Jamie Michalak's Blog, page 31
August 29, 2014
Quote of the Week
August 27, 2014
The Little Crooked Bookshelf
FLASHLIGHT
by Lizi Boyd
What it's all about . . .
A boy camping in the woods uses his flashlight to illuminate gentle woodland creatures, plants, and flowers. This wordless picture book, illustrated mostly in black and white, includes cut-outs and a visual surprise on every page.
Why it's on The Little Crooked Bookshelf . . .
Original and stunning, FLASHLIGHT is an ode to night, nature, and art.
Our favorite illustrations . . .
From FLASHLIGHT. Illustration copyright 2014 by Lizi Boyd.
From FLASHLIGHT. Illustration copyright 2014 by Lizi Boyd. Why kids will love it . . . After reading FLASHLIGHT, kids will want to break out their own flashlights to explore the natural world around them. They'll also love the surprise ending--tables are turned when an owl shines the light on the boy, providing the first time we see the boy in color.
Why grown-ups will love it . . .
This book might help parents reassure children who are afraid of the dark.
*TO ENTER TO WIN A COPY OF FLASHLIGHT,
ADD A COMMENT IN THE SECTION BELOW!
THE WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED ON WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3rd.
August 25, 2014
Mr. Pig Visits . . . Matt Tavares!
Greetings, folks! I'm heading up to the beautiful state of Maine for a seaside studio tour with author-illustrator Matt Tavares (Zachary's Ball, Becoming Babe Ruth, Jubilee, Growing Up Pedro, and many others!)
Wow, sure is pretty up here. Aha, here we are!
Hey, Mr. Pig! Come on in! The studio is right through here. . . .
As you already know (since you were just standing in my living room) my studio is right here in my house. I live with my wife and our two daughters in an old house by the ocean in Maine. My studio takes up two rooms. This room is where I do pretty much all of my work—writing, drawing, painting, research. Here you can see my drawing table, bookcase, a bunch of artwork by my kids, some baseballs, a sculpture I did in college, and an old typewriter.
This is the back corner of our house. Two of the walls have great big windows, as you can see, which make this area nice and bright for painting. On summer days (like today) it's great to have the windows open. Even if I'm inside working all day, it's pretty awesome to be able to open the windows and smell the ocean. The only downside to this room is that it was originally designed to be a "three-season room," and gets pretty chilly in the winter. No problem though. I just bundle up and get to work!
Oh, yes, I know how that is—it can get pretty chilly in the Cottage, too.
Over here is my drawing table, where I do all the artwork that ends up in my books. I've had that table since I was a kid, and it's still my favorite place to draw and paint.
By the window, you can see the relatively new part of my studio—I've started learning how to draw on my computer. Here, let's take a closer look. . . .
I do all my preliminary sketches on the computer, using a digital drawing tablet (it's a Wacom Intuos 4, if you're wondering).
Oh, yes, I was going to ask. I believe I was created on a Wacom—in case you were wondering.
Ha. I thought so, Mr. Pig. I like using the computer for the early stages of my illustrations, because it allows me to move things around, try different ideas, and I can place the text right where it belongs to get a better sense of how the words and pictures will fit together.
I draw on the tablet, and it shows up on the screen. It took a little getting used to, and I'm still most comfortable drawing with traditional materials. But for this part of the process, I really love being able to work digitally.
Fascinating!
Once I get to the final art, the real paintings that you see in my books, I go back to the old drawing table and use real paint, pencils, brushes, and paper. Here's a picture I took as I was just starting the cover art for Growing Up Pedro, which comes out in February.
Oh, I love that one. I see you keep lots of photos around for reference. Our young readers (and baseball fans) will enjoy seeing this. Speaking of young readers, here's one now!
As you can see, sometimes my kids work with me. That's my daughter, who seems to be drawing some kind of sea monster attacking people on a beach (or maybe he's just chatting with them, I can't tell) while I paint a picture of Ramon and Pedro Martinez.
One of the best things about working at home is when my kids come hang out in my studio and work with me. Sometimes it can be a little bit distracting though!
Ha! Well, I always say, there's a fine line between distracting and inspirational. Maybe you ought to do a book about a sea monster.
There's an idea! Feel free to take a closer look at the art supplies on the table next to my drawing table. I use mostly watercolor and pencil, and sometimes gouache and ink.
Ah, I love the smell of gouache in the morning.
The original owners of the house called this room "the library" and it has great built-in wooden bookcases on two of the walls. So it's perfect for an art studio -- lots of places to store art supplies, and I can spend my days making books while being surrounded by books!
The built-in bookcase on this wall goes from the floor right up to the ceiling.
Lovely! Reminds me of my Little Crooked Bookshelf back home. (I have to use a ladder to get to the top, though.)
Probably the coolest thing about my studio are these old double doors between the two rooms. A previous owner of our house was the postmaster in town. And when they built the new post office in 1963, he took these old doors out of the old post office and installed them here.They lead to the other room in my studio, which is mostly just boxes of books, flat files filled with artwork . . .
. . . and a blank white wall where I keep all the illustrations whenever I'm working on a book. It's very helpful to be able to put all the artwork up on the wall, so I can see what's working, what's not, and how all the pictures fit together (or don't).
Oh, I just remembered a couple more things I want to show you in the other room!
Sometimes I make turtles out of papier mache. Just kidding, my daughters made these. Aren't they awesome?
Awesome with awesome sauce! I dabble in a little paper mache myself, you know. (Mostly pigs.)
The other coolest things in my studio are these two color photographs of Ted Williams, from his rookie season, 1939. They're both signed by Ted Williams and by the photographer, Arthur Griffin. I wrote about these pictures on my blog once. Check them out if you're curious: http://matttavaresbooks.blogspot.com/2011/12/ted-williams-arthur-griffin-and-me.html
Cool is right! Your studio may be one of the coolest I've visited as a matter of fact.
Thanks, Mr. Pig! Well, I wish you could stay all day, but I've got a deadline. Thanks for visiting! Stop by any time!
Thanks for having me, Matt! Good luck with that deadline!
Isn't he just the nicest fellow? And so talented. Check out this video of Matt drawing!
