3/28/13

The Next Big Thing-A Global Blog Tour

I was tagged by my PBAA pal and amazing talent, John Nez, to participate in The Next Big Thing, a global blog tour that started in Australia and brings awareness to authors and illustrators and their newest published work. You can read his blog post from last week for The Next Big Thing right here.

I'll let you in on the creation of my illustrations for my newest book, Farmers' Market Day, released this month and published by Tigertales. Written by Shanda Trent this book follows an enthusiastic little girl through a day at a farmers' market.

At the end of my post, I will also tag one of my favorite artists, Deborah Zemke
and two Ohio authors with new books, Dandi Daley Mackall and Tricia Springstubb.





So here goes!


Where did the idea for the book come from?
The story came from the author of the book, Shanda Trent. I am so happy to be the artist for her first published picture book, Farmers' Market Day.
What genre does the book fall under?
Ages 3-7 picture book
What is the one sentence synopsis of your book?
An enthusiastic and slightly clumsy little girl takes a trip through a farmer's market in search of the perfect prize.
Who is publishing your book?
Tiger Tales
How long did it take you to illustrate the book?
From beginning sketches to final art, around 7 months.


color sketch

What inspired you in illustrating this book?
I was inspired by my own experience of taking my kids to a farmer's market when they were very young and intent on touching (and tasting) everything! Specifically Findlay Market in Cincinnati - Ohio's oldest continuously operated public market located in Over The Rhine.

So I created a very curious little girl who along the way as she travels through the market leaves some messes in her wake!


rough sketch

finished spread with changes and color

What else about the book might pique the reader's interest?
I promise this book will make your kids love fruits and vegetables. Promise. 
Well maybe not...

rough sketch
finished art

Well I hope you enjoyed my blog post.
Thanks for stopping by!
Now's my chance to tag a few authors and illustrators to create their own The Next Big Thing post on April 4th.
Stop by their blogs next week!!


An artist whose work I LOVE - fresh and funny!





An extraordinary Ohio author with a zillion books to her credit. Well...almost a zillion! 
I was lucky enough to illustrate three of them.






Another very talented Ohio author who has a brand new book with Candlewick Press!  
Congrats to Tricia!



3/11/13

School Day!

Signing my new book, Farmers' Market Day, for my buddy Nolan at Creative Discovery Preschool in Celina, Ohio.
What a great day! Parents, grandparents, and lots of kids!

I was seated next to Cookie Monster, Elmo and Dora - and although many kids were a bit reluctant to give these characters a hug, they did get brave enough for a high five or two.
Thanks Creative Discovery!

3/10/13

My New Book

My new book!
Farmers' Market Day
-published by Tiger Tales Publishers.

Found hanging out at Target with some of my other favorite children's book characters.
Yay!

This part of creating
art for children's books never gets old.

This is author Shanda Trents's first picture book. I am happy to bring her words to life!