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| It's getting Christmasy up in here! Bring on the gingerbread houses & cookies! Yum! • © Jane Smith |
Thursday, December 9, 2021
Happy Holidays from Super Jane
Wednesday, December 8, 2021
Super Star Children's Book Review: Saturday at the Food Pantry
Welcome to the monthly children’s book review feature here at Bird Meets Worm! My team of reviewers—Joan Charles, Laurie L. Young—and I are thrilled to pieces to be celebrating an exciting variety of gorgeous children’s books across all genres that delight, challenge and intrigue! Here at Bird Meets Worm we believe the world is a better, happier, more empathetic place for you and me and everyone when we connect through the magic of storytelling. Look for a new review on the second Wednesday of every month. Please note that the Bird Meets Worm blog will be taking a holiday break in January. Our next exciting book review will post in February 2022. Cheers!!!
SATURDAY AT THE FOOD PANTRY
Written by Diane O'Neill • Illustrated by Brizida Magro
Picture Book • 32 pages
Albert Whitman & Company • 2021
ISBN: 978-0-8075-7236-8
Mom says everyone need help sometimes. And sometimes that means visiting a food pantry. When Molly and her mom visit their local food pantry for the first time, Molly discovers that it is a bit different from the grocery store; they have to wait in line to enter and check in. There’s also lots of signs reminding them to only take one of each food item, so there will be enough for everyone.
When Molly sees her classmate, Caitlin, at the food pantry, Molly is excited at first. But when Caitlin is embarrassed, Molly is confused. Then when Molly wants to add a box of sugar cookies to their cart and her mom hesitates, also looking embarrassed, Molly starts to wonder if there’s something wrong with needing help.
But when friendly volunteers and neighbors join up with Molly’s creativity and positivity, a sense of community is created, and Molly, her mom, and even Caitlin, are able to gently affirm that indeed everyone does need help sometimes and that that’s okay!
Filled with bright, friendly illustrations, Saturday at the Food Pantry, is an especially timely and important picture book. It gently shines a light on food insecurity, which affects millions of households every year, and ends with hope, togetherness and a full belly.
Buy this book:
Barnes & Noble
Bird Meets Worm Bookshop
Independent Bookstores
Reviewed by: Jane Smith
SATURDAY AT THE FOOD PANTRY
Written by Diane O'Neill • Illustrated by Brizida Magro
Picture Book • 32 pages
Albert Whitman & Company • 2021
ISBN: 978-0-8075-7236-8
Mom says everyone need help sometimes. And sometimes that means visiting a food pantry. When Molly and her mom visit their local food pantry for the first time, Molly discovers that it is a bit different from the grocery store; they have to wait in line to enter and check in. There’s also lots of signs reminding them to only take one of each food item, so there will be enough for everyone.
When Molly sees her classmate, Caitlin, at the food pantry, Molly is excited at first. But when Caitlin is embarrassed, Molly is confused. Then when Molly wants to add a box of sugar cookies to their cart and her mom hesitates, also looking embarrassed, Molly starts to wonder if there’s something wrong with needing help.
But when friendly volunteers and neighbors join up with Molly’s creativity and positivity, a sense of community is created, and Molly, her mom, and even Caitlin, are able to gently affirm that indeed everyone does need help sometimes and that that’s okay!
Filled with bright, friendly illustrations, Saturday at the Food Pantry, is an especially timely and important picture book. It gently shines a light on food insecurity, which affects millions of households every year, and ends with hope, togetherness and a full belly.
Buy this book:
Barnes & Noble
Bird Meets Worm Bookshop
Independent Bookstores
Reviewed by: Jane Smith
Tuesday, December 7, 2021
Super Star Interviews: Ashley Belote
Welcome to my monthly interview feature! I’m so excited to be interviewing all the fabulous artists, illustrators and designers I’ve meet over the years (both personally and virtually!) and sharing their artwork and experiences here on Bird Meets Worm. Look for a new interview on the first Tuesday of every month. Please note that the Bird Meets Worm blog will be taking a holiday break in January. Our next exciting interview will post in February 2022. Cheers!!!
This month I'm pleased as peppermint punch to be catching up with the fabulous author-illustrator Ashley Belote! I'm lucky to have meet Ashley through the SCBWI-Carolinas and am excited to share her latest adorable children's books here today! Ashley is the illustrator of Frankenslime (Feiwel & Friends, 2021) and Valenslime (Feiwel & Friends, 2021). She is the author-illustrator of her solo debut early reader The Me Tree (Penguin Workshop, 2021) and her solo debut picture book Listen Up, Louella (Feiwel & Friends, 2022). She also serves as the Illustrator Coordinator for the Carolinas chapter of SCBWI. Ashley is represented by Moe Ferrara of BookEnds Literary Agency. You can view more of her fun-tastic artwork here.
Q: You have two NEW children’s books, Valenslime and The Me Tree, that released last month! (Super exciting! Congratulations!) First, give us the full scoop on Valenslime, the second title in the slime series with publisher Feiwel & Friends: how you came to be illustrating it, the development process with your publisher & what you love best about your new book!
A: Thank you so much for having me on your blog, Jane! I am super excited about both of these books and really appreciate your support! Valenslime is the follow-up to Frankenslime. I was chosen to illustrate Frankenslime after meeting the art director Mallory Grigg at the annual SCBWI Carolinas Conference in Charlotte, NC. We were so excited to continue the series with Valenslime! It was very interesting to illustrate a sequel. I love drawing the main characters, Victoria Franken, Igor (the puppy side kick), and Goop (the monster that Victoria and Igor created in Frankenslime.). They are a fun trio to draw, and I was eager for them to get into more slimy situations!
Q: Next, let’s dish about your second NEW children’s book, The Me Tree, which released with Penguin Workshop! This title is your debut as BOTH author and illustrator! How was your development process and publication experience different with The Me Tree? And what is your favorite page in the entire story?
A: The development process for The Me Tree was quite different from working on Frankenslime and Valenslime. My process begins with character development. I need to be able to see a character before I can write about it, so this entire story began with a little bear sketch. I was working with a group of students at the Ballantyne Arts center in Charlotte, NC, and we were making prints using cabbage leaves. You can spread them out, dip them in paint, and press them to paper to create a print. After I showed them, I was looking at my demo piece and thought it looked like a tree. I drew a little bear peeking out from behind it and the line, “Who’s in my tree,” popped right into my head. I continued sketching from there and eventually developed the full manuscript and created the sketch dummy from there. I essentially developed the words and pictures simultaneously verses having the words already in front of me. I really enjoyed the whole process.
I think my favorite page in the entire story in the spread on 18-19. This is point during which Bear gets completely fed up with all the animals invading his space. Half of the spread show spot illustrations of possums hanging on Bear’s clothesline, goats invading his yoga time, and beavers gnawing on the couch Bear is trying to nap on, haha. The other half of the spread shows a giraffe winding through the tree house from the downstairs all the way up through the chimney! Poor Bear—haha.
Q: Your background as an illustrator is in traditional animation. Chat with us a bit about your creative process—sketches to tools to final artwork—and how your animation background has influenced your approach to children’s books.
A: My animation background has heavily influenced my work in children’s books. I learned so much about composition while I was studying animation and also the importance of staying on model when illustrating a character over multiple spreads. Your character needs to be consistent and that’s one of my favorite challenges.
I have been working digitally for several years now and really enjoy it. I do sketch traditionally quite a bit, but once I have a solid idea, I’ll scan it and take it into the digital work space. I work in Procreate most of the time and use Photoshop for tweaking. When I do work traditionally, I’m a big fan of illustration board and gouache. I have a new studio space now, so I’m hoping to get back into that style a bit more.
Q: Let’s talk inspiration—who, what, where inspires you most as an illustrator? How about as an author?
A: I am inspired by my surroundings and humor! I think laughing is super important. Comic relief is a real thing and can change the feel of a situation. I watch a lot of sit coms (Frasier is the absolute BEST) so a lot of what I want to do as an illustrator is to present humor. Kids laughing is magical, and if I can get a chuckle while showing my art or reading to them, that’s a win.
Q: Describe your most perfect Sunday.
A: My most perfect Sunday would be to be spend the day drawing while watching movies with my husband, Scott (preferably while it’s snowing outside, though Scott would completely disagree about that part 😊). Drawing is still my favorite thing to do during my down time. I absolutely love it and feel blessed to be able to use my passion to make books!
This month I'm pleased as peppermint punch to be catching up with the fabulous author-illustrator Ashley Belote! I'm lucky to have meet Ashley through the SCBWI-Carolinas and am excited to share her latest adorable children's books here today! Ashley is the illustrator of Frankenslime (Feiwel & Friends, 2021) and Valenslime (Feiwel & Friends, 2021). She is the author-illustrator of her solo debut early reader The Me Tree (Penguin Workshop, 2021) and her solo debut picture book Listen Up, Louella (Feiwel & Friends, 2022). She also serves as the Illustrator Coordinator for the Carolinas chapter of SCBWI. Ashley is represented by Moe Ferrara of BookEnds Literary Agency. You can view more of her fun-tastic artwork here.
 |
| Nothing says "I love you" like glitter slime! |
Q: You have two NEW children’s books, Valenslime and The Me Tree, that released last month! (Super exciting! Congratulations!) First, give us the full scoop on Valenslime, the second title in the slime series with publisher Feiwel & Friends: how you came to be illustrating it, the development process with your publisher & what you love best about your new book!