Matt Tavares was born in Boston, Massachusetts in 1975. He grew up in Winchester, a suburb just outside of Boston.
Matt wrote and illustrated his first picture book, Sebastian's Ball, as his senior thesis at Bates College. Three years later, after much revision, Sebastian's Ball became Zachary's Ball, his first published picture book. Zachary's Ball went on to win an Oppenheim Gold Seal Award, a Massachusetts Book Award Honor, and was named one of Yankee Magazine's 40 Classic New England Children's Books.
Since then, Matt has published fifteen more books. He is the author-illustrator of Growing Up Pedro; Becoming Babe Ruth; There Goes Ted Williams: The Greatest Hitter Who Ever Lived; Henry Aaron's Dream; Mudball; and Oliver's Game. He is the illustrator of Jubilee! by Alicia Potter; Over the River and Through the Wood by L. Maria Child; Helen's Big World, by Doreen Rappaport; Jack's Path of Courage: The Life of John F. Kennedy, written by Doreen Rappaport; The Gingerbread Pirates, by Kristin Kladstrup; 'Twas the Night Before Christmas, attributed to Anonymous; Jack and the Beanstalk, by E. Nesbit; Iron Hans: A Grimms' Fairy Tale, retold by Stephen Mitchell; and Lady Liberty: A Biography, by Doreen Rappaport.
Matt's books have won numerous awards, including three Parents' Choice Gold Awards, six Oppenheim Gold Seal Awards, an Oppenheim Paltinum Award, an International Reading Association Children's Book Award, and an Orbis Pictus Award for Oustanding Nonfiction for Children. His books have also garnered starred reviews in Publisher's Weekly, The Horn Book Magazine, School Library Journal, Booklist, and Kirkus Reviews. His artwork has been exhibited at the Museum of American Illustration at the Society of Illustrators, the Brandywine River Museum, and the Mazza Museum of Picture Book Art.
Matt lives in Maine with his wife, Sarah, and their two daughters.
Visit him at www.matttavares.com.
Wow, sure is pretty up here. Aha, here we are!
Hey, Mr. Pig! Come on in! The studio is right through here. . . .
As you already know (since you were just standing in my living room) my studio is right here in my house. I live with my wife and our two daughters in an old house by the ocean in Maine. My studio takes up two rooms. This room is where I do pretty much all of my work—writing, drawing, painting, research. Here you can see my drawing table, bookcase, a bunch of artwork by my kids, some baseballs, a sculpture I did in college, and an old typewriter.
This is the back corner of our house. Two of the walls have great big windows, as you can see, which make this area nice and bright for painting. On summer days (like today) it's great to have the windows open. Even if I'm inside working all day, it's pretty awesome to be able to open the windows and smell the ocean. The only downside to this room is that it was originally designed to be a "three-season room," and gets pretty chilly in the winter. No problem though. I just bundle up and get to work!
Oh, yes, I know how that is—it can get pretty chilly in the Cottage, too.
Over here is my drawing table, where I do all the artwork that ends up in my books. I've had that table since I was a kid, and it's still my favorite place to draw and paint.
By the window, you can see the relatively new part of my studio—I've started learning how to draw on my computer. Here, let's take a closer look. . . .
I do all my preliminary sketches on the computer, using a digital drawing tablet (it's a Wacom Intuos 4, if you're wondering).
Oh, yes, I was going to ask. I believe I was created on a Wacom—in case you were wondering.
Ha. I thought so, Mr. Pig. I like using the computer for the early stages of my illustrations, because it allows me to move things around, try different ideas, and I can place the text right where it belongs to get a better sense of how the words and pictures will fit together.
I draw on the tablet, and it shows up on the screen. It took a little getting used to, and I'm still most comfortable drawing with traditional materials. But for this part of the process, I really love being able to work digitally.
Fascinating!
Once I get to the final art, the real paintings that you see in my books, I go back to the old drawing table and use real paint, pencils, brushes, and paper. Here's a picture I took as I was just starting the cover art for Growing Up Pedro, which comes out in February.
Oh, I love that one. I see you keep lots of photos around for reference. Our young readers (and baseball fans) will enjoy seeing this. Speaking of young readers, here's one now!
As you can see, sometimes my kids work with me. That's my daughter, who seems to be drawing some kind of sea monster attacking people on a beach (or maybe he's just chatting with them, I can't tell) while I paint a picture of Ramon and Pedro Martinez.
One of the best things about working at home is when my kids come hang out in my studio and work with me. Sometimes it can be a little bit distracting though!
Ha! Well, I always say, there's a fine line between distracting and inspirational. Maybe you ought to do a book about a sea monster.
There's an idea! Feel free to take a closer look at the art supplies on the table next to my drawing table. I use mostly watercolor and pencil, and sometimes gouache and ink.
Ah, I love the smell of gouache in the morning.
The original owners of the house called this room "the library" and it has great built-in wooden bookcases on two of the walls. So it's perfect for an art studio -- lots of places to store art supplies, and I can spend my days making books while being surrounded by books!
The built-in bookcase on this wall goes from the floor right up to the ceiling.
Lovely! Reminds me of my Little Crooked Bookshelf back home. (I have to use a ladder to get to the top, though.)
Probably the coolest thing about my studio are these old double doors between the two rooms. A previous owner of our house was the postmaster in town. And when they built the new post office in 1963, he took these old doors out of the old post office and installed them here.They lead to the other room in my studio, which is mostly just boxes of books, flat files filled with artwork . . .
. . . and a blank white wall where I keep all the illustrations whenever I'm working on a book. It's very helpful to be able to put all the artwork up on the wall, so I can see what's working, what's not, and how all the pictures fit together (or don't).
Oh, I just remembered a couple more things I want to show you in the other room!
Sometimes I make turtles out of papier mache. Just kidding, my daughters made these. Aren't they awesome?
Awesome with awesome sauce! I dabble in a little paper mache myself, you know. (Mostly pigs.)
The other coolest things in my studio are these two color photographs of Ted Williams, from his rookie season, 1939. They're both signed by Ted Williams and by the photographer, Arthur Griffin. I wrote about these pictures on my blog once. Check them out if you're curious: http://matttavaresbooks.blogspot.com/2011/12/ted-williams-arthur-griffin-and-me.html
Cool is right! Your studio may be one of the coolest I've visited as a matter of fact.
