I'm in New York City! Chapter 1!

I am so happy to be in New York City again - I love this town! And I had a great view of the Statue of Liberty on my flight in! I'm here for the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators International Conference. But first, I arrived a day early to spend some time with my dear friends Ellen Kushner and Delia Sherman. You might recall, I spent Hannukah with them last year after Stan passed away; so, they have been my Guardian Angels. I knew I was falling back into good energy the moment I stepped into the airport taxi. My driver was from Senegal and we had fun swapping great music on the ride in. I introduced him to Earth, Wind, and Fire and he introduced me to Youssou N'Dour - awesome!Arriving at Ellen and Delia's was like walking into a warm hug. And once again, I had the honor of sleeping under orginial artwork by one of my illustrator heroes, Brian Froud. Delia made a delicious Persian dish for dinner and then we went to a performance of "Selected Shorts with N.K. Jamisin" at the Symphony Space theater. These were dramatic readings of short stories including "The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas" by Ursula K. Le Guin read by actor, Hugh Dancy, and a response piece by N.K. (Nora) Jemisin.Of course, Nora was once one of Delia's students, so we went backstage to say 'hi' afterwards.The next morning I took one of my favorite long walks in the park that runs along with Hudson River across the street from Ellen and Delia's home.
The funny thing is, I now own Bog Boots and a big puffy coat that I bought specifically for NYC; but the weather this trip was promising to be lovely, I didn't pack either! It's been getting into the 50s during the way wiht clear skies. What a great welcome back to NYC!

Follow along!
     I'm in New York City - Chapter 1!
     I'm in New York City - Chapter 2!
     SCBWI New York City - Chapter 3!
     SCBWI New York - Chapter 4!
     Stan in NYC - Chapter 5

Celebrating Debut Picture Book Creator Nadia Alam!!

It was such a joy to work with Nadia Alam as a mentor through the UK-based PictureHooks programm co-founded by dear friend Vivian French. It was evident that she was about to hit it BIG and that is indeed what's been happening. I'm thrilled to have Nadia here to talk about her debut picture book AWAKE, ASLEEP written by Kyle Lukoff, illustrated by Nadia, published by Orchard Books. e: Nadia! What was your creative process/medium, can you walk us through it?
Nadia: My creative process is a dance between structure and chaos. Before putting pencil to paper, I invest time in planning. While organizing folders and establishing naming conventions may not be the most thrilling part of the process, aligning all my ducks in a row, aimed at a specific destination, allows me to stay loosy-goosy and maintain a sense of creative freedom.

For "Awake Asleep," the journey began with multiple readings of Kyle's manuscript. Despite its unconventional narrative structure, the story within the prose resonated immediately – maybe because of my own experiences as a parent, or simply because Kyle’s work is such a great balance of universal and personal. I knew I wanted to include several diverse families and my neighborhood as the primary reference for the illuistrations. Armed with these initial ideas, I embarked on the less-than-exciting task of logistics, creating a file system, populating it with PSD files for each stage of the illustration process – from gathered references to final art. After this organizational frenzy, I shut my computer, tossed the whole thing on the back burner, and declared a week-long hiatus from book thoughts.

I spent this “off” time around my neighborhood doing any activity that wasn’t actively working on "Awake, Asleep." i spent afternoons at the library, took extra-long dog walks and messed around at the playground with my kids .

After this incubation period, I had a clear picture of my characters. I have made a habit of creating complete families for the books I illustrate, providing each member with a name, rough age, and personality, even if this information doesn't make it into the final book. Shaping a character's life beyond the page helps me bring them to life on the page, complete with quirks and various details. With character established, I started on thumbnails and rough character sketches, using pencil on newsprint or cheap printer paper. Once approved I entered the ‘choas’ phase and started on final sketches. Working on newsprint or cheap paper I did a lot of messing around, cutting characters from one sheet of newsprint and taping them onto another until I had an approximation of what I wanted the final sketch to be. I photographed these bits and bobs (nothing fancy, I used my iPhone) and brought them into Procreate, where they were traced and refined before being sent to the art director for review and approval.



After this, my process became purely digital. My interpretation of "Awake, Asleep" as unfolding over a child's day divided into morning, afternoon, and night guided my color scheme. I applied an initial messy layer of color across spreads, taking a bird's eye view to ensure a smooth transition between the day's segments (a trick I learned from you, Elizabeth!). In general, I adopt a minimalist approach to digital tools and try to use them the same way I would use in “real life”. I limit my instruments to a couple of pencils, a few paintbrushes, and a charcoal and have no fancy photoshop tricks. Like in “real life” you can do a lot with very little.


Once i had a grip on the colour story and tools I put my head down for a couple weeks and became a sort of human/troll hybrid, hunched over at the computer for long periods of time and, frankly, very happy about it. I have always loved seeing the hand of an artist and my own illustrations are no exception - give me loose lines and not-totally-earased outlines, and the deviating and deviant lines! I tried to keep things fluid while I worked, often jumping between spreads and working on multiple pages at a time, until a balance was achieved and myself and the wonderful team at Scholastic were happy.

Being my first book, the process for illusratating others has undergone some tweaks since, but the fundamental order of operations has proven effective and remains unchanged.

e: Is there a unique or funny story behind the creation of this story?
Nadia: "Awake Asleep" was my debut into the world of kidlit illustration. I was bubbling with excitement, so much so that I probably didn't fully grasp the challenge of illustrating a poem until the ink dried on the contract. No protagonist, no linear narrative, and no set scene—surprisingly, the sheer freedom presented more of a challenge than if I had a named character and story with defined traits. Looking back, I realize I had far more creative liberty than I initially understood at the time and I’m very grateful for the experience.