A: Thank you so much for having me on your blog, Jane! I am super excited about both of these books and really appreciate your support! Valenslime is the follow-up to Frankenslime. I was chosen to illustrate Frankenslime after meeting the art director Mallory Grigg at the annual SCBWI Carolinas Conference in Charlotte, NC. We were so excited to continue the series with Valenslime! It was very interesting to illustrate a sequel. I love drawing the main characters, Victoria Franken, Igor (the puppy side kick), and Goop (the monster that Victoria and Igor created in Frankenslime.). They are a fun trio to draw, and I was eager for them to get into more slimy situations!
Because of the nature of the story, a lot of the spreads were completely filled with slime. It was a fun challenge to illustrate characters in a space the becomes increasingly constricted throughout the story. The publisher, Feiwel & Friends, is so great to work with. The art director for Valenslime was Cindy De La Cruz, and she provided great direction throughout the whole process. What I love most about this book is the story of friendship that it presents. Victoria sets out on this adventure because she wants to do what’s best for Goop. Doing something nice for a friend is a lesson we can all benefit from.
(Psst! You can get your very own copy of Valenslime in time for Valentine's Day here:)
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| What a cute trio!!! |
Q: Next, let’s dish about your second NEW children’s book, The Me Tree, which released with Penguin Workshop! This title is your debut as BOTH author and illustrator! How was your development process and publication experience different with The Me Tree? And what is your favorite page in the entire story?
A: The development process for The Me Tree was quite different from working on Frankenslime and Valenslime. My process begins with character development. I need to be able to see a character before I can write about it, so this entire story began with a little bear sketch. I was working with a group of students at the Ballantyne Arts center in Charlotte, NC, and we were making prints using cabbage leaves. You can spread them out, dip them in paint, and press them to paper to create a print. After I showed them, I was looking at my demo piece and thought it looked like a tree. I drew a little bear peeking out from behind it and the line, “Who’s in my tree,” popped right into my head. I continued sketching from there and eventually developed the full manuscript and created the sketch dummy from there. I essentially developed the words and pictures simultaneously verses having the words already in front of me. I really enjoyed the whole process.
I think my favorite page in the entire story in the spread on 18-19. This is point during which Bear gets completely fed up with all the animals invading his space. Half of the spread show spot illustrations of possums hanging on Bear’s clothesline, goats invading his yoga time, and beavers gnawing on the couch Bear is trying to nap on, haha. The other half of the spread shows a giraffe winding through the tree house from the downstairs all the way up through the chimney! Poor Bear—haha.
(Psst! You can order The Me Tree here today:)
 |
| What a beary sweet story! |
Q: Your background as an illustrator is in traditional animation. Chat with us a bit about your creative process—sketches to tools to final artwork—and how your animation background has influenced your approach to children’s books.
A: My animation background has heavily influenced my work in children’s books. I learned so much about composition while I was studying animation and also the importance of staying on model when illustrating a character over multiple spreads. Your character needs to be consistent and that’s one of my favorite challenges.
I have been working digitally for several years now and really enjoy it. I do sketch traditionally quite a bit, but once I have a solid idea, I’ll scan it and take it into the digital work space. I work in Procreate most of the time and use Photoshop for tweaking. When I do work traditionally, I’m a big fan of illustration board and gouache. I have a new studio space now, so I’m hoping to get back into that style a bit more.
 |
| Just a little cozy letter-writing... |
Q: Let’s talk inspiration—who, what, where inspires you most as an illustrator? How about as an author?
A: I am inspired by my surroundings and humor! I think laughing is super important. Comic relief is a real thing and can change the feel of a situation. I watch a lot of sit coms (Frasier is the absolute BEST) so a lot of what I want to do as an illustrator is to present humor. Kids laughing is magical, and if I can get a chuckle while showing my art or reading to them, that’s a win.
Q: What do you know now that when you first began your children’s book publishing career you wish you’d known about: writing? illustrating? business? self-promotion?
A: I think the importance exploring compositions is something I wish that I would have known more about. There is no need to limit yourself in your mind before trying something. There is no harm is trying something completely off the wall—in fact, everything we make should be off the wall! As artists, its our job to dig deep into our imaginations and bring our ideas to paper. There is no reason to hold back so matter how crazy you think your idea is, just do it anyway! If it doesn’t turn out, likely you’ll find an aspect about it that you do like and then continue working from there.
A: I think the importance exploring compositions is something I wish that I would have known more about. There is no need to limit yourself in your mind before trying something. There is no harm is trying something completely off the wall—in fact, everything we make should be off the wall! As artists, its our job to dig deep into our imaginations and bring our ideas to paper. There is no reason to hold back so matter how crazy you think your idea is, just do it anyway! If it doesn’t turn out, likely you’ll find an aspect about it that you do like and then continue working from there.
 |
| Ooo! I love a homemade greeting card! |
Q: Describe your most perfect Sunday.
A: My most perfect Sunday would be to be spend the day drawing while watching movies with my husband, Scott (preferably while it’s snowing outside, though Scott would completely disagree about that part 😊). Drawing is still my favorite thing to do during my down time. I absolutely love it and feel blessed to be able to use my passion to make books!
Thank you so much, Ashley, for chatting with us here at Bird Meets Worm today! Congratulations on your fabulous new children's titles! Yay!
Tuesday, November 23, 2021
Happy Thanksgiving from Super Jane
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| Turkey or pumpkin pie? Which are you most excited for?! • © Jane Smith |
Wednesday, November 10, 2021
Super Star Children's Book Review: Cranky Right Now
Welcome to the monthly children’s book review feature here at Bird Meets Worm! My team of reviewers—Joan Charles, Laurie L. Young, Sarah Orgill—and I are thrilled to pieces to be celebrating an exciting variety of gorgeous children’s books across all genres that delight, challenge and intrigue! Here at Bird Meets Worm we believe the world is a better, happier, more empathetic place for you and me and everyone when we connect through the magic of storytelling. Look for a new review on the second Wednesday of every month.
CRANKY RIGHT NOW
Written by Julie Berry • Illustrated by Holly Hatam
Picture Book • 32 pages
Sounds True, Inc. • 2021
ISBN: 987-1-6836-4664-8
Everyone has been there: those days when nothing works and everyone is grumpy. Cranky Right Now takes us into the world of a young girl who is having a rough day. The narrator is unfairly blamed for things that just aren’t her fault, while her baby brother never gets blamed for anything. And don’t even talk about the inequity of grownups saying you can’t have a granola bar because it is too sugary, and then seeing them scarf one down 10 minutes later. Cruel injustice! No wonder our spunky, young protagonist is so cranky.
With funny illustrations and active, bold language, Cranky Right Now draws the reader into a world to which we can all relate. By then end, the narrator finds a good nap to be the perfect antidote to her crankiness, right alongside her drooling little brother. They wake up to a changed world, full of happy times and kindness.
Cranky Right Now is the perfect book for young folks—and perhaps older folks too!— who need a little help navigating those cranky days.
Buy this book:
Barnes & Noble
Bird Meets Worm Bookshop
Independent Bookstores
Reviewed by: Sarah Orgill
CRANKY RIGHT NOW
Written by Julie Berry • Illustrated by Holly Hatam
Picture Book • 32 pages
Sounds True, Inc. • 2021
ISBN: 987-1-6836-4664-8
Everyone has been there: those days when nothing works and everyone is grumpy. Cranky Right Now takes us into the world of a young girl who is having a rough day. The narrator is unfairly blamed for things that just aren’t her fault, while her baby brother never gets blamed for anything. And don’t even talk about the inequity of grownups saying you can’t have a granola bar because it is too sugary, and then seeing them scarf one down 10 minutes later. Cruel injustice! No wonder our spunky, young protagonist is so cranky.
With funny illustrations and active, bold language, Cranky Right Now draws the reader into a world to which we can all relate. By then end, the narrator finds a good nap to be the perfect antidote to her crankiness, right alongside her drooling little brother. They wake up to a changed world, full of happy times and kindness.
Cranky Right Now is the perfect book for young folks—and perhaps older folks too!— who need a little help navigating those cranky days.
Buy this book:
Barnes & Noble
Bird Meets Worm Bookshop
Independent Bookstores
Reviewed by: Sarah Orgill
Tuesday, November 2, 2021
FREE Miss Meow Enamel Pins
• 1 free pin in exchange for 1 positive, starred book review on any one of the following three platforms: Amazon, Goodreads or Barnes & Noble.
• 20 free pins are up for grabs for each of the 3 platforms (Amazon, Goodreads and Barnes & Noble) for a total of 60 (yes, I did say 60!) free pins available.
• To receive your free MISS MEOW pin follow these easy steps:
1) Write your book review and post it to one of the three platforms.
2) When it is live, email me a link to it at jane@superjane.com + your snail mailing address.
3) Then I’ll mail out your fabulous MISS MEOW pin!
• SPECIAL NOTE: just in case you haven’t done the math yet, if you post your review to TWO of the three platforms, you will receive TWO pins and if you post your review to all THREE of the platforms, you will receive THREE pins. This is perfect for sharing meow-zing MISS MEOW pin style with your family & friends!
Thank you for reading this far & considering participating in the MISS MEOW book review/pin exchange! Positive, starred book reviews are a HUGE, SUPER-AMAZING way to support your favorite authors and illustrators (like me!)! Thank you in advance for loving on MISS MEOW! XO
Link to MISS MEOW on Amazon
Link to MISS MEOW on Goodreads
Link to MISS MEOW on Barnes & Noble
PS Did you know you can follow my author pages on both Amazon & Goodreads?! Cool, right?
