Tom Lichtenheld's Blog

I’m working on a new book concept with Amy Krouse Rosenthal, comprised of about 60 sketches. One of the pages is about a little girl who’s happily messy. I showed Amy the first sketch, which I thought was fine, but she thought it could be better. She said one thing that captured what needed to be done; “make one sock up and the other sock down.” With this germ of inspiration, I did this new and much better drawing. Good writers make me a better illustrator. Thanks, Amy!

When I need a breather from the studio, I go for a bike ride along the Fox river. It’s a good time for working out whatever book problem is vexing me at the moment, and I often get some doodling inspiration.

Ezra Fields-Meyer joined me at the LA Book Festival for some book-signing. A fabulous event made better by (finally!) meeting the young man who inspired E-mergency.

Photo by Shawn Fields-Meyer

I’ll be here Sunday, April 22nd, at 10:30 am on the Target stage.

Signing books afterwards at the nearby signing area.

BONUS! MEET THE YOUNG MAN WHO INSPIRED “E-MERGENCY!” 

Ezra Fields-Meyer will be joining me for the book signing. A rare opportunity to have your book signed by co-conspirators of silliness.

At 12:30, I’ll be signing at the Kinokuniya Books Booth, no.190.

Be sure to visit the Chronicle Book Booth, no.550

I saw many interesting things while visiting New York this week, but this was easily the most puzzling. Spotted from my hotel room at the intersection of Canal and 6th. Go figure.

Congratulations to Chris Barton on winning the Illinois School Library Media Association's Monarch Award for Shark vs. Train. The award is determined by a vote among elementary school students, so it's especially gratifying to know that our audience loves the book.

It's always a big day when I finish the illustrations for a new book ship them off to publisher. To celebrate the completion of the most recent one – about a boy who teaches a baby bird to sing – my wife gave me a musically-adorned bird.

As I write this, the studio windows are open for the first time this year and the birds are singing up a storm, so everyone seems to be celebrating.

Thanks to my wife for the birdie and her everlasting patience, and to Christy Ottaviano for bringing this wonderful project to me.