Pre-Spring Sale!

To see the artwork, see this FLICKR site.

Well, it's time to cut down the amount of mouse food in my studio. (They LOVE paper!) I'm having a clean-out sale at at a Portland (Maine) gallery, Zero Station, in April. There will be an assortment of stuff: sketches, drawings, sample pieces, giclee prints, and original illustrations from most of my twenty-something picture books. I will also have books for sale.
  Kirsten Cappy at Curious City suggested I offer a discount to teachers and librarians, which I think is a fine idea. And Anna Boll, who has launched a great site called Author & Illustrator Visits, said I should ask everyone to share the news!
Hope to see you there. Let me know if you have any questions!
UPDATE:  In celebration of their 25th anniversary, I will be donating a portion of the proceeds to purchase art supplies and books for Youth & Family Outreach---a fabulous early childhood center in Portland, Maine. 

Audubon friends

A couple of days ago I met with my extraordinary marketing maven, Kirsten Cappy, and the wonderful folks at Gilsland Farm Audubon Center to make plans for my participation in their October 1st Apple Day festivities. I will have two story-time activities with interactive readings, searching games, and art activities during the day. One will be for Pond Babies, and the other for Gobble, Gobble. During our meeting to discuss plans, this fellow strutted right by the window. He must have know that Gobble, Gobble is all about wild turkeys!

After our meeting, Kirsten and I wandered down to the pond where the Pond Babies story time will happen, and met a local resident.

On our way back through the apple orchard, this little rascal and a few friends were happily lunching on windfalls. I'm looking forward to the event, and will post further updates.

Pond Babies Swimming

The completed artwork for Pond Babies has been delivered to the art director's clever hands at Downeast Books. Editor Michael Steere seemed surprised to have everything arrive two months ahead of deadline.

Kirsten Cappy from Curious City checked out the book before it fluttered up to Rockland, Maine. Pond Babies, and the book by the same title, will be out next spring.

OICUR4T!

Phil Hoose, wearing one of his many hats

Kirsten Cappy, in a fabulous hat created by Caldecott Honor Award

children's book illustrator, Melissa Sweet

It's not every day that a winner of a National Book Award and a Newbery Honor brings his band along to play for a surprise birthday party. But then it's not every day that an extraordinarily creative person like Kirsten Cappy turns 40. Phil Hoose, author of the award wining book, Claudette Colvin, Twice Toward Justice, and his spectacular band, Chipped Enamel, got the party rockin' at Zero Station in Portland, Maine.

Kirsten, owner and Magical Genius of Curious City, seemed surprised and delighted to see so many friends, clients and family members who had gathered to celebrate her. Guests had been invited to bring along an "impression on paper" of Kirsten, which resulted in an amazing collection of images from children's book illustrators and others.

Enjoy the party by checking out the photos HERE. Jamie Hogan has more HERE on her blog.