Super Star Interviews: Renée Kurilla
Welcome to my monthly interview feature! I’m so excited to be interviewing all the fabulous artists, illustrators and designers I’ve meet over the years (both personally and virtually!) and sharing their artwork and experiences here on Bird Meets Worm. Look for a new interview on the first Tuesday of every month.
This month I'm tickled Autumn leaf pink to be chatting it up with the very talented author, illustrator and designer Renée Kurilla! I'm a total fangirl for Renée's adorable characters and energetic line work. Renée loves drawing nature, animals and working on projects that require a little bit of research! She lives just south of Boston with her family. You can view more of her fabulous artwork here.
Q: You have a super duper exciting new young graphic novel titled The Flower Garden that you both wrote and illustrated releasing in spring 2022! (Congratulations!! That’s SO awesome!) Give us the full scoop on this project: inspiration & initial development through publication.
A: I do! Thank you so much, I’m very excited to share this one with the world. On the surface, this story will read like a very simple adventure tale, but it’s actually based on a lot of complicated emotions I’ve experienced with friendship through the years. I like to describe the book as My Neighbor Totoro meets Alice in Wonderland meets David the Gnome. It’s magical, but it’s also very real. Or is it? I suppose that’s up to your imagination!
The book started as a 40-page, wordless picture book and morphed into an 80-page young graphic novel. I have an amazing editor at Abrams (Courtney Code) who made the suggestion to add dialogue and helped me to better understand my characters. Also, she somehow knew I had a little bit more to say and encouraged me to add length (40 more pages!). Even now after adding pages, I know there is still more to explore. Sequel, maybe?
The Flower Garden publishes in March of 2022, and I have yet to see and hold the book in my hands. I have seen some proofs though, which is very exciting! Last year, I spent so much time combing through the text and story pacing, now I am combing through the images to make sure they translate beautifully to the printed page. It’s a long process, but so much fun…and rewarding to boot.
Q: I absolutely adore your bright, whimsical artwork and charming characters! Dish with us a bit about your creative process—routines, rituals, tools of the trade & practical practices. Set the scene for us, too—what does your art-making space look & feel like?
A: Thank you! I always have a hard time choosing colors because I love them all, so I frequently use them all. As far as my creative routine, I think I can split my process into two categories: personal and published. I am happiest and do my best work when I have both running in tandem. It’s a metaphorical creative wave that I ride until I feel the need to catch a new one, if that makes sense.
To backtrack a bit, I need to tell you about my schedule. Most of my days are spent taking care of my daughter. I mostly work at night (give or take a few days when Zoey is with her grandparents!), so I average about 3-4 hours of work each day. It’s not a ton, but I can get so much done when I put my mind to it. In fact, I almost wonder what I used to do before I was a mom. What did I do with all that luxurious time!?
As soon as I am able to sit down at my desk, I throw my noise canceling headphones on and focus. I already had the entire day to think about what I’m working on. (Did you know that thinking is part of the equation too?) Depending on the task at hand, I work in either Photoshop on my iMac or Procreate on my iPad. Typically, I use Photoshop for final art and Procreate for sketches, but I am starting to transition a little bit because something about the iPad gives my work more of a hand-made feel that I like.
This is why it’s important to keep my personal projects going, always. I use my personal work to experiment with colors and brushes. Sometimes personal work turns into published work, but not always. I am at peace with the fact that some of my illustrations will just live on Instagram.
Bottom line is, I like to keep BUSY—I am almost useless if I’m not. I know it seems counterintuitive to the creative mindset to have a constant to-do list…but I need the accountability, I need to make sure my brain is occupied. Currently, my “published” to-do list consists of 2 picture books and 1 chapter book. My “personal” to-do list is to maintain my Etsy shop and create some new seasonal art with a limited color palette. Sometimes I use drawing prompt lists to get started with this, but usually I just draw what I feel.
My studio space is filled, floor to ceiling, with picture books, art supplies, my favorite toys, and twinkle lights; It’s fun. My husband and I share a space, he is also an illustrator! It makes for an interesting household, we have more toys and knick knacks than most people do. Our walls are blue, red, green, yellow, and purple. There’s barely an inch to hang a new picture anywhere and it’s small, but it’s cozy. We live in a wooded area, so when you look out any of our windows, you’re essentially in a tree. It’s great.
My desk is also about 5 steps from my bed, so when I’m done working for the night I don’t have far to go to flop down.
Q: The process of getting an original book proposal accepted and published can be long & challenging and often involves a lot of positive teamwork with one’s agent. Tell us a bit about how you and your agent work together to get projects ready for both submission and publication.
A: My super agent is Jennifer Rofé at the Andrea Brown Literary Agency (I call her that because she is an actual superhero). Jen has seen every single book I’ve attempted to create for the past 10 years. She is a tough critic and keeps me on my toes. Shortly after I signed with her, I shifted my focus from “getting a book published,” to “getting Jen to like my book.” She might not realize how much I work to impress her first, but there it is!
I think many people work differently alongside their agents, for instance, some do verbal elevator pitches before they even put a word down. I know my strength is in my art, so I always plan out my stories visually before I share anything with Jen. This strategy sometimes leads to heavy disappointment, because I do a ton of work to then learn that I may have entirely missed the mark. However, I consider it all good storytelling practice and I know I wouldn’t be where I am today if it weren’t for those missed marks.
Jen encourages me to practice writing the same way I practice drawing. Sketching, but with words if that makes sense. Before her first maternity leave, she gave me a homework assignment to write a board book based on some drawings I did of my daughter. The day she returned to work, I emailed her a book dummy like the good student I am! This homework assignment eventually turned into my debut picture book, One Springy, Singy Day. I wouldn’t have had that push to make it without her guidance. (*This is an example of personal work turned into published work!)
Q: Describe your most perfect day.
A: This one is both easy and hard to answer because, if I’m being completely honest, we probably will never get a day just like this. :)
My perfect day would start with getting a good night’s sleep.
My husband already made the coffee.
My daughter listens to everything I say.
My cat has not thrown up on anything in the night.
The kitchen sink is empty.
That’s a good start.
I would get to take a (long) shower and then we would all hop in the car and drive somewhere. Preferably, we would live 10 minutes from Disneyland because that is where I want to go on a whim. (We live in Massachusetts.)
We have a wonderful time meeting characters, collecting inspiration, riding rides, eating delicious food, wearing Mickey ears.
Nobody cries.
There are only smiles and songs.
In my perfect day(dream), I would also link arms with Goofy at some point and skip down Main Street.
The sun goes down, there is a light show and fireworks.
Cotton candy.
As we leave the park, I am balancing a sleeping child and heavy bags filled with new treasures in my arms.
My perfect day would consist of making memories like that. I’m crossing my fingers for a day like this in my future!
This month I'm tickled Autumn leaf pink to be chatting it up with the very talented author, illustrator and designer Renée Kurilla! I'm a total fangirl for Renée's adorable characters and energetic line work. Renée loves drawing nature, animals and working on projects that require a little bit of research! She lives just south of Boston with her family. You can view more of her fabulous artwork here.
 |
| Ooo! Love Renée's color style! |
Q: You have a super duper exciting new young graphic novel titled The Flower Garden that you both wrote and illustrated releasing in spring 2022! (Congratulations!! That’s SO awesome!) Give us the full scoop on this project: inspiration & initial development through publication.
A: I do! Thank you so much, I’m very excited to share this one with the world. On the surface, this story will read like a very simple adventure tale, but it’s actually based on a lot of complicated emotions I’ve experienced with friendship through the years. I like to describe the book as My Neighbor Totoro meets Alice in Wonderland meets David the Gnome. It’s magical, but it’s also very real. Or is it? I suppose that’s up to your imagination!
The book started as a 40-page, wordless picture book and morphed into an 80-page young graphic novel. I have an amazing editor at Abrams (Courtney Code) who made the suggestion to add dialogue and helped me to better understand my characters. Also, she somehow knew I had a little bit more to say and encouraged me to add length (40 more pages!). Even now after adding pages, I know there is still more to explore. Sequel, maybe?
 |
| OMG! Don't you just love gnomes?! |
Q: I absolutely adore your bright, whimsical artwork and charming characters! Dish with us a bit about your creative process—routines, rituals, tools of the trade & practical practices. Set the scene for us, too—what does your art-making space look & feel like?
A: Thank you! I always have a hard time choosing colors because I love them all, so I frequently use them all. As far as my creative routine, I think I can split my process into two categories: personal and published. I am happiest and do my best work when I have both running in tandem. It’s a metaphorical creative wave that I ride until I feel the need to catch a new one, if that makes sense.
To backtrack a bit, I need to tell you about my schedule. Most of my days are spent taking care of my daughter. I mostly work at night (give or take a few days when Zoey is with her grandparents!), so I average about 3-4 hours of work each day. It’s not a ton, but I can get so much done when I put my mind to it. In fact, I almost wonder what I used to do before I was a mom. What did I do with all that luxurious time!?
As soon as I am able to sit down at my desk, I throw my noise canceling headphones on and focus. I already had the entire day to think about what I’m working on. (Did you know that thinking is part of the equation too?) Depending on the task at hand, I work in either Photoshop on my iMac or Procreate on my iPad. Typically, I use Photoshop for final art and Procreate for sketches, but I am starting to transition a little bit because something about the iPad gives my work more of a hand-made feel that I like.
