Discovering Your Visual Voice and Style.”

KANGAROO & Dolly Parton‘s Imagination Library

Since 1995, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library has been sending free picture books to children from birth to age five. (Yes, you heard that right—free books!) Launched as a benefit for kids in her home county in East Tennessee, over the years the program has grown to include five countries: USA, UK, Australia, Canada, and the Republic of Ireland. To date, they’ve registered 1.4 million kids, and mailed out 117,920,187 books!

A few weeks ago, I received some photos from a friend in Nashville, TN whose three-year-old son had just gotten some exciting mail: an Imagination Library edition of IF I WERE A KANGAROO, by Mylisa Larsen and me! Even better news is that the Library has decided to include it for a second year.

To learn more about this amazing program, visit the Imagination Library website. Thanks, Dolly! If you’re over the age of five and would like a copy of KANGAROO, click here.

Little Card & Portland Stage

Who among us children’s book creators doesn’t wonder if our work might find a second life somewhere beyond the page? Sure, a movie deal would be amazing—pardon me while I fantasize about a second home with an ocean view—but in reality, it rarely happens. More commonly, that second life comes in a smaller, more intimate form. So it was with great pleasure that I traveled up to Maine last week to witness something really special.

For the past three years, the Portland Stage Company has been performing A BIG SURPRISE FOR LITTLE CARD by Charise Harper as part of their educational outreach into public schools. Their PLAY program brings children’s literature and poetry to life in front of students, grades K–5. Here’s a quote from their website:

“The goal of PLAY is to connect theater with literacy by making literature performative and encouraging reading fluency, character recall, understanding of themes, emotional recognition, physical storytelling, and vocal characterization.”

I really didn’t know what to expect, but the performance was delightful and the actors were wonderfully engaging. Best of all, the students really loved it. LITTLE CARD is a plucky, enthusiastic guy who show great perseverance even in the most challenging situations, so he seems like an excellent choice.

So while this may not be a movie deal—or something that has any financial payoff—it still makes me feel pretty good. Look at these lovely people. Thanks, Portland Stage! 💜