Thanks, Mr. Pig! Well, I wish you could stay all day, but I've got a deadline. Thanks for visiting! Stop by any time!
Thanks for having me, Matt! Good luck with that deadline!
Isn't he just the nicest fellow? And so talented. Check out this video of Matt drawing!
Matt Tavares was born in Boston, Massachusetts in 1975. He grew up in Winchester, a suburb just outside of Boston. Matt wrote and illustrated his first picture book, Sebastian's Ball, as his senior thesis at Bates College. Three years later, after much revision, Sebastian's Ball became Zachary's Ball, his first published picture book. Zachary's Ball went on to win an Oppenheim Gold Seal Award, a Massachusetts Book Award Honor, and was named one of Yankee Magazine's 40 Classic New England Children's Books.
Since then, Matt has published fifteen more books. He is the author-illustrator of Growing Up Pedro; Becoming Babe Ruth; There Goes Ted Williams: The Greatest Hitter Who Ever Lived; Henry Aaron's Dream; Mudball; and Oliver's Game. He is the illustrator of Jubilee! by Alicia Potter; Over the River and Through the Wood by L. Maria Child; Helen's Big World, by Doreen Rappaport; Jack's Path of Courage: The Life of John F. Kennedy, written by Doreen Rappaport; The Gingerbread Pirates, by Kristin Kladstrup; 'Twas the Night Before Christmas, attributed to Anonymous; Jack and the Beanstalk, by E. Nesbit; Iron Hans: A Grimms' Fairy Tale, retold by Stephen Mitchell; and Lady Liberty: A Biography, by Doreen Rappaport.
Matt's books have won numerous awards, including three Parents' Choice Gold Awards, six Oppenheim Gold Seal Awards, an Oppenheim Paltinum Award, an International Reading Association Children's Book Award, and an Orbis Pictus Award for Oustanding Nonfiction for Children. His books have also garnered starred reviews in Publisher's Weekly, The Horn Book Magazine, School Library Journal, Booklist, and Kirkus Reviews. His artwork has been exhibited at the Museum of American Illustration at the Society of Illustrators, the Brandywine River Museum, and the Mazza Museum of Picture Book Art.Matt lives in Maine with his wife, Sarah, and their two daughters.
Visit him at www.matttavares.com.
Mr. Pig Visits. . . Matt Tavares!
Greetings, folks! I'm heading up to the beautiful state of Maine for a seaside studio tour with author-illustartor Matt Tavares! (Zacahry's Ball, Becoming Babe Ruth, Jubilee, Growing Up Pedro and many others!)
Wow, sure is pretty up here. Aha, here we are!
Hey, Mr. Pig! Come on in! The studio is right through here...
As you already know (since you were just standing in my living room) my studio is right here in my house. I live with my wife and our two daughters in an old house by the ocean in Maine. My studio takes up two rooms. This room is where I do pretty much all of my work—writing, drawing, painting, research. Here you can see my drawing table, book case, a bunch of artwork by my kids, some baseballs, a sculpture I did in college, and an old typewriter.
This is the back corner of our house, and two of the walls have great big windows, as you can see, which makes it nice and bright for painting. On summer days (like today) it's great to have the windows open. Even if I'm inside working all day, it's pretty awesome to be able to open the windows and smell the ocean. The only down side to this room is that it was originally designed to be a "three season room," and gets pretty chilly in the winter. No problem though, I just bundle up and get to work!
Oh, yes, I know how that is—it can get pretty chilly in the Cottage, too.
Over here is my drawing table, where I do all the artwork that ends up in my books. I've had that table since I was a kid, and it's still my favorite place to draw and paint.
By the window, you can see the relatively new part of my studio—I've started learning how to draw on my computer. Here, let's take a closer look...
I do all my preliminary sketches on the computer, using a digital drawing tablet (it's a Wacom Intuos 4, if you're wondering).
Oh, yes, I was going to ask. I believe I was created on a Wacom—in case you were wondering.
Ha. I thought so, Mr. Pig. I like using the computer for the early stages of my illustrations, because it allows me to move things around, try different ideas, and I can place the text right where it belongs to get a better sense of how the words and pictures will fit together.
I draw on the tablet, and it shows up on the screen. It took a little getting used to, and I'm still most comfortable drawing with traditional materials. But for this part of the process, I really love being able to work digitally.
Fascinating!
Once I get to the final art, the real paintings that you see in my books, I go back to the old drawing table and use real paint, pencils, brushes, and paper. Here's a picture I took as I was just starting the cover art for Growing Up Pedro, which comes out in February.
Oh, I love that one. I see you keep lots of photos around for reference. Our young readers (and baseball fans) will enjoy seeing this. Speaking of young readers, here's one now!
As you can see, sometimes my kids work with me. That's my daughter, who seems to be drawing some kind of sea monster attacking people on a beach (or maybe he's just chatting with them, I can't tell) while I paint a picture of Ramon and Pedro Martinez.
One of the best things about working at home is when my kids come hang out in my studio and work with me. Sometimes it can be a little bit distracting though!
Ha! Well, I always say, there's a fine line between distracting and inspirational. Maybe you ought to do a book about a sea monster.
There's an idea! Feel free to take a closer look at the art supplies on the table next to my drawing table. I use mostly watercolor and pencil, and sometimes gouache and ink.
Ah, I love the smell of gouache in the morning.
The original owners of the house called this room "the library" and it has great built-in wooden bookcases on two of the walls. So it's perfect for an art studio- lots of places to store art supplies, and I can spend my days making books while being surrounded by books!
The built-in book case on this wall goes from the floor right up to the ceiling.
Lovely! Reminds me of my Little Crooked Bookshelf back home. (I have to use a ladder to get to the top, though.)
Probably the coolest thing about my studio are these old double doors between the two rooms. A previous owner of our house was the postmaster in town. And when they built the new post office in 1963, he took these old doors out of the old post office and installed them here.They lead to the other room in my studio, which is mostly just boxes of books, flat files filled with artwork...
...and a blank white wall where I keep all the illustrations whenever I'm working on a book. It's very helpful to be able to put all the artwork up on the wall, so I can see what's working, what's not, and how all the pictures fit together (or don't).
