Bedtime Reading

"Yes, I never went to bed without a story, and I think it’s more and more essential for parents to start that at home now. There are so many easier things to do now, so many electronic things. But to be able to read a book is such a big plus, something that is with you forever."

-Michael Bond*

Bear bookplate commission by
Elizabeth Andrews Studio

*Via The NY Times

2nd Annual Pretty Much World Famous Illustration Contest

I'm headed to see Jurassic World.

Here's my entry for Susanna Leonard Hill's amazing contest.

DISCOVERY

Be sure to check out all the other fabulous entries on Susanna's blog!

IF: Small

Here's my interpretation of "small" for Illustration Friday.

Joanne Roberts, Pencil on paper, approx. 6" x  8"

Successful Writing

"Success can make you go one of two ways. It can make you a prima dona, or it can smooth the edges, take away the insecurities, let the nice things come out."

-Barbara Walters*

Bookplate via DarkRoastedBlend

*via Nerdy Chicks 

Draw This! Adventure

The Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators 

monthly Draw This! challenge. 

The July prompt is ADVENTURE.

Peter Pan's adventure, by Joanne Roberts

Members may participate by submitting one illustration inspired by the monthly prompt. Aside from the opportunity to see fellow illustrators' work at #scbwidrawthis, one can view the gamut of adventurous characters via the SCBWI site's online gallery.

Thanks especially to Sarah Baker for her diligence in bringing this challenge to fruition!

Learn More at SCBWI.org

IF: Vacation

Just a glimpse of a work-in-progress based on the Illustration Friday theme, VACATION.

Detail from pen and ink WIP

Reading Level

"Books are written on our level not grade level."
-Richard Peck*

Gorgeous letterpress bookplate
Created by Mac and Ninny

*via SCBWI Tumbler

PPBF: Who Wants Broccoli?

Today's Perfect Picture Book Friday pick

Who Wants Broccoli?, first in a series by Val Jones

Who Wants Broccoli?
Written and Illustrated by Val Jones

 HarperCollins, 2015
Grade K-3


Themes:
Animals, Fitting In

Opening:

"A hodgepodge of pets lived at Beezley's Animal Shelter. There were hamsters and guinea pigs and parrots and bunnies and kittens and turtles and...Broccoli."

Synopsis:
Broccoli is a big, crazy dog with a big, loud bark. He needs a home, but which is right for him? Broccoli thinks he knows. But when his antics become too much for the owner of  Beezley's Animal Shelter, Mrs. Beezley has to remove him from view. It will take all of Broccoli's unique talents to match him with the right owner before it's too late. Kid-pleasing humor and hidden details make this a book to pore over again and again.


What I Love:
Whoopeee! I have been eagerly awaiting the release of Val Jones's first picture book, Who Wants Broccoli? so I could share it with you! Isn't that a great title? Not only is Val's story fun and clever, but it has a dual purpose. She wants everyone to consider rescuing a dog or other pet from a shelter, especially pets like Broccoli whose age or quirks make them a challenge for some families. They might not be the right fit for everyone, but they are the perfect fit for ONE SPECIAL family. Get to know a prospective pet's personality. Take him on a play-date. Rescue pets usually have a unique aura of gratitude about them which makes them irreplaceable.



Bonus: 

Meet the author / illustrator, Val Jones!

1. Join us at the launch party at Towne Book Center & Cafe, Collegeville, NJ, on June 20 at 3pm. Bring pet food for the local shelter and receive 10% off the price of the book!
2. Check out Val's artwork for SCBWI-EPA on my Fresh Talent feature. Remember when?
3. Volunteer at a shelter near you or organize a supply drive.
4. Donate to Hope For Paws, Blue Chip Farm, Lucky Dog Animal Rescue or the SPCA.
5. Happy and Simple features a great recipe for home-made doggie treats.
6. Treat the kids, too with a recipe for puppy chow.
7. My kids adore this easy roasted broccoli recipe from The Amateur Gourmet.
8. Check out these and more Perfect Picture Books at your local library.

