Book Festival Report

The second annual Empire State Book Festival, held on 4/2/11, had much to offer attendees.  Great speakers and programs as well as the chance to meet and greet authors and illustrators.  I saw some old friends there and made some new ones as well.  For a number of reasons the attendance was not up from last year but the energy and interest from participants was.  I hope to be back again next year.

New School Year...New School Visits!

One of my favorite aspects of being a children's book illustrator is that I get to visit with the audiences that read my books.  When I enter a school it's like being a " Celebrity For A Day"! and that's great but one of the things that the people, young and old, with whom I visit learn is that I'm just like them and we get along great!  Many times a few talented students will meet with me at an informal lunch, to share books that they've illustrated.

Here are a few images  from a couple of recent visits.  As the year progresses I'll post some more.  You'll see that young students still love traditional books, especially the pictures!  A chance to meet the illustrator means the opportunity to learn about art and how to use the creative skills we all have!