This is why it’s important to keep my personal projects going, always. I use my personal work to experiment with colors and brushes. Sometimes personal work turns into published work, but not always. I am at peace with the fact that some of my illustrations will just live on Instagram.
Bottom line is, I like to keep BUSY—I am almost useless if I’m not. I know it seems counterintuitive to the creative mindset to have a constant to-do list…but I need the accountability, I need to make sure my brain is occupied. Currently, my “published” to-do list consists of 2 picture books and 1 chapter book. My “personal” to-do list is to maintain my Etsy shop and create some new seasonal art with a limited color palette. Sometimes I use drawing prompt lists to get started with this, but usually I just draw what I feel.
My studio space is filled, floor to ceiling, with picture books, art supplies, my favorite toys, and twinkle lights; It’s fun. My husband and I share a space, he is also an illustrator! It makes for an interesting household, we have more toys and knick knacks than most people do. Our walls are blue, red, green, yellow, and purple. There’s barely an inch to hang a new picture anywhere and it’s small, but it’s cozy. We live in a wooded area, so when you look out any of our windows, you’re essentially in a tree. It’s great.
My desk is also about 5 steps from my bed, so when I’m done working for the night I don’t have far to go to flop down.
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| Cutest. Studio. Ever. |
Q: The process of getting an original book proposal accepted and published can be long & challenging and often involves a lot of positive teamwork with one’s agent. Tell us a bit about how you and your agent work together to get projects ready for both submission and publication.
A: My super agent is Jennifer Rofé at the Andrea Brown Literary Agency (I call her that because she is an actual superhero). Jen has seen every single book I’ve attempted to create for the past 10 years. She is a tough critic and keeps me on my toes. Shortly after I signed with her, I shifted my focus from “getting a book published,” to “getting Jen to like my book.” She might not realize how much I work to impress her first, but there it is!
I think many people work differently alongside their agents, for instance, some do verbal elevator pitches before they even put a word down. I know my strength is in my art, so I always plan out my stories visually before I share anything with Jen. This strategy sometimes leads to heavy disappointment, because I do a ton of work to then learn that I may have entirely missed the mark. However, I consider it all good storytelling practice and I know I wouldn’t be where I am today if it weren’t for those missed marks.
Jen encourages me to practice writing the same way I practice drawing. Sketching, but with words if that makes sense. Before her first maternity leave, she gave me a homework assignment to write a board book based on some drawings I did of my daughter. The day she returned to work, I emailed her a book dummy like the good student I am! This homework assignment eventually turned into my debut picture book, One Springy, Singy Day. I wouldn’t have had that push to make it without her guidance. (*This is an example of personal work turned into published work!)
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| Bright. Fun. Adorable! |
(Keeping that 10 year mark in mind… we didn’t sell my first authored-illustrated book until 2019. It took 7+ years of missed marks.)
Jen talks me off cliffs, she makes sure I get compensated for the hard work I do, she is my cheerleader, my teacher, my firewall, and my friend. This sort of relationship doesn’t happen overnight, it comes with time, patience, persistence, and diligence. I work hard to give her good material to consider, and in turn she works hard to help make sure my material is in the right hands. It’s a long, steady, road and we make certain that everything we put out there is special, genuine, and meaningful.
Q: Promoting one’s children’s books can involve an entirely different skill set than those used to write and illustrate them! What advice would you give fellow creatives about: 1) doing events, 2) promotional giveaways and 3) getting the most out of social media?
A: Ugh, promotion is so hard! I prefer to spend my time alone in the studio, headphones on, creating art in my jammies. This is not a healthy lifestyle, however, so I do have to talk to people sometimes. :)
I don’t have a ton of experience with events due to my debut publishing during the pandemic, but what I do know is that having time management skills is important. Any bookstore event, or virtual event that I have done in the past has been entirely organized by me. I have emailed local booksellers and I communicate with some of the authors of my books. For instance, this past spring, Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen and I offered a week's worth of virtual school visits to celebrate the publication of Chicks Rock!
When scheduling such events without a publicist, I have to think about leaving enough time to also meet deadlines. (With momming I have lots going on, too!) Then, there is the upfront preparation that goes into presentations, I can’t just wing-it. I labor over perfecting notes and slides for weeks. I also practice drawing in weird positions because kids love to watch illustrators draw, but you don’t have the luxury of hunching over a desk. You either have to stand at an easel, or hold your notepad in front of a webcam at juuust the right angle.
It’s all so gruesome, and yet I can’t wait for the roller coaster thrills of having in-person events again soon. I hope by the time The Flower Garden publishes, I’ll be able to do some.
Promotional giveaways may be the easiest thing for me. I used to do Instagram giveaways, but then I started a quarterly newsletter and subscribers are the folks who get my giveaways now. I’ll ask a silly question in the newsletter like, what’s your favorite ice cream flavor? The first two to email me get a box of books. I love doing that, it’s my way of saying thanks for following along. We are inundated with stuff to pay attention to, so it means a lot when someone takes the time to learn a little bit more about my art and such. (Like you, Jane! Thank you!)
Social media is tricky. I try to make it so that when I am on social media I am focused on creating content and engaging in conversation, rather than scrolling for hours. I do want to know what my peers, friends, and family are up to, but I try to limit it. I can tell when it’s getting out of control because my shoulders are where my butt used to be on the couch.
I had some success finding new folks though participating in drawing challenge hashtags last year. I made a series of Halloween/Fall themed art, only to discover how much people love Autumn! I eventually made a picture book about that… IT’S FALL! is the title and will be published in 2023 by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers. I am also selling limited edition art prints in my Etsy shop which will soon shift to a Holiday/Winter theme!
(Some people have said that I am a “seasons” artist…everything I make is seasonal. Though, One Springy, Singy Day has absolutely nothing to do with the Spring, believe it or not!)
Q: What was your most treasured picture book as a child? What is your most favorite picture book now? Why?
A: I loved the What-A-Mess series, in particular Super What-A-Mess! They were written by Frank Muir and illustrated by Joseph Wright. I have always had a fondness for underdog characters that are a little silly, oblivious, and accident prone. The main character, a disheveled Afghan Hound is supposed to be a “prince,” but he is always dirty and even has a little duck living in his fur (my favorite detail). Joseph Wright created all these little side plots in the illustrations, too, that I really enjoy. You have the main storyline, but then there are these tiny creatures going about their everyday lives in the background. So. Much. Storytelling.
Sam and Dave Dig a Hole by Mac Barnett and John Klassen is probably my favorite modern picture book. I love that it’s kind of a mystery as to what “actually” happened and where Sam and Dave end up. I read this picture book to students every time I give a college level presentation because, metaphorically, it’s a great message for aspiring artists to never give up...you could be SO CLOSE to your breakthrough.
Jen talks me off cliffs, she makes sure I get compensated for the hard work I do, she is my cheerleader, my teacher, my firewall, and my friend. This sort of relationship doesn’t happen overnight, it comes with time, patience, persistence, and diligence. I work hard to give her good material to consider, and in turn she works hard to help make sure my material is in the right hands. It’s a long, steady, road and we make certain that everything we put out there is special, genuine, and meaningful.
Q: Promoting one’s children’s books can involve an entirely different skill set than those used to write and illustrate them! What advice would you give fellow creatives about: 1) doing events, 2) promotional giveaways and 3) getting the most out of social media?
A: Ugh, promotion is so hard! I prefer to spend my time alone in the studio, headphones on, creating art in my jammies. This is not a healthy lifestyle, however, so I do have to talk to people sometimes. :)
I don’t have a ton of experience with events due to my debut publishing during the pandemic, but what I do know is that having time management skills is important. Any bookstore event, or virtual event that I have done in the past has been entirely organized by me. I have emailed local booksellers and I communicate with some of the authors of my books. For instance, this past spring, Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen and I offered a week's worth of virtual school visits to celebrate the publication of Chicks Rock!
When scheduling such events without a publicist, I have to think about leaving enough time to also meet deadlines. (With momming I have lots going on, too!) Then, there is the upfront preparation that goes into presentations, I can’t just wing-it. I labor over perfecting notes and slides for weeks. I also practice drawing in weird positions because kids love to watch illustrators draw, but you don’t have the luxury of hunching over a desk. You either have to stand at an easel, or hold your notepad in front of a webcam at juuust the right angle.
It’s all so gruesome, and yet I can’t wait for the roller coaster thrills of having in-person events again soon. I hope by the time The Flower Garden publishes, I’ll be able to do some.
 |
| Kitty Cat Cutie Pie! |
Promotional giveaways may be the easiest thing for me. I used to do Instagram giveaways, but then I started a quarterly newsletter and subscribers are the folks who get my giveaways now. I’ll ask a silly question in the newsletter like, what’s your favorite ice cream flavor? The first two to email me get a box of books. I love doing that, it’s my way of saying thanks for following along. We are inundated with stuff to pay attention to, so it means a lot when someone takes the time to learn a little bit more about my art and such. (Like you, Jane! Thank you!)
Social media is tricky. I try to make it so that when I am on social media I am focused on creating content and engaging in conversation, rather than scrolling for hours. I do want to know what my peers, friends, and family are up to, but I try to limit it. I can tell when it’s getting out of control because my shoulders are where my butt used to be on the couch.
I had some success finding new folks though participating in drawing challenge hashtags last year. I made a series of Halloween/Fall themed art, only to discover how much people love Autumn! I eventually made a picture book about that… IT’S FALL! is the title and will be published in 2023 by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers. I am also selling limited edition art prints in my Etsy shop which will soon shift to a Holiday/Winter theme!