Oh, I just remembered there are a couple more things I want to show you in the other room!
Sometimes I make turtles out of papier mache. Just kidding, my daughters made these. Aren't they awesome?
Awesome with awesome sauce! I dabble in a little paper mache myself, you know. (Mostly pigs.)
The other coolest things in my studio are these two color photographs of Ted Williams, from his rookie season, 1939. They're both signed by Ted Williams and by the photographer, Arthur Griffin. I wrote about these pictures on my blog once, if you're curious:http://matttavaresbooks.blogspot.com/2011/12/ted-williams-arthur-griffin-and-me.html
Cool is right! Your studio may be one of the coolest I've visited as a matter of fact.
Thanks, Mr. Pig! Well, I wish you could stay all day, but I've got a deadline. Thanks for visiting! Stop by any time!
Thanks for having me, Matt! Good luck with that deadline!
Isn't he just the nicest fellow? And so talented. Check out this video of Matt drawing!
Matt Tavares was born in Boston, Massachusetts in 1975. He grew up in Winchester, a suburb just outside of Boston.
Matt wrote and illustrated his first picture book, Sebastian's Ball, as his senior thesis at Bates College. Three years later, after much revision, Sebastian's Ball became Zachary's Ball, his first published picture book. Zachary's Ball went on to win an Oppenheim Gold Seal Award, a Massachusetts Book Award Honor, and was named one of Yankee Magazine's 40 Classic New England Children's Books.
Since then, Matt has published fifteen more books: he is the author-illustrator of Growing Up Pedro, Becoming Babe Ruth, There Goes Ted Williams: The Greatest Hitter Who Ever Lived, Henry Aaron's Dream, Mudball and Oliver's Game, and the illustrator of Jubilee! by Alicia Potter, Over the River and Through the Wood by L. Maria Child, Helen's Big World, by Doreen Rappaport, Jack's Path of Courage: The Life of John F. Kennedy, written by Doreen Rappaport, The Gingerbread Pirates, by Kristin Kladstrup, 'Twas the Night Before Christmas, attributed to Anonymous, Jack and the Beanstalk, by E. Nesbit, Iron Hans: A Grimms' Fairy Tale, retold by Stephen Mitchell, and Lady Liberty: A Biography, by Doreen Rappaport.
Matt's books have won numerous awards, including three Parents' Choice Gold Awards, six Oppenheim Gold Seal Awards, an Oppenheim Paltinum Award, an International Reading Association Children's Book Award, and an Orbis Pictus Award for Oustanding Nonfiction for Children. His books have also garnered starred reviews in Publisher's Weekly, The Horn Book Magazine, School Library Journal, Booklist, and Kirkus Reviews. His artwork has been exhibited at the Museum of American Illustration at the Society of Illustrators, the Brandywine River Museum, and the Mazza Museum of Picture Book Art.
Matt lives in Maine with his wife, Sarah, and their two daughters.
Visit him at www.matttavares.com.
Wow, sure is pretty up here. Aha, here we are!
Hey, Mr. Pig! Come on in! The studio is right through here...
As you already know (since you were just standing in my living room) my studio is right here in my house. I live with my wife and our two daughters in an old house by the ocean in Maine. My studio takes up two rooms. This room is where I do pretty much all of my work—writing, drawing, painting, research. Here you can see my drawing table, book case, a bunch of artwork by my kids, some baseballs, a sculpture I did in college, and an old typewriter.
This is the back corner of our house, and two of the walls have great big windows, as you can see, which makes it nice and bright for painting. On summer days (like today) it's great to have the windows open. Even if I'm inside working all day, it's pretty awesome to be able to open the windows and smell the ocean. The only down side to this room is that it was originally designed to be a "three season room," and gets pretty chilly in the winter. No problem though, I just bundle up and get to work!
Oh, yes, I know how that is—it can get pretty chilly in the Cottage, too.
Over here is my drawing table, where I do all the artwork that ends up in my books. I've had that table since I was a kid, and it's still my favorite place to draw and paint.
By the window, you can see the relatively new part of my studio—I've started learning how to draw on my computer. Here, let's take a closer look...
I do all my preliminary sketches on the computer, using a digital drawing tablet (it's a Wacom Intuos 4, if you're wondering).
Oh, yes, I was going to ask. I believe I was created on a Wacom—in case you were wondering.
Ha. I thought so, Mr. Pig. I like using the computer for the early stages of my illustrations, because it allows me to move things around, try different ideas, and I can place the text right where it belongs to get a better sense of how the words and pictures will fit together.
I draw on the tablet, and it shows up on the screen. It took a little getting used to, and I'm still most comfortable drawing with traditional materials. But for this part of the process, I really love being able to work digitally.
Fascinating!
Once I get to the final art, the real paintings that you see in my books, I go back to the old drawing table and use real paint, pencils, brushes, and paper. Here's a picture I took as I was just starting the cover art for Growing Up Pedro, which comes out in February.
Oh, I love that one. I see you keep lots of photos around for reference. Our young readers (and baseball fans) will enjoy seeing this. Speaking of young readers, here's one now!
As you can see, sometimes my kids work with me. That's my daughter, who seems to be drawing some kind of sea monster attacking people on a beach (or maybe he's just chatting with them, I can't tell) while I paint a picture of Ramon and Pedro Martinez.
One of the best things about working at home is when my kids come hang out in my studio and work with me. Sometimes it can be a little bit distracting though!
Ha! Well, I always say, there's a fine line between distracting and inspirational. Maybe you ought to do a book about a sea monster.
There's an idea! Feel free to take a closer look at the art supplies on the table next to my drawing table. I use mostly watercolor and pencil, and sometimes gouache and ink.
Ah, I love the smell of gouache in the morning.
The original owners of the house called this room "the library" and it has great built-in wooden bookcases on two of the walls. So it's perfect for an art studio- lots of places to store art supplies, and I can spend my days making books while being surrounded by books!
The built-in book case on this wall goes from the floor right up to the ceiling.
Lovely! Reminds me of my Little Crooked Bookshelf back home. (I have to use a ladder to get to the top, though.)
