Official Unofficial PBDummy Badge

2013 badge design by Lisa Thompson

Grab your Unofficial badge at Lisa Thompson's blog.  While you're there, read through the list of resources she's compiled.  Whether you are starting from scratch or taking this opportunity to flesh out an idea from PiBoIdMo, it all starts with a little light bulb.  Who knows where your ideas will take you!

Between Books

"For a long time now, I find I cannot bear to be without books.  The surest way to put me out of sorts is to be 'between books,' that affliction which affects those of us who have just finished an engaging book and have yet to sink into another one that is as good."

-Glenn Robert Gray

Bookplate of Roger Mougneau.
Thanks to Anne E.G. Nydam

KidLitArt: Back From the Brink

Fans of Kidlitart and picture book creators, arise!  All is not lost.
Bonnie Adamson and Wendy Martin are taking a well-deserved working break.  But KidLitChats will continue on Twitter on Thursday nights, thanks to Lisa Thompson, a fellow SkADaMoer, who has accepted the temporary, unofficial mantle of keeper of the KidLitArt.

Thanks to Bonnie, Wendy,
Lisa, and Greg Matusic
for your dedication.

Illustrators/writers everywhere will be encouraging each other through a 6-month schedule from idea to submission.  Join the fun . . .work.  Did I say "fun"? Keep updated at Lisa's blog, my dog-eared sketchbook.  And don't forget to review all the valuable material on the original KidlitArt site.

If you're unofficially signed up, your first goal is to pick your project idea by January 13th.

Tweet Lisa by January 7 or check-in on her blog!

Neiko Ng

Fresh Talent Saturday is back for 2013.

Mary at the Zoo, by Neiko Ng

Today's artist is Neiko Ng.  Neiko is a talented illustrator working in a variety of media and industries.
I first discovered her goache painting on Pinterest, but who could fail to fall in love with her paper sculpture illustrations.  For more fun, be sure to read The Milkmaid and Her Pail.

C is for Cake, by Neiko Ng

300-Picture Book Challenge

Shar Mohr's 2013 Challenge

During PiBoIdMo, I was introduced to an inspiring fellow writer.  Her name is Shar Mohr, and she blogs at My Picture Book Writing Journey. 

Shar has decided to challenge herself (and any of us who'd like to journey with her) by reading 300 picture books this year.  I hope you will join us as we immerse ourselves in this endearing art form.

Her idea dovetails with my annual reading list.  I don't usually keep track of the picture books I read, so this challenge appeals to the list-maker as well as the book-lover in me.

Here are the picture books I've read since January first.  I'll post an update at least once a week, including any particular recommendations.

The House Gobbaleen
author, Lloyd Alexander
illustrator, Diane Goode

Waiting For Noel
author, Ann Dixon
illustrator, Mark Graham

Elsie's Bird
author, Jane Yolen
illustrator, David Small

The Christmas Cat
author, Efner Tudor Holmes
illustrator, Tasha Tudor

A Christmas Stocking Story,
by Hilary Knight

The First Christmas
author, Robbie Trent
illustrator, Marc Simont 

Olive, the Other Reindeer
author, J. Otto Seibold
illustrator, Vivian Walsh

Goldilocks and
the Three Bears
by Jan Brett

Into the A, B, Sea
author, Deborah Lee Rose
illustrator, Steve Jenkins 

How the Cat
Swallowed Thunder
author, Lloyd Alexander
illustrator,
Judith Byron Schachner

Happy New Year, 2013!

Trina Schart Hyman from The Everything Book

Today is the first day of January, 2013.

One year ago I was making career plans and heading into uncharted territory. This year, it's full-steam ahead.  We may have had a year of ups and downs, but through it all, God has been good.
I'm not much for resolutions, but I'm a list-making fool.  Accordingly, this year I've got improved plans for reading, study, painting, work, play, travel, diet, exercise, remodeling, and general improvement.
"I press toward the mark . . ."

Last night, a friend shared these funny resolutions he found online, (Shown here, slightly tweaked):

RESOLUTION #1:

2007: I will read at least 20 good books a year.
2008: I will read at least 10 books a year.
2009: I will read 5 books a year.
2010: I will finish The Light Between Oceans
2011: I will read some articles in the newspaper this year.
2012: I will read at least one article this year.
2013: I will try and finish the comics section this year.

RESOLUTION #2:

2007: I will get my weight down below 180.
2008: I will watch my calories until I get below 190.
2009: I will follow my new diet religiously until I get below 200.
2010: I will try to develop a realistic attitude about my weight.
2011: I will work out 5 days a week.
2012: I will work out 3 days a week.
2013: I will try to drive past a gym at least once a week.

Thanks to Alex and Nick.

I hope you fared better with your goals than this guy.  But don't worry if you didn't complete as much as you'd hoped.  Focus on moving forward from where you are right now!

What will you accomplish this year?

Hilary Knight from Side By Side

A Cratchit Christmas

Illustration by Trina Schart Hyman for A Christmas Carol, by Charles Dickens

God bless us, every one.  

Happy Christmas to all!