Erik Brooks's Blog, page 104

Ta Dah!

Who Has These Feet? , my first true picture book project with Henry Holt is out today! You could have pre-ordered copies on Amazon months ago, and both the Cleveland public library system AND my local bookstore already have their copies (call and order to have one signed!), but the "official" release date is certifiably upon us. Speaking of which, I am going certifiably insane with final adjustments to the art for a follow-up... but that's a tale for another day.

Welcome to the world, Feet!!!!!
PS And congratualtions to author Laura Hulbert on her debut children's book publication. We've had several good reviews from Kirkus and School Library Journal (no small "feet" in and of itself) -- some of which I'll post in the next several days.

PPS I too trumped the release date and was sharing this book with my summer reading visits here in North Central Washington. The guessing game format is terrific for read-a-loud library settings with younger children -- not to mention the "beyond the book" potential for discussing animal habitats and where in the world all of these varied creatures live.

Spotlight on Humbolt Author Fest: Author/illustrator Erik Brooks

A nice little bio in San Francisco's Examiner.com -- with much thanks to the promotional efforts of the Humbolt County Author Festival. Phew, does that mean its almost October?

Spotlight on HumCo Author Fest: Author/illustrator Erik Brooks

Sketchbook: 7.27.11

Good News!

OK, so I'll admit to photo shopping this image just a bit, but Pottery Barn Kids DID recently place an "nice sized" order for Polar Opposites . Its not there yet, but keep an eye out for Alex and Zina in a store/catalog near you a little later this fall!

PS The kid holding the book could easily be me when I was 10.

Summertime!

On the drawing board... and in the deli!

Another work-in-progress from WHO HAS THIS TAIL? I'm wrapping this book up early next week and it'll be VERY nice to kick off the official start of summer by shipping off the art!
If you happen to visit Winthrop this summer you can find an assortment of Harts Pass comics and a few acrylic painting on display (and for sale) at Boulder Creek Deli. While you're at it, you can't go wrong with the Single Tracker sandwich for lunch. Yum :)

Illustration Friday: Shadows

click the comic to enlarge 
This summer, I hope to get back on a more regular Illustration Friday submissions schedule. Kicking thing off, here is a cross-over post with Harts Pass Comics. Unfortunately, the shadows of the past frequently persist...

"Like" Harts Pass on Facebook and/or get weekly growls with the Wolverine Wednesday Twitter feed.

Once upon a time...

Four or five years ago I was midway through illustrating a tall tale when the publisher decided that the market wasn't quite right for such a story. Curiously (to me at least), it seemed more prudent to table the project rather than proceed to publication. Fairly enough, I was duly compensated for my work, but it was still sad (and a bit deflating) to have several months of effort and inspiration never fully realized.

I haven't thought a lot about the characters in recent years, but this past weekend I stumbled across a pile of sketches. I haven't drawn many people lately, so it was fun to look back and realize how much fun it was to experiment with their gestures and expressions.

It also reminds me that I should pick a piece or two to finish up and round out my portfolio!

On the Drawing Board: June 2011

With Who Has These Feet? due out August 16th, I've been hard at work on a 2012 follow-up. Any guesses what the new book's title will be :)

StoryHike goes live!

Earlier this week, my daughter and I helped set the signs for this summer's TOTEM TALE StoryHike. I'll post a few pictures of the trail soon and send out a reminder for the guided reading/hike on National Trails Day. For now, learn more at MVSTA and visit the Beaver Pond trail at Sun Mt. to read the book anytime you like!