Probably the coolest thing about my studio are these old double doors between the two rooms. A previous owner of our house was the postmaster in town. And when they built the new post office in 1963, he took these old doors out of the old post office and installed them here.They lead to the other room in my studio, which is mostly just boxes of books, flat files filled with artwork...
...and a blank white wall where I keep all the illustrations whenever I'm working on a book. It's very helpful to be able to put all the artwork up on the wall, so I can see what's working, what's not, and how all the pictures fit together (or don't).
Oh, I just remembered there are a couple more things I want to show you in the other room!
Sometimes I make turtles out of papier mache. Just kidding, my daughters made these. Aren't they awesome?
Awesome with awesome sauce! I dabble in a little paper mache myself, you know. (Mostly pigs.)
The other coolest things in my studio are these two color photographs of Ted Williams, from his rookie season, 1939. They're both signed by Ted Williams and by the photographer, Arthur Griffin. I wrote about these pictures on my blog once, if you're curious:http://matttavaresbooks.blogspot.com/2011/12/ted-williams-arthur-griffin-and-me.html
Cool is right! Your studio may be one of the coolest I've visited as a matter of fact.
Thanks, Mr. Pig! Well, I wish you could stay all day, but I've got a deadline. Thanks for visiting! Stop by any time!
Thanks for having me, Matt! Good luck with that deadline!
Isn't he just the nicest fellow? And so talented. Check out this video of Matt drawing!
Matt Tavares was born in Boston, Massachusetts in 1975. He grew up in Winchester, a suburb just outside of Boston. Matt wrote and illustrated his first picture book, Sebastian's Ball, as his senior thesis at Bates College. Three years later, after much revision, Sebastian's Ball became Zachary's Ball, his first published picture book. Zachary's Ball went on to win an Oppenheim Gold Seal Award, a Massachusetts Book Award Honor, and was named one of Yankee Magazine's 40 Classic New England Children's Books.
Since then, Matt has published fifteen more books: he is the author-illustrator of Growing Up Pedro, Becoming Babe Ruth, There Goes Ted Williams: The Greatest Hitter Who Ever Lived, Henry Aaron's Dream, Mudball and Oliver's Game, and the illustrator of Jubilee! by Alicia Potter, Over the River and Through the Wood by L. Maria Child, Helen's Big World, by Doreen Rappaport, Jack's Path of Courage: The Life of John F. Kennedy, written by Doreen Rappaport, The Gingerbread Pirates, by Kristin Kladstrup, 'Twas the Night Before Christmas, attributed to Anonymous, Jack and the Beanstalk, by E. Nesbit, Iron Hans: A Grimms' Fairy Tale, retold by Stephen Mitchell, and Lady Liberty: A Biography, by Doreen Rappaport.
Matt's books have won numerous awards, including three Parents' Choice Gold Awards, six Oppenheim Gold Seal Awards, an Oppenheim Paltinum Award, an International Reading Association Children's Book Award, and an Orbis Pictus Award for Oustanding Nonfiction for Children. His books have also garnered starred reviews in Publisher's Weekly, The Horn Book Magazine, School Library Journal, Booklist, and Kirkus Reviews. His artwork has been exhibited at the Museum of American Illustration at the Society of Illustrators, the Brandywine River Museum, and the Mazza Museum of Picture Book Art.Matt lives in Maine with his wife, Sarah, and their two daughters.
Visit him at www.matttavares.com.
August 22, 2014
Quote of the Week
"What I Found in My DeskA ripe peach with an ugly bruise,
a pair of stinky tennis shoes,
a day-old ham-and-cheese on rye,
a swimsuit that I left to dry,
a pencil that glows in the dark,
some bubble gum found in the park,
a paper bag with cookie crumbs,
an old kazoo that barely hums,
a spelling test I almost failed,
a letter that I should have mailed,
and one more thing, I must confess,
a note from teacher: Clean This Mess!!!!”
—Bruce Lansky, Poet and Anthologist (No More Homework! No More Tests!; Mary Had a Little Jam; Peter, Peter, Pizza-Eater; If Kids Ruled the School)
Text © Bruce Lansky, from No More Homework! No More Tests! illustrated by Stephen Carpenter; published by Meadowbrook Press.
August 20, 2014
Our Picks for Funny Back-to-School Books
Looking for humorous back-to-school books to ease first-day jitters? Your search ends here.
We've hand-picked our favorite funny, school-themed books, all guaranteed to make kids giggle.
From I DIDN'T DO MY HOMEWORK BECAUSE . . . by Davide Cali. Illustration copyright 2014 by Benjamin Chaud.
I DIDN'T DO MY HOMEWORK BECAUSE . . .by Davide Cali, illustrated by Benjamin Chaud
Chronicle 2004, ISBN 978-145212-5510-0
How many excuses are there for not doing homework? Let us count the ways: Giant lizards invaded the neighborhood. Elves hid all the pencils. And then there was that problem with carnivorous plants. . . . The excuses go on and on, each more absurd than the next and escalating to hilarious heights. Funny with super-fabulous illustrations. [Anika's pick]
JOE AND SPARKY GO TO SCHOOLby Jamie Michalak, illustrated by Frank Remkiewicz Candlewick Press, 2014; ISBN 978-0763671815Joe the giraffe and Sparky the turtle return in a hilarious back-to-school adventure! When the two friends hop on a yellow bus full of "noisy short people," and end up in an elementary school, they must navigate the strange customs of their new habitat—including magic "ponds," peas that are for counting not eating, and a quest to earn gold stars. There's nothing better than belly laughs when tackling back-to-school topics, and the latest installment in Michalak's beloved early reader series will garner plenty of giggles and guffaws. [Anika's pick]
From My Teacher Is a Monster (No I Am Not). Illustration copyright 2014 by Peter Brown.