(Some people have said that I am a “seasons” artist…everything I make is seasonal. Though, One Springy, Singy Day has absolutely nothing to do with the Spring, believe it or not!)
Q: What was your most treasured picture book as a child? What is your most favorite picture book now? Why?
A: I loved the What-A-Mess series, in particular Super What-A-Mess! They were written by Frank Muir and illustrated by Joseph Wright. I have always had a fondness for underdog characters that are a little silly, oblivious, and accident prone. The main character, a disheveled Afghan Hound is supposed to be a “prince,” but he is always dirty and even has a little duck living in his fur (my favorite detail). Joseph Wright created all these little side plots in the illustrations, too, that I really enjoy. You have the main storyline, but then there are these tiny creatures going about their everyday lives in the background. So. Much. Storytelling.
Sam and Dave Dig a Hole by Mac Barnett and John Klassen is probably my favorite modern picture book. I love that it’s kind of a mystery as to what “actually” happened and where Sam and Dave end up. I read this picture book to students every time I give a college level presentation because, metaphorically, it’s a great message for aspiring artists to never give up...you could be SO CLOSE to your breakthrough.
 |
| What seasonal fun! Love me some trick-or-treating and holiday baking!! |
Q: Describe your most perfect day.
A: This one is both easy and hard to answer because, if I’m being completely honest, we probably will never get a day just like this. :)
My perfect day would start with getting a good night’s sleep.
My husband already made the coffee.
My daughter listens to everything I say.
My cat has not thrown up on anything in the night.
The kitchen sink is empty.
That’s a good start.
I would get to take a (long) shower and then we would all hop in the car and drive somewhere. Preferably, we would live 10 minutes from Disneyland because that is where I want to go on a whim. (We live in Massachusetts.)
We have a wonderful time meeting characters, collecting inspiration, riding rides, eating delicious food, wearing Mickey ears.
Nobody cries.
There are only smiles and songs.
In my perfect day(dream), I would also link arms with Goofy at some point and skip down Main Street.
The sun goes down, there is a light show and fireworks.
Cotton candy.
As we leave the park, I am balancing a sleeping child and heavy bags filled with new treasures in my arms.
My perfect day would consist of making memories like that. I’m crossing my fingers for a day like this in my future!
Thanks so much, Renée, for catching up with us here at Bird Meets Worm! Yay!
Wednesday, October 13, 2021
Super Star Children's Book Review: The Magical Reality of Nadia
Welcome to the monthly children’s book review feature with a focus on diverse books here at Bird Meets Worm! My team of reviewers—Joan Charles, Laurie L. Young, Sarah Orgill—and I are so excited to be championing books celebrating everything from gender diversity, people of color, the LGBTQ community to ethnic, cultural and religious minorities, people with disabilities and developmental challenges to controversial topics, unique family situations and anything and everything I did not include. It is to say we take a rightfully broad view of diversity! We aim to shine a light on books that bring both familiar experiences to those who do not often see themselves represented in books and new experiences to those looking to expand their worldview. Here at Bird Meets Worm we believe in the power of story to build empathy and thus a better world for you and me and everyone. Look for a new review on the second Wednesday of every month.
THE MAGICAL REALITY OF NADIA
Written by Bassem Youssef and Catherine R. Daly
THE MAGICAL REALITY OF NADIA
Written by Bassem Youssef and Catherine R. Daly
Illustrated by Douglas Holgate • Jacket Design by Katie Fitch
Middle Grade (ages 8-12) • 176 pages
Scholastic, Inc. • 2021
ISBN: 978-1-3385-7228-5
Nadia is a smart and clever girl, always ready with a fun fact. She has a core group of friends who call themselves the Nerd Patrol, and is proud of her Egyptian heritage.
After spending the summer in Egypt with her cousins, Nadia returns home with an ancient hippo amulet she found in a bazaar. But this amulet is more than a pretty piece of jewelry. It starts to glow when Nadia has a problem and suddenly a magical little man appears on the pages of her notebook. The only trouble is, Nadia doesn’t believe in magic. She is firmly on the side of science and facts. But the inhabitant of her necklace is all too real and she will soon have to change her mind about magic.
At school, Jason, a new student with a difficult personality, makes fun of Nadia and her lunch. But she is more concerned with bigger things: Winning the Museum of American History’s 100th Anniversary contest and the thousand dollars in prize money that goes with it. She is confident that the Nerd Patrol will come up with the winning idea that will be made into an actual exhibit in the museum. But Jason has teamed up with a group of his own and is certain they will win.
When everything goes wrong and even her best friends abandon her because she is too bossy, Nadia needs help from the magical man in her amulet to put her ideas into place and make things right again. In the process, both she and Jason learn that bullying and bigotry are not as powerful as empathy.
This fun, fast-paced story shows how a little magic can help, but a lot of ingenuity and good friends are the true path to winning.
Buy this book:
Barnes & Noble
Bird Meets Worm Bookshop
Independent Bookstores
Reviewed by: Laurie L Young
Middle Grade (ages 8-12) • 176 pages
Scholastic, Inc. • 2021
ISBN: 978-1-3385-7228-5
Nadia is a smart and clever girl, always ready with a fun fact. She has a core group of friends who call themselves the Nerd Patrol, and is proud of her Egyptian heritage.
After spending the summer in Egypt with her cousins, Nadia returns home with an ancient hippo amulet she found in a bazaar. But this amulet is more than a pretty piece of jewelry. It starts to glow when Nadia has a problem and suddenly a magical little man appears on the pages of her notebook. The only trouble is, Nadia doesn’t believe in magic. She is firmly on the side of science and facts. But the inhabitant of her necklace is all too real and she will soon have to change her mind about magic.
At school, Jason, a new student with a difficult personality, makes fun of Nadia and her lunch. But she is more concerned with bigger things: Winning the Museum of American History’s 100th Anniversary contest and the thousand dollars in prize money that goes with it. She is confident that the Nerd Patrol will come up with the winning idea that will be made into an actual exhibit in the museum. But Jason has teamed up with a group of his own and is certain they will win.
When everything goes wrong and even her best friends abandon her because she is too bossy, Nadia needs help from the magical man in her amulet to put her ideas into place and make things right again. In the process, both she and Jason learn that bullying and bigotry are not as powerful as empathy.
This fun, fast-paced story shows how a little magic can help, but a lot of ingenuity and good friends are the true path to winning.
Buy this book:
Barnes & Noble
Bird Meets Worm Bookshop
Independent Bookstores
Reviewed by: Laurie L Young
Saturday, October 9, 2021
Tuesday, October 5, 2021
Super Star Interviews: Jashar Awan
Welcome to my monthly interview feature! I’m so excited to be interviewing all the fabulous artists, illustrators and designers I’ve meet over the years (both personally and virtually!) and sharing their artwork and experiences here on Bird Meets Worm. Look for a new interview on the first Tuesday of every month.
This month I'm pleased as apple cider punch to be catching up with the rockstar author-illustrator Jashar Awan! When I joined Stimola Literary Studio, who also represents Jashar, earlier this year, I discovered Jashar's bold, graphic artwork and totally fell for his fun characters. Jashar is a graduate of the Pratt Institute and has illustrated for many magazines and newspapers. Last year, he made his debut as a children's book author-illustrator with the picture book What a Lucky Day! from Norton Young Readers. He lives in Ohio with his wife, Emily and his son, Max. You can view more of his awesome artwork here.
This month I'm pleased as apple cider punch to be catching up with the rockstar author-illustrator Jashar Awan! When I joined Stimola Literary Studio, who also represents Jashar, earlier this year, I discovered Jashar's bold, graphic artwork and totally fell for his fun characters. Jashar is a graduate of the Pratt Institute and has illustrated for many magazines and newspapers. Last year, he made his debut as a children's book author-illustrator with the picture book What a Lucky Day! from Norton Young Readers. He lives in Ohio with his wife, Emily and his son, Max. You can view more of his awesome artwork here.
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| Isn't this this most awesome author-illustrator photo?! |
Q: Your NEW picture book, Only Ants for Andy, releases with Norton Young Readers, on October 26th! (Congratulations! SO exciting!) Give us the full scoop on your bright & heartfelt story about trying new things: your approach for writing & illustrating it, its path to publication & what you love best about it all!
A: Only Ants for Andy began when my family was playing an alphabet game and my wife said, “Anteater eating an apple.” Just the thought of an anteater eating something other than ants really got my imagination going! I had spent that weekend developing manuscripts for my editor so my writing muscles were all warmed up and Only Ants for Andy just sprung out of me.
I love how much of myself I was able to put into this book! I was a really picky eater growing up—I just liked what I liked and didn’t want to try anything else. You can imagine how stressful it was to eat over at a friend’s house! I remember having French toast for the first time at a sleepover. I’d always thought French toast was just toast with cinnamon so I was not prepared for what it actually was! Only Ants for Andy was inspired (in part) by childhood memories like this.
Kids can have a narrow focus when it comes to the things they love—just ask any parent who has had to listen to a favorite song on a loop—so I didn’t want to limit the book’s theme to food. I thought it’d be fun to include some of my son’s favorite things—trucks! His love of trucks is so contagious that I now get really excited when I see them, too.
The first draft of Only Ants for Andy came together quickly and I was able to get it (along with a character sketch) to my agent Erica right before her meeting with my editor Simon—she didn’t even have time to read it before sharing it! The project caught his eye and I began work on the book.