Reviewed by Rhythm

Reviewed by Cathy

Reviewed by Julie

Reviewed by Joanna

Reviewed by Joanne

Reviewed by Sue

Have you reviewed a Perfect Picture Book along this theme? Please leave the link in the comments below. Thanks!

Check out all the recommended titles for Perfect Picture Book Friday
for June 12, 2015 available on Susanna Leonard Hill's blog.

IF: Airborne

Here's my idea for the Illustration Friday theme "Airborne."

I think I'd prefer a jet pack!

Pentel brush pen on Aquabee Paper, approx 4"x5".

Rejection vs Dejection

I received a very encouraging rejection in my mailbox yesterday afternoon.

A busy editor took the time to write this
at the bottom of my rejection letter. God bless her!

And just in case your rejection letter was a bit less personal, consider these words from Cathy C. Hall.*

"Don’t let a rejection (or even a stack of rejections) undermine all your hard work. Keep submitting."

Thanks, Cathy.

*From The Muffin

All The Books I Want To Read

"I still find each day too short for all the thoughts I want to think, all the walks I want to take, all the books I want to read, and all the friends I want to see."
-John Burroughs*

Bookplate by Benvenuto Disertori via ArtiflexLibris

*Via BrainyQuotes

PPBF: Voyage

Today's Perfect Picture Book Friday pick

Voyage, by Billy Collins and Karen Romagna

Voyage
Written by Billy Collins
Illustrated by Karen Romagna
Bunker Hill Publishing, 2014
Ages 5-7, 100 words

Themes:
Poetry, Imagination

Opening:
"A boy climbs into a boat /
And pushes off to the open sea"

Synopsis:
An ordinary boy goes on an extraordinary adventure. As the boy reads, his reality begins to shift. He is affected by the story, sucked into the story, and ultimately becomes the story. The book circles around to the boy reading the book in the end.
You can watch the trailer below.

What I Love:
Okay, I admit Karen is a friend of mine, so I was excited for the release of this book. But when I read Voyage, I knew I had to share it with the Perfect Picture Book Friday readers. Karen's paintings brings a personal layer to the lyrical story. Billy's text is simple yet deep. This book has an undefinable magical quality which makes reading it an adventure in itself.

Bonus: 

Sparkly Cork Sailboats

1. Hear Billy read two of his dog poems on TED Talks. (Note: Please preview the second poem to ensure the mild adult humor is appropriate for your young listener.)
2. Introduce kids to more of Billy's poetry on Poem Hunter.

3. Kathy Temean interview's Karen on her blog.
4. Make deviled eggs boats for snack time courtesy of Heidi Powell.

5. Create floating toy boats with Mama. Papa. Bubba. 

6. Sales of the book benefit the Library of Congress. Visit their website.
7. Read Voyage at the library or on the new EPIC! app, a digital library for kids.
8. Check out these and more Perfect Picture Books at your local library.

Reviewed by Susanna

Reviewed by Joanne

Reviewed by Miranda

Reviewed by Amy

Reviewed by Joanne

Reviewed by Clar

Reviewed by Laura

Reviewed by Vivian

Reviewed by Joanne

Reviewed by Catherine

Have you reviewed a Perfect Picture Book along this theme? Please leave the link in the comments below. Thanks!

Check out all the recommended titles for Perfect Picture Book Friday
for June 5, 2015 available on Susanna Leonard Hill's blog.

IF: Monster

Here's my Illustration Friday sketch for the prompt "Monster."

Leash your monster before he raids the refrigerator.

Pentel brush pen and Prismacolor markers on Aquabee paper, approximately 8x10

Make Time For Reading

"No matter how busy you may think you are, you must find time for reading, or surrender yourself to self-chosen ignorance."
-Confucious

From The Art of the Bookplate by James Keenan
via Bookplate Junkie