MY TEACHER IS A MONSTER (NO, I AM NOT) by Peter Brown Little Brown, 2014; ISBN 978-03160-7029-4Bobby's teacher, Mrs. Kirby, is a monster. (No, really . . . she's green and she yells and she has sharp teeth.) But when Bobby encounters her on a park bench one day and the two have a chat out of the context of school, he realizes perhaps she's not as scary as he initially thought. A droll and clever way to help kids realize that their teachers are just regular people, and there isn't any reason to be afraid of them. [Anika's pick]
EDDA: A LITTLE VALKYRIE'S FIRST DAY OF SCHOOLby Adam Auerbach Henry Holt & Co., 2014; ISBN 978-08050-9703-0Pairing Norse mythology with a back-to-school tale really got our attention. The clever story and charming line drawings will surely inspire little Valkyries to summon their own courage when conquering the strange new world of school. [Anika's pick]
PEPPA PIG AND THE BUSY DAY AT SCHOOL
Candlewick Press, 2014; ISBN 978-07636-7227-0What will Peppa do at Special Talent Time when her special talents are already chosen by others? Find out in this delightful school story, starring our SECOND-favorite piggy persona (after Mr. Pig, of course)! [Kara's pick]
THE MISS NELSON COLLECTION by Harry Allard, illustrated by James Marshall
HMH Books for Young Readers, 2014; ISBN 978-05440-8222-9 For the first time ever, all three classic stories (Miss Nelson is Missing!, Miss Nelson is Back, and Miss Nelson Has a Field Day) are all available in one volume. A back-to-school read not even Viola Swamp could resist! [Kara's pick]
THE BEAR WITH STICKY PAWS GOES TO SCHOOLby Clara Vulliamytiger tales, 2009; ISBN 1-58925-081-8Lily doesn't want to go to school. But then--ding dong!--it's the Bear with Sticky Paws, who's come to take Lily to Bear School! At Bear School, you don't hang up your coats; you throw them up in the air. You play ALL of the instruments loudly, and you make a BIG mess. Lily has fun, but soon she's ready to go to her own school. Sweet and silly. [Jamie's pick]
From Planet Kindergarten by Sue Ganz-Schmitt. Illustration copyright 2014 by Shane Prigmore.
PLANET KINDERGARTEN
by Sue Ganz-Schmitt, illustrated by Shane Prigmore Chronicle, 2014; ISBN 978-14521-1893-2
Today is liftoff. "You are well prepared," says Dad. Mom counts down. Into the rocket ship . . . the boosters fire, and we launch. I'm off to PLANET KINDERGARTEN! After reading this clever book, children heading into kindergarten will be ready to suit up for their own daring adventure. [Jamie's pick]
MRS. ROOPY IS LOOPY! (My Weird School series)
by Dan Gutman
HarperCollins, 2004; ISBN 978-00605-0704-6
Know any reluctant readers? Hand them a book from Dan Gutman's side-splitting My Weird School chapter book series STAT. The Ella Mentry School is populated by wacky teachers. Like Mrs. Roopy, the new librarian, who comes to school wearing a pot on her head! One day she thinks she's George Washington, and the next day she's Little Bo Peep. Crazy fun! [Jamie's pick]
BEE-WIGGEDby Cece BellCandliewick Press, 2008; ISBN 978-07636-3614-2 Jerry Bee is an enormous bee who loves people. But people don't love Jerry Bee because . . . well, he's an enormous bee. Then a wig changes Jerry's life--when he puts it on, he looks just like a boy! But when his true identity revealed, will he go back to being a large and lonely bee? The unexpected ending will have kids in stitches. Hair's to you, Cece Bell!
[Jamie's pick]
From I DIDN'T DO MY HOMEWORK BECAUSE . . . by Davide Cali. Illustration copyright 2014 by Benjamin Chaud.
I DIDN'T DO MY HOMEWORK BECAUSE . . .by Davide Cali, illustrated by Benjamin Chaud
Chronicle 2004, ISBN 978-145212-5510-0
How many excuses are there for not doing homework? Let us count the ways: Giant lizards invaded the neighborhood. Elves hid all the pencils. And then there was that problem with carnivorous plants. . . . The excuses go on and on, each more absurd than the next and escalating to hilarious heights. Funny with super-fabulous illustrations. [Anika's pick]
JOE AND SPARKY GO TO SCHOOLby Jamie Michalak, illustrated by Frank Remkiewicz Candlewick Press, 2014; ISBN 978-0763671815Joe the giraffe and Sparky the turtle return in a hilarious back-to-school adventure! When the two friends hop on a yellow bus full of "noisy short people," and end up in an elementary school, they must navigate the strange customs of their new habitat—including magic "ponds," peas that are for counting not eating, and a quest to earn gold stars. There's nothing better than belly laughs when tackling back-to-school topics, and the latest installment in Michalak's beloved early reader series will garner plenty of giggles and guffaws. [Anika's pick]
From My Teacher Is a Monster (No I Am Not). Illustration copyright 2014 by Peter Brown.