Q: Your bold, graphic illustrations are delightful! Dish with us a bit about your creative process and tools of the trade: initial brainstorms, sketching and final color art.
A: Thanks! When I jotted down my first ideas for Only Ants for Andy, I did a little sketch of an anteater and quickly realized that I needed some reference. After doing a little research into anteaters, I worked out the character design and page layouts in my sketchbook. From there, those sketches were turned into flat color shapes in Adobe Illustrator. Once I’m happy with the look of a page, brush marks and other textures are added in Photoshop. It sounds like a fairly fast process but Only Ants for Andy took about 6 to 8 months to put together.
Q: In addition to creating children’s books, you have had a long career as an editorial illustrator. How has your experiences creating editorial artwork for major publications like The New Yorker, NYT and the Columbia Journalism Review shaped your approach to creating children’s books?
A: The nature of editorial work is fast paced so the art directors have to be very direct when asking for changes to an illustration. This taught me how to look at my work critically and learn to appreciate feedback. Moving from editorial work to children’s books gave me a chance to reinvent myself stylistically. My editorial approach for ten plus years was very linear and reference based, while my current work is all about color, shape, and texture. It’s also been nice to have the opportunity to create my own projects, rather than working solely on assignment.
Q: Tell us a bit about your typical workday as a creative professional—routines, rituals & practical practices. Set the scene for us, too—what does your creative workspace look & feel like?
A: When I’m writing, I need silence and a stack of books—picture books, comic books, art books—anything that will inspire me. Whenever I think of a fun title or character or situation, I’ll add it to an ongoing list of ideas. This way when I finish working on a book, I’m not starting from scratch when I’m sitting down to write the next project. When I’m illustrating, I’ll listen to podcasts or audiobooks. I love podcasts that discuss the creative process, whether it’s about books, movies, comics, or comedy.
Only Ants of Andy was illustrated during the COVID-19 lockdown, so everyone was at home—either working or going to the virtual classroom. I let my wife have my studio space and I briefly ended up working in the playroom—surrounded by toy trucks, which ended up being quite inspiring. I’m back in my studio now. It’s a large space with wooden floors and a bay window that has a nice view of a tree that turns a bright yellow in the fall.
Q: What advice would you give fellow author-illustrators about: 1) writing as an illustrator, 2) promoting children’s books, and 3) working with an agent?
A: 1) My advice for writing as an illustrator is to write something you want to draw because you will be drawing it for the next 6 to 8 months! Also—make the books that you want to see on bookshelves!
2) As far as promoting children’s books goes, I’m still figuring it out! My debut book was released in the midst of the pandemic when all the traditional methods of book promotion had to be reinvented. I do what I can from my home! I'll post about an upcoming project on social media (starting 3 months before the release date). I'll make a book trailer. I'll make signed book plates available. I'll do virtual readings and draw alongs. I'll email indie bookstores. I do what I can and hopefully some of it helps get the book into kids’ hands!
3) Trust your agent to give you a perspective on things you wouldn’t have otherwise. I feel very lucky to have Erica Rand Silverman (and the rest of the Stimola Studio team) in my corner.
Q: Describe your most perfect Sunday.
A: Watch some cartoons all cuddled up with the family. Spend some time in nature. Visit a used bookstore. Read the new purchases. Have some takeout. Fall asleep to a movie. That sounds like a perfect Sunday to me—very chill, very relaxed.
A: Only Ants for Andy began when my family was playing an alphabet game and my wife said, “Anteater eating an apple.” Just the thought of an anteater eating something other than ants really got my imagination going! I had spent that weekend developing manuscripts for my editor so my writing muscles were all warmed up and Only Ants for Andy just sprung out of me.
I love how much of myself I was able to put into this book! I was a really picky eater growing up—I just liked what I liked and didn’t want to try anything else. You can imagine how stressful it was to eat over at a friend’s house! I remember having French toast for the first time at a sleepover. I’d always thought French toast was just toast with cinnamon so I was not prepared for what it actually was! Only Ants for Andy was inspired (in part) by childhood memories like this.
Kids can have a narrow focus when it comes to the things they love—just ask any parent who has had to listen to a favorite song on a loop—so I didn’t want to limit the book’s theme to food. I thought it’d be fun to include some of my son’s favorite things—trucks! His love of trucks is so contagious that I now get really excited when I see them, too.
The first draft of Only Ants for Andy came together quickly and I was able to get it (along with a character sketch) to my agent Erica right before her meeting with my editor Simon—she didn’t even have time to read it before sharing it! The project caught his eye and I began work on the book.
(Psst! You can pre-order your very own copy of Only Ants for Andy today:)
 |
| Perfect for story time fun!!! |
Q: Your bold, graphic illustrations are delightful! Dish with us a bit about your creative process and tools of the trade: initial brainstorms, sketching and final color art.
A: Thanks! When I jotted down my first ideas for Only Ants for Andy, I did a little sketch of an anteater and quickly realized that I needed some reference. After doing a little research into anteaters, I worked out the character design and page layouts in my sketchbook. From there, those sketches were turned into flat color shapes in Adobe Illustrator. Once I’m happy with the look of a page, brush marks and other textures are added in Photoshop. It sounds like a fairly fast process but Only Ants for Andy took about 6 to 8 months to put together.
 |
| Sketchbook sneak peek! |
Q: In addition to creating children’s books, you have had a long career as an editorial illustrator. How has your experiences creating editorial artwork for major publications like The New Yorker, NYT and the Columbia Journalism Review shaped your approach to creating children’s books?
A: The nature of editorial work is fast paced so the art directors have to be very direct when asking for changes to an illustration. This taught me how to look at my work critically and learn to appreciate feedback. Moving from editorial work to children’s books gave me a chance to reinvent myself stylistically. My editorial approach for ten plus years was very linear and reference based, while my current work is all about color, shape, and texture. It’s also been nice to have the opportunity to create my own projects, rather than working solely on assignment.
 |
| What's your playground favorite? Geodome? Swings? Slide? |
Q: Tell us a bit about your typical workday as a creative professional—routines, rituals & practical practices. Set the scene for us, too—what does your creative workspace look & feel like?
A: When I’m writing, I need silence and a stack of books—picture books, comic books, art books—anything that will inspire me. Whenever I think of a fun title or character or situation, I’ll add it to an ongoing list of ideas. This way when I finish working on a book, I’m not starting from scratch when I’m sitting down to write the next project. When I’m illustrating, I’ll listen to podcasts or audiobooks. I love podcasts that discuss the creative process, whether it’s about books, movies, comics, or comedy.
Only Ants of Andy was illustrated during the COVID-19 lockdown, so everyone was at home—either working or going to the virtual classroom. I let my wife have my studio space and I briefly ended up working in the playroom—surrounded by toy trucks, which ended up being quite inspiring. I’m back in my studio now. It’s a large space with wooden floors and a bay window that has a nice view of a tree that turns a bright yellow in the fall.
 |
| Playtime with friends is THE best! |
Q: What advice would you give fellow author-illustrators about: 1) writing as an illustrator, 2) promoting children’s books, and 3) working with an agent?
A: 1) My advice for writing as an illustrator is to write something you want to draw because you will be drawing it for the next 6 to 8 months! Also—make the books that you want to see on bookshelves!
2) As far as promoting children’s books goes, I’m still figuring it out! My debut book was released in the midst of the pandemic when all the traditional methods of book promotion had to be reinvented. I do what I can from my home! I'll post about an upcoming project on social media (starting 3 months before the release date). I'll make a book trailer. I'll make signed book plates available. I'll do virtual readings and draw alongs. I'll email indie bookstores. I do what I can and hopefully some of it helps get the book into kids’ hands!
3) Trust your agent to give you a perspective on things you wouldn’t have otherwise. I feel very lucky to have Erica Rand Silverman (and the rest of the Stimola Studio team) in my corner.
Q: Describe your most perfect Sunday.
A: Watch some cartoons all cuddled up with the family. Spend some time in nature. Visit a used bookstore. Read the new purchases. Have some takeout. Fall asleep to a movie. That sounds like a perfect Sunday to me—very chill, very relaxed.
Thank you so much, Jashar, for chatting it up with us here at Bird Meets Worm! Congratulations on Only Ants for Andy! Yay!
Monday, October 4, 2021
Happy Fall, Y'all!
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| Just the Stimola Bookworm and her friend, Snail, enjoying the apple-picking-sweater-weather! • © Jane Smith |
Wednesday, September 29, 2021
The MISS MEOW release day celebration continues over on the West Margin Press blog for the fourth & final stop on the Miss Meow Blog Book Tour!!! We’re making a Pretend Play Cat Mask Craft—purr-fect for family fun! Get the full step-by-step here!
Tuesday, September 28, 2021
Miss Meow Releases Today! Hooray!
Friday, September 24, 2021
Miss Meow Blog Book Tour: Stop #2
My new picture book MISS MEOW releases next week & I couldn't be more excited!!! To celebrate, today is Stop #2 on the MISS MEOW blog book tour with author Michelle Nott, who is sharing a fabulous MISS MEOW book review & activity designed especially for kiddos! Check it out here now!
Wednesday, September 15, 2021
Announcing the Miss Meow Blog Book Tour
Join me for the first stop on the Miss Meow Blog Book Tour over at Kid Lit Village and get the full scoop on my NEW picture book, Miss Meow, which releases with month with publisher West Margin Press! Meeeow!
Wednesday, September 8, 2021
Super Star Children's Book Reviews: Red Shoes
Welcome to the monthly children’s book review feature with a focus on diverse books here at Bird Meets Worm! My team of reviewers—Joan Charles, Laurie L. Young, Sarah Orgill—and I are so excited to be championing books celebrating everything from gender diversity, people of color, the LGBTQ community to ethnic, cultural and religious minorities, people with disabilities and developmental challenges to controversial topics, unique family situations and anything and everything I did not include. It is to say we take a rightfully broad view of diversity! We aim to shine a light on books that bring both familiar experiences to those who do not often see themselves represented in books and new experiences to those looking to expand their worldview. Here at Bird Meets Worm we believe in the power of story to build empathy and thus a better world for you and me and everyone. Look for a new review on the second Wednesday of every month.
RED SHOES
Written by Karen English • Illustrated by Ebony Glenn
Picture Book (ages 4-8) • 32 pages
Published by Scholastic Press • 2020
ISBN: 978-1-338-11460-7
When Malika is enchanted by a special pair of bright red shoes, her nana can’t resist making her a gift of them. Malika adores them so much, she wears them everywhere—at home, around the neighborhood, to a family wedding, Nana’s Christmas dinner, to school and her best friend’s birthday party, too.
But Malika is growing all the while she is having fun, and soon her special shoes are too small. It is time to pass them along to the local resale shop, where Amina’s Auntie discovers them and brings them back home to Africa for her. Like Malika before her, Amina adores her new red shoes and delights in wearing them.
Glenn’s softly graphic artwork is edged with gently curving lines. Her palette is warm and bright, and Malika and Amina are both brought to life with whimsical gestures and sweet expressions.
Red Shoes is a joyful story that captures the simple pleasure and delight of a new pair of shoes, and how this shared experience connects two little girls across the globe.
Buy this book:
Barnes & Noble
Bird Meets Worm Bookshop
Independent Bookstores
Reviewed by: Jane Smith
RED SHOES
Written by Karen English • Illustrated by Ebony Glenn
Picture Book (ages 4-8) • 32 pages
Published by Scholastic Press • 2020
ISBN: 978-1-338-11460-7
When Malika is enchanted by a special pair of bright red shoes, her nana can’t resist making her a gift of them. Malika adores them so much, she wears them everywhere—at home, around the neighborhood, to a family wedding, Nana’s Christmas dinner, to school and her best friend’s birthday party, too.
But Malika is growing all the while she is having fun, and soon her special shoes are too small. It is time to pass them along to the local resale shop, where Amina’s Auntie discovers them and brings them back home to Africa for her. Like Malika before her, Amina adores her new red shoes and delights in wearing them.
Glenn’s softly graphic artwork is edged with gently curving lines. Her palette is warm and bright, and Malika and Amina are both brought to life with whimsical gestures and sweet expressions.
Red Shoes is a joyful story that captures the simple pleasure and delight of a new pair of shoes, and how this shared experience connects two little girls across the globe.
Buy this book:
Barnes & Noble
Bird Meets Worm Bookshop
Independent Bookstores
Reviewed by: Jane Smith
Tuesday, September 7, 2021
Unicorn Character Study
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| Toddler unicorn character study • What do you think her name should be? • © Jane Smith |
Super Star Interviews: Mark Fearing
Welcome to my monthly interview feature! I’m so excited to be interviewing all the fabulous artists, illustrators and designers I’ve meet over the years (both personally and virtually!) and sharing their artwork and experiences here on Bird Meets Worm. Look for a new interview on the first Tuesday of every month.
This month I'm thrilled to pieces to be chatting it up with the super talented, super funny author-illustrator Mark Fearing! If you can believe it, Mark and I first met nearly 20 years ago when we both were living in Los Angeles and were active with our local SCBWI. It's the absolute coolest to catch up now, because Mark has made more than 20+ awesome children's books since then. He is also an animator and art & creative director, having worked with Sony Online, Pearson Television and Walt Disney TV Animation over the course of his career. Mark currently lives and works in Oregon with his family, two dogs and waaay too many cats! You can view more of his super fun artwork here.
Q: Your NEW picture book Castle Gesundheit is releasing this fall with Candlewick Press! (That’s SO super star! Congratulations! Can't wait to check it out!) Give us the full scoop: what is it all about, how did it come to be, and can we expect more of your signature style and humor?
A: Castle Gesundheit will be out and about in November, I believe. But like so many things these days, schedules shift and deadlines change. But that is the plan.
It's a slightly different style than my previous Candlewick book—The Frightful Ride of Michael McMichael. This one is line driven and not as painterly. I like to try new styles and often my ideas are matched to a style of art in my head. I am perhaps too undisciplined to always do the same art style every time. But I feel like the projects often demand slightly different approaches.
Q: I thoroughly enjoy your dry wit and goofy humor that always comes across the page! Dish with us a bit about your creative influences & inspirations: the who/what/where.
A: I have a really wide set of work that influences me. I am most influenced by author-illustrators and fine artists. Wiliam Steig, Ronald Searle, John Agee, the Provensen's all make work that inspires me. I tend to like line art and whimsical styles that are not about rendering true to life imagery. I enjoy many of the Mad Magazine style cartoonists and follow many European comic artists. Fine artists like George Grosz, Otto Dix and Kadinsky have as much influence on me as my favorite cartoonists and illustrators.
Q: Your illustration work spans a variety of genres from picture books to graphic novels to animation. How do you switch back and forth between these genres, and how are they both similar and different for you as an artist?
A: Picture books are, for me, by far the most difficult genre/format. With GN's for older readers you have many more levers to pull to create a compelling experience for a reader. More complicated plots, multiple POV's, secondary characters ETC, ETC. Picture books work as part poem, part haiku, part short story, and I struggle in writing them. Rarely do I get a manuscript out through my agent that hasn't had 8 months to 2 or 3 years of work behind it. I am slow! Both formats require visual storytelling, but picture books ask the illustration to play an integral part in the narrative in most cases, while there is greater latitude in graphic novels as to how one uses illustrations. Both offer a wide gamut of visual possibilities.
Q: Over the course of your career, you have illustrated more than 20+ children’s books, and doubtless have seen many highs and lows, as most creative professionals do. In what ways, do you practice resilience as an artist? How do you handle both success and rejection over time?
A: Rejection sucks. I just got a rejection today. I seem to handle it better at this point in my life than I used to, though I worry it's more like PTSD than an actual, healthy reaction to rejection. I go a bit numb, question why I am trying to do this job and wonder if it's too late for law school. Most likely if you are in this type of career ('the arts') you are a 'touchy-feely' artist type. Or at least you are slightly more sensitive/empathetic to the world and yet—we face constant rejection. So that's not a great recipe for a healthy attitude! You have to find a way through it and place rejections in perspective. You spend months, or years, on a project and you watch it get passed on. And there's no short cut. You can't put in less work, you can't not prepare things to submit...I work in TV animation from time to time and had a show in development for about a year and it got killed about a month ago. That hurts, too. But again, that's the most common outcome in these jobs. I'm not sure what the 'bating average' is for author/illustrators, but 30% is probably good. That means 70% of the time you are dealing some kind of rejection on your project.
For me 'success' is a complicated word. I am very aware of my good fortune in getting the opportunities I have had, but the projects I love the most have rarely gone forward. And some that have gone out into the world—fall flat. Ouch! So while I am thrilled when something I worked on moves forward it's always tempered with a backward glance of 'what could have been.' And that's on me. That is a less than desirable personality trait. So why continue? What makes it 'worth it' other than a lack of interest in doing anything else? For me it's the moments when I'm writing or drawing and something 'clicks' and works. It feels electric. Talking to readers who enjoy your work helps, and letters from students. Or when you get word that a publisher is going to acquire your project and when you get that first copy of a book. Those moments have to be enough to propel you forward.
Q: What do you know now that when you first began your illustration career you wish you’d known about: 1) children’s book illustration, 2) promotion, 3) working with an agent and, 4) the book publishing business?
A: I have a more general insight. I came to this profession late in life. I had worked for over 18 years in professional design/video game/advertising jobs, so I had an understanding AND fear of freelancing! Regular checks are a thing of my past. The misunderstanding I had about books and writing/illustration in general was that—if I was 'good enough' to do it professionally, it would come easier. It took me so much effort to get to work I liked (written and illustrated) that I doubted I had the skills to be a professional in this market. I also seemed to reinvent the wheel on every project I attempted. I felt like I was missing some secret that would make the endless noodling and revising of ideas a thing of the past for me and THAT would mean I was a 'Professional'. But, after meeting more illustrators and authors I realized—it is a lot of work for everybody. And there's no one way to do it. Every writer and illustrator I know works differently and you can't think it out. You have to put words on the page or lines on the paper. Which means you spend a lot of time 'getting it wrong'. I thought a 'real' writer or artist just sat down and KNEW what to do. (Honestly I still think that, but I have seldom seen anyone able to practice that.) But I do not have a perfectly clear notion of what I want to do until I start doing it, and that means there's a lot of stops-and-starts along the way. A lot of work no one sees along the way. A lot of time that goes into getting back to where you start again.
As for promotion, yikes! That's really changed in the past 20 years and I have no solid advice except —do good work—and get it in front of people. Finding an agent you get along with is important but agents can only do so much. It's up to you to create work they can sell. The book publishing business is changing quickly. There are fads and systemic shifts that influence ones' career. The only aspect of your career that you control completely is the 'quality' of the work you produce. Be professional, hit your deadlines, stay away from work you truly don't want to do and find a way to approach your work with eyes open to the difficulties and frustrations but also the enjoyment, fun and creative possibility in what we do.