MY TEACHER IS A MONSTER (NO, I AM NOT) by Peter Brown Little Brown, 2014; ISBN 978-03160-7029-4Bobby's teacher, Mrs. Kirby, is a monster. (No, really . . . she's green and she yells and she has sharp teeth.) But when Bobby encounters her on a park bench one day and the two have a chat out of the context of school, he realizes perhaps she's not as scary as he initially thought. A droll and clever way to help kids realize that their teachers are just regular people, and there isn't any reason to be afraid of them. [Anika's pick]
EDDA: A LITTLE VALKYRIE'S FIRST DAY OF SCHOOLby Adam Auerbach Henry Holt & Co., 2014; ISBN 978-08050-9703-0Pairing Norse mythology with a back-to-school tale really got our attention. The clever story and charming line drawings will surely inspire little Valkyries to summon their own courage when conquering the strange new world of school. [Anika's pick]
PEPPA PIG AND THE BUSY DAY AT SCHOOL
Candlewick Press, 2014; ISBN 978-07636-7227-0What will Peppa do at Special Talent Time when her special talents are already chosen by others? Find out in this delightful school story, starring our SECOND-favorite piggy persona (after Mr. Pig, of course)! [Kara's pick]
THE MISS NELSON COLLECTION by Harry Allard, illustrated by James Marshall
HMH Books for Young Readers, 2014; ISBN 978-05440-8222-9 For the first time ever, all three classic stories (Miss Nelson is Missing!, Miss Nelson is Back, and Miss Nelson Has a Field Day) are all available in one volume. A back-to-school read not even Viola Swamp could resist! [Kara's pick]
THE BEAR WITH STICKY PAWS GOES TO SCHOOLby Clara Vulliamytiger tales, 2009; ISBN 1-58925-081-8Lily doesn't want to go to school. But then--ding dong!--it's the Bear with Sticky Paws, who's come to take Lily to Bear School! At Bear School, you don't hang up your coats; you throw them up in the air. You play ALL of the instruments loudly, and you make a BIG mess. Lily has fun, but soon she's ready to go to her own school. Sweet and silly. [Jamie's pick]
From Planet Kindergarten by Sue Ganz-Schmitt. Illustration copyright 2014 by Shane Prigmore.PLANET KINDERGARTEN
by Sue Ganz-Schmitt, illustrated by Shane Prigmore Chronicle, 2014; ISBN 978-14521-1893-2
Today is liftoff. "You are well prepared," says Dad. Mom counts down. Into the rocket ship . . . the boosters fire, and we launch. I'm off to PLANET KINDERGARTEN! After reading this clever book, children heading into kindergarten will be ready to suit up for their own daring adventure. [Jamie's pick]
MRS. ROOPY IS LOOPY! (My Weird School series)
by Dan Gutman
HarperCollins, 2004; ISBN 978-00605-0704-6
Know any reluctant readers? Hand them a book from Dan Gutman's side-splitting My Weird School chapter book series STAT. The Ella Mentry School is populated by wacky teachers. Like Mrs. Roopy, the new librarian, who comes to school wearing a pot on her head! One day she thinks she's George Washington, and the next day she's Little Bo Peep. Crazy fun! [Jamie's pick]
BEE-WIGGEDby Cece BellCandliewick Press, 2008; ISBN 978-07636-3614-2 Jerry Bee is an enormous bee who loves people. But people don't love Jerry Bee because . . . well, he's an enormous bee. Then a wig changes Jerry's life--when he puts it on, he looks just like a boy! But when his true identity revealed, will he go back to being a large and lonely bee? The unexpected ending will have kids in stitches. Hair's to you, Cece Bell!
[Jamie's pick]
August 18, 2014
Mr. Pig Live! . . . with Grandma Bear
Welcome back to another exciting episode of Mr. Pig Live! Today's guest is extra special because she's brought cake. Oh, and er, she happens to be my dear friend and neighbor. Let's give a big paw to the lovable star of Anika and Christopher Denise's new picture book, BAKING DAY AT GRANDMA'S, the one, the only . . . Grandma Bear!
Welcome and thanks for the delicious cake, Grandma! What is your full name?Grandma Bear.
What one word best describes you?
Sizable.
Do you have a belly button?
Now, is that appropriate, dear?
Oh dear. I don't want to offend a sizable bear. Next question . . . What is the best thing about being you?
Let’s see. . . . I have three adorable grandcubs, and I own a lovely cabin in the woods.
What is the worst thing about being you?
Shopping in the Big and Tall section at Bears R Us.
If you were stranded on a desert island, what would you bring?
Pictures of my three grandcubs, tea, chocolate.
What is your idea of the perfect day?
Snowy. Cold. Baking something delicious with my grandcubs.
From BAKING DAY AT GRANDMA'S by Anika Denise. Illustration copyright 2014 by Christopher Denise.If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
Sleep inducing powers. (The cubs refuse to hibernate.)
What are you reading right now?
Baking with Julia by Julia Child and Wild About Bears by Jeannie Brett.
Two of my favorites! Speaking of favorites, what is your favorite word?
Cake.
What is you least favorite word?
Burnt.
What is your favorite sound?
My grandcubs’ giggles.
What is your least favorite sound?
The too-quiet sound in the house after the grandcubs leave.
If you could dine with three characters from other books, who would they be?
Betty Bunny (we share a love of chocolate cake) and the two twin bakers from In The Night Kitchen.
If a genie gave you one wish, what would you wish for?
A Kitchen-aid mixer.
If you have a pocket, what is in it right now?
A hanky and a peppermint candy.
What is your pet peeve?
Guests who say no to dessert.
What was it like working with my fellow Cottager Anika Denise?
Oh, lovely, dear. She sure enjoys her sweet treats—so we got along splendidly.
I'm quite fond of her, too. Thanks for joining us, Grandma Bear! Before you go, let's watch a clip of Anika and Christopher Denise baking a cake just like the one you made with your grandcubs. Yum!
About the book
BAKING DAY AT GRANDMA'SPhilomel, August 2014
ISBN-13: 978-03992-4244-1
“A rollicking, rhyming salute to the grandmother-grandchild bond. . . . While the cake is baking, there’s hot chocolate to drink and frosty windows to draw on. ‘Old-time music, soft and sweet, / Skippy notes and tapping feet. / Learning songs that Grandma sings— / When the kitchen timer rings!’ But this cake isn’t for eating; the siblings carefully decorate and wrap each piece as gifts.” –Kirkus Reviews
“A recipe for Grandma Rosie’s Chocolate Cake is included. This gentle story will leave children feeling warm and fuzzy. It’s perfect for individual sharing, storytime, baking time, and pretty much any time.” –School Library Journal
About the author
Anika Denise is the author of Baking Day at Grandma’s (Philomel, 2014), Bella and Stella Come Home (Philomel, 2010), and Pigs Love Potatoes (Philomel, 2007). In 2016, HarperCollins Children’s Books will release her forthcoming title, Monster Trucks! Her books have been praised by Parents’ Choice Foundation, The Bulletin for the Center for Children’s Books, Publishers Weekly, School Library Journal, Booklist, Kirkus Reviews and the Rhode Island Center for the Book. She blogs for The Little Crooked Cottage and lives with her husband and three daughters in Barrington, Rhode Island. To read more about Anika's books, visit www.anikadenise.com
About the illustrator
Photo Credit: Grayhorse PhotographyChristopher Denise is an award-winning children’s book illustrator and visual development artist. His first book, a retelling of the Russian folktale The Fool of the World and the Flying Ship, was pronounced “a stunning debut” by Publishers Weekly. Since then, Chris has illustrated more than twenty books for children, including Alison McGhee’s upcoming Firefly Hollow, Rosemary Wells’ Following Grandfather, Phyllis Root’s Oliver Finds His Way, his wife Anika Denise’s Bella and Stella Come Home and some in Brian Jacques’ acclaimed Redwall series. His books have appeared on The New York Times bestseller list and have been recognized by Bank Street College of Education, Parents’ Choice Foundation, and the Society of Illustrators Annual Exhibition. Christopher Denise lives in Rhode Island with his family. To learn more about Christopher, visit www.christopherdenise.com
August 17, 2014
Literary Lunch: Baking Day at Grandma's
Baking Day at Grandma's, written by
Anika Denise
and illustrated by
Christopher Denise
, is a beautifully illustrated children's book about three happy bear cubs spending time at Grandma's house on Baking Day. The illustrations and story capture their coziness and love--you can almost smell the cake baking. But this cake is not for eating alone! The little cubs cut the cake into neat squares, load up the sled, and spread cheer by delivering baked treats on this winter afternoon!