Also, taking the word 'professional' seriously is important to me. For me it means I try and work on my books as consistently as when I went into an office every day. It is my full time job. It means I take deadlines seriously, that I listen carefully and considerately to those who take time to provide feedback on my work (even if I disagree) and I examine what I am trying to do with the opportunities I have.
Q: Describe your most perfect Sunday.
A: I try and walk every morning around sunrise and clear my head. It's far nicer to do when the weather is pleasant, so nice weather is the start of a 'perfect' Sunday. I make an effort to read everyday, in the summer on our front porch. I stay away from the news that depresses me and causes anxiety if I can. My daughter and I like to hike at the coast and my wife and I usually walk the dogs each day. And of course good black tea. Iced if it's hot, hot if it's cold. Those are all part of a 'perfect' Sunday.
Thank you SO much, Mark, for catching up with us here at Bird Meets Worm! We think you rock and are looking forward to the release of Castle Gesundheit!
This month I'm thrilled to pieces to be chatting it up with the super talented, super funny author-illustrator Mark Fearing! If you can believe it, Mark and I first met nearly 20 years ago when we both were living in Los Angeles and were active with our local SCBWI. It's the absolute coolest to catch up now, because Mark has made more than 20+ awesome children's books since then. He is also an animator and art & creative director, having worked with Sony Online, Pearson Television and Walt Disney TV Animation over the course of his career. Mark currently lives and works in Oregon with his family, two dogs and waaay too many cats! You can view more of his super fun artwork here.
 |
| Doesn't this look hilarious?! Ha Ha! |
Q: Your NEW picture book Castle Gesundheit is releasing this fall with Candlewick Press! (That’s SO super star! Congratulations! Can't wait to check it out!) Give us the full scoop: what is it all about, how did it come to be, and can we expect more of your signature style and humor?
A: Castle Gesundheit will be out and about in November, I believe. But like so many things these days, schedules shift and deadlines change. But that is the plan.
It's a slightly different style than my previous Candlewick book—The Frightful Ride of Michael McMichael. This one is line driven and not as painterly. I like to try new styles and often my ideas are matched to a style of art in my head. I am perhaps too undisciplined to always do the same art style every time. But I feel like the projects often demand slightly different approaches.
I wanted to do a book about a castle (I know, it seems weird, but that was what I was into at that moment), and over a few weeks this idea took form. It started with me writing down the title 'Castle Gesundheit' and then asking myself who lived there. Of course it had to be Baron Von Sneeze. Over another few months this story developed. It was helped along by our family recently being adopted by a homeless/feral cat and her kittens. We had some rescuing to do and my life became pretty inundated with cats. I am allergic to animal hair and dander, which has been troublesome my entire life since I grew up on a farm and we already have two german shepherds, but now I had cat hair in the mix, too. This was certainly part of the inspiration for the book as you'll see once you read it.
(Psst! You can pre-order your very own copy of Castle Gesundheit here today:)
 |
| Oh, geesh!! That's a LOT of cats! |
Q: I thoroughly enjoy your dry wit and goofy humor that always comes across the page! Dish with us a bit about your creative influences & inspirations: the who/what/where.
A: I have a really wide set of work that influences me. I am most influenced by author-illustrators and fine artists. Wiliam Steig, Ronald Searle, John Agee, the Provensen's all make work that inspires me. I tend to like line art and whimsical styles that are not about rendering true to life imagery. I enjoy many of the Mad Magazine style cartoonists and follow many European comic artists. Fine artists like George Grosz, Otto Dix and Kadinsky have as much influence on me as my favorite cartoonists and illustrators.
 |
| Call me cat-lady-crazy, but this looks cozy! |
Q: Your illustration work spans a variety of genres from picture books to graphic novels to animation. How do you switch back and forth between these genres, and how are they both similar and different for you as an artist?
A: Picture books are, for me, by far the most difficult genre/format. With GN's for older readers you have many more levers to pull to create a compelling experience for a reader. More complicated plots, multiple POV's, secondary characters ETC, ETC. Picture books work as part poem, part haiku, part short story, and I struggle in writing them. Rarely do I get a manuscript out through my agent that hasn't had 8 months to 2 or 3 years of work behind it. I am slow! Both formats require visual storytelling, but picture books ask the illustration to play an integral part in the narrative in most cases, while there is greater latitude in graphic novels as to how one uses illustrations. Both offer a wide gamut of visual possibilities.
In the current market I find more picture books I enjoy reading than graphic novels, which I am trying to figure out. Often graphic novels are overly talky (The size of those word balloons!) and too often the art doesn't add to the narrative/metaphors/world so much as simply demonstrate physical locations. With several recent GN's I have read I feel like the author would have been better served writing a novella than adding images. With the restricted word counts in picture books at least authors have to be concise.
 |
| Watch out! Vampire bat alert! |
Q: Over the course of your career, you have illustrated more than 20+ children’s books, and doubtless have seen many highs and lows, as most creative professionals do. In what ways, do you practice resilience as an artist? How do you handle both success and rejection over time?
A: Rejection sucks. I just got a rejection today. I seem to handle it better at this point in my life than I used to, though I worry it's more like PTSD than an actual, healthy reaction to rejection. I go a bit numb, question why I am trying to do this job and wonder if it's too late for law school. Most likely if you are in this type of career ('the arts') you are a 'touchy-feely' artist type. Or at least you are slightly more sensitive/empathetic to the world and yet—we face constant rejection. So that's not a great recipe for a healthy attitude! You have to find a way through it and place rejections in perspective. You spend months, or years, on a project and you watch it get passed on. And there's no short cut. You can't put in less work, you can't not prepare things to submit...I work in TV animation from time to time and had a show in development for about a year and it got killed about a month ago. That hurts, too. But again, that's the most common outcome in these jobs. I'm not sure what the 'bating average' is for author/illustrators, but 30% is probably good. That means 70% of the time you are dealing some kind of rejection on your project.
For me 'success' is a complicated word. I am very aware of my good fortune in getting the opportunities I have had, but the projects I love the most have rarely gone forward. And some that have gone out into the world—fall flat. Ouch! So while I am thrilled when something I worked on moves forward it's always tempered with a backward glance of 'what could have been.' And that's on me. That is a less than desirable personality trait. So why continue? What makes it 'worth it' other than a lack of interest in doing anything else? For me it's the moments when I'm writing or drawing and something 'clicks' and works. It feels electric. Talking to readers who enjoy your work helps, and letters from students. Or when you get word that a publisher is going to acquire your project and when you get that first copy of a book. Those moments have to be enough to propel you forward.
 |
| Arg! That darn full moon! |
Q: What do you know now that when you first began your illustration career you wish you’d known about: 1) children’s book illustration, 2) promotion, 3) working with an agent and, 4) the book publishing business?
A: I have a more general insight. I came to this profession late in life. I had worked for over 18 years in professional design/video game/advertising jobs, so I had an understanding AND fear of freelancing! Regular checks are a thing of my past. The misunderstanding I had about books and writing/illustration in general was that—if I was 'good enough' to do it professionally, it would come easier. It took me so much effort to get to work I liked (written and illustrated) that I doubted I had the skills to be a professional in this market. I also seemed to reinvent the wheel on every project I attempted. I felt like I was missing some secret that would make the endless noodling and revising of ideas a thing of the past for me and THAT would mean I was a 'Professional'. But, after meeting more illustrators and authors I realized—it is a lot of work for everybody. And there's no one way to do it. Every writer and illustrator I know works differently and you can't think it out. You have to put words on the page or lines on the paper. Which means you spend a lot of time 'getting it wrong'. I thought a 'real' writer or artist just sat down and KNEW what to do. (Honestly I still think that, but I have seldom seen anyone able to practice that.) But I do not have a perfectly clear notion of what I want to do until I start doing it, and that means there's a lot of stops-and-starts along the way. A lot of work no one sees along the way. A lot of time that goes into getting back to where you start again.
As for promotion, yikes! That's really changed in the past 20 years and I have no solid advice except —do good work—and get it in front of people. Finding an agent you get along with is important but agents can only do so much. It's up to you to create work they can sell. The book publishing business is changing quickly. There are fads and systemic shifts that influence ones' career. The only aspect of your career that you control completely is the 'quality' of the work you produce. Be professional, hit your deadlines, stay away from work you truly don't want to do and find a way to approach your work with eyes open to the difficulties and frustrations but also the enjoyment, fun and creative possibility in what we do.
Also, taking the word 'professional' seriously is important to me. For me it means I try and work on my books as consistently as when I went into an office every day. It is my full time job. It means I take deadlines seriously, that I listen carefully and considerately to those who take time to provide feedback on my work (even if I disagree) and I examine what I am trying to do with the opportunities I have.
 |
| Boo! Ugh...nice try! |
Q: Describe your most perfect Sunday.
A: I try and walk every morning around sunrise and clear my head. It's far nicer to do when the weather is pleasant, so nice weather is the start of a 'perfect' Sunday. I make an effort to read everyday, in the summer on our front porch. I stay away from the news that depresses me and causes anxiety if I can. My daughter and I like to hike at the coast and my wife and I usually walk the dogs each day. And of course good black tea. Iced if it's hot, hot if it's cold. Those are all part of a 'perfect' Sunday.
Thank you SO much, Mark, for catching up with us here at Bird Meets Worm! We think you rock and are looking forward to the release of Castle Gesundheit!
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