And yes, the recipe for the mouth-watering chocolate cake that the cubs help Grandma bake is in the back of the book. A must-try whether you are intending to share it or not.
Nina from Mamabelly's Lunches with Love packed a delicious Baking Day lunch:a piece of Grandma's chocolate cake (recipe from the book!)apple slicesone little bear chocolate spread sandwich with a spinach leaf apron and a peanut butter-filled spoon
And yes, the recipe for the mouth-watering chocolate cake that the cubs help Grandma bake is in the back of the book. A must-try whether you are intending to share it or not.
Nina from Mamabelly's Lunches with Love packed a delicious Baking Day lunch:a piece of Grandma's chocolate cake (recipe from the book!)apple slicesone little bear chocolate spread sandwich with a spinach leaf apron and a peanut butter-filled spoon
August 15, 2014
Quote of the Week
"No matter what people tell you, words and ideas can change the world."—Robin Williams (Academy Award-winning Actor, Writer, Comedian)
August 14, 2014
We're back and we're throwing a party!
Hello! Mr. Pig here. I've thrown open the shutters, dusted, mopped, picked some late-summer blooms from the garden, and put the kettle on. I can't tell you how good it feels to be home!It's been a whirlwind adventure this summer—but more about that later.
Right now, I have to start the preparations for a party. That's right! What would The Little Crooked Cottage be without a good welcome home party? We have so much to celebrate!
Cottager
Anika Denise's
new book
Baking Day at Grandma's
, illustrated by
Christopher Denise
, releases TODAY, August 14th! (Grandma Bear and her grand-cubs should be arriving shortly. They're bringing the cake, of course.)Here's what School Library Journal had to say about the book: "The text is a wonderful rhyming poem/song with the refrain, 'It’s baking day!/It’s baking day!/It’s baking day/at Grandma’s!' And it’s such fun to read aloud. 'Old-time music, soft and sweet./Skippy notes and tapping feet./Learning songs that Grandma sings–/when the kitchen timer rings!' A recipe for Grandma Rosie’s Chocolate Cake is included. This gentle story will leave children feeling warm and fuzzy. It’s perfect for individual sharing, storytime, baking time, and pretty much any time."
Let's see, what else?Oh! Jamie Michalak's Joe and Sparky Go to School, illustrated by Frank Remkiewicz, released in paperback in June! I know several little piglets who'll be heading back to school soon and I can't wait to for them to read it. Speaking of back-to-school, the Cottagers are working on a list of their favorite back-to-school books to share with you on August 20th.
Kara LaReau
has been visiting young readers all over the world and talking about her newest book,
No Slurping No Burping! A Tale of Table Manners,
thanks to
Skype Classroom.
Kristen Tracy has been traveling and writing up a storm this summer, as well. She has some fun new project news we'll be breaking shortly. We'll tell you all about it when we do our summer vacation recap on August 28th.
What have you been up to? I hope you've read a ton of great books like I have. I met many talented children's book authors, illustrators, and characters in my travels, and I invited them all to visit the cottage soon! It's going to be a busy and exciting season. I've lined up some absolutely fabulous guests for my hit talk show: MR PIG LIVE!
Louise from
Kelly Light's
highly anticipated
Louise Loves Art
will drop by on September 15th, and Leroy Ninker will trot in for a chat about his all new book Leroy Ninker Saddles Up: Tales from Deckawoo Drive, from the one and only
Kate DiCamillo
and the fabulously talented
Chris Van Dusen
on September 29th.Authors Ann Stott (What to Do When You're Sent to Your Room, Always), Elise Broach (Masterpiece), Nina Laden (Once Upon a Memory), Nancy Castaldo , (Sniffer Dogs: How Dogs [And Their Noses] Save the World), Deborah Underwood (The Quiet Book; Bad Bye, Good Bye), and others will be here to talk about the books they Loved-to-Pieces as young readers.
As you know, I'm a pig on the go. I'll be heading out to visit the studios of the talented Matt Tavares (illustrator of Growing Up Pedro, Becoming Babe Ruth, Jubilee! and others), the aforementioned fabulous Chris Van Dusen (author-illustrator of many wonderful books including Kate DiCamillo's Mercy Watson and Leroy Ninker series), children's book superstar Rosemary Wells (Max and Ruby, Time-Out for Sophie, Yoko Find Her Way), the delightful Deb bi Ridpath Ohi (illustrator of Naked! and I'm Bored by Michael Ian Black, and creator of the hilarious Inky Girl comic), and many more!
We are also pleased to announce that Nina of
MamaBelly Lunches with Love
will be with us again this year, making her popular and delicious
Literary Lunches!
The Cottagers have been busy cooking up new content, too, including a special Little Crooked Bookshelf spotlight, where we pull something lesser known but wonderful off the shelf and tell you why we love it—along with new monthly reading recommendations written by librarians and kidlit experts to help kids and parents discover new books in their favorite genres.
So get ready, folks! It's going to be a great year at The Little Crooked Cottage. For now, I better run. Grandma Bear is here with twenty two chocolate cakes, and . . . oh my, from the looks of her cubs they've had a lot of sugar. I hope they haven't gobbled up all my milk and honey.
In the meantime, help yourself to a cup of tea, and check out the all-new book trailer for Baking Day at Grandma's by Anika & Christopher Denise! See you soon!