Initially, I had a spread showcasing a slug on a log with kids observing. This spread sailed smoothly through the entire approval process, from thumbnails to final art. It wasn't until proof reviews that the author confessed a strong dislike for slugs, avoiding any mollocks altogether! Needless to say, I couldn't have the author skipping a page in their own book—so, that spread now features a spider!

e: What do you think makes an illustration magical, what I call "Heart Art” - the sort that makes a reader want to come back to look again and again? I’m looking for your definition of “Heart Art.”
Nadia: For me, Heart Art is more of a feeling than a specific style or characteristic. As a reader and illustration consumer, Heart Art has always been about images that suggest worlds within worlds, stories within stoires. In my childhood, I was a huge fan of Janet and Allan Ahlberg. They had this incredible ability to craft such pleasing intricate and dispordely envronments. I loved that every character, even the ones in the background, were in the middle of an implied action. Even inanimate objects hinted at a story – a laundry bin brimming with clothes dirty from play, an abandoned doll in the garden, evidence of a messy dinner. These tiny details added a richness to the page, everything feels so lovingly lived-in and warm, there is so much heart in that art you just want to get lost in those books. As an illustrator, the Heart Art enchantment in my work revolves around expressing a sense of connection and compassion, especially between generations. Every now and then, I succeed in capturing that emotion on a page. Whether it's the exchanged glances between a child and caregiver or a hand resting on a cheek, or a parent comforting a crying child – tender, bemused, or even deeply annoyed, occasionally all rolled into one – it feels like I'm conjuring a bit of magic. These are the spreads that I find myself getting lost in during the creative process, and they are the ones I hope resonate with others too.

How do you advertise yourself (or do you)?
Nadia: I don't. I should, it does seem like a blast to connect directly with peers and audiences on social platforms. Currently, it's not in my repertoire, but advertising myself more is on my 2024 resolutions list!

e: What is your favorite or most challenging part of being a creator?
Nadia: Storytelling, in its various forms – be it writing, music, or illustration – is pure magic. As a creator, I find myself constantly marveling at and trying to unravel the secrets behind this process. It's like a magical trick – POOF! I've conjured something out of thin air! What used to be an empty page is now a whole new world – ta-da! Listening to and learning from others is such a big part of life as an illustrator. What tools are people using, where do folks get their ideas, what are their studio practices, what are their biggest hurdles and how do they overcome these challenges etc. I really enjoy learning how a creator creates. It's hands down my favorite aspect of this job.

e: Is there something in particular about this story you hope readers will take away with them, perhaps something that isn’t immediately obvious?
Nadia: Love is a universal human trait that transcends creed, ethnicity, race, and gender. Families come in all shapes and sizes, yet we all hold common truths – a cut will bleed, saying goodbye to a good time is a bummer, and nothing beats a hug from someone who cares about you.

e: What are you working on next or what would be your dream project?
Nadia: Currently I’m wrapping up several projects, and in 2024, you'll find three more books on the shelf that I've had the pleasure of working on. Each one tells a story that I would have adored reading as a child and I’m very excited to share them with little readers. Next, I am working on adding author to my signature. Writing my own children’s stories is a new endevour with it’s own challenges that i’m really looking forward to. Wish me luck! Illustrating truly is my dream job, and every project that speaks to my heart is a dream in itself. e: Don't I know it! Can't wait to have you back for your next book, Nadia!

Coloring Page Tuesday - Beary Love

     Once I start drawing cute critters hugging, I can't stop! So here is one more coloring page of bears in love for Valentine's Day, which is just around the corner!
CLICK HERE for more Valentine's Day-themed coloring pages
     Remember, I create my coloring pages to draw your attention to my books! Especially... Merbaby's Love! Click the cover to learn about this sweet lullaby board book written by New York Times Best-selling author, Jane Yolen! Makes a GREAT baby shower gift!
If my news and images add value to your life, won't you please

Just love this one image? Consider a one-time donation...

     I create my coloring pages for teachers, librarians, booksellers, and parents to enjoy for free with their children, but you can also purchase rights to an image for commercial use, please contact me. If you have questions about usage, please visit my Angel Policy page.

My very own e-bike!!!

Saturday I got my very own e-bike! I love it so much, I can't say enough about it! It's called a Hey Bike Mars 2.0.
     Right after I got it, I rode a huge chunk of the Greenway (a lovely paved pathway that runs alongside the Roanoke River through the whole city), more than I've been able to cover on foot. And I stopped to have tea in Wasena, a place I’ve been dying to go to, but that was always just a little too far to walk. I parked it where I could stare at it while enjoying my tea. I couldn't stop smiling. It was especially fun when folks walked by and noticed it, saying "Cool bike!" It IS!
     It's a little different from riding a regular bicycle. It has "peddle assist" which means that whenever you start peddling, a little bit of power kicks in. You can keep peddling, or stop peddling and use the throttle on the handle bar. (And you can adjust how much it helps and how fast it goes.) It can go up to 40mph, but so far I've only had it up to about 18mph. I'll use it to go downtown to the farmer's market, go shopping, meet friends, etc. Downtown Roanoke is so awesome, but parking is expensive and crowded. I'm thinking this will get me out and about more. So far (Day 1!) it has! Ever since I got rid of my R1200c I've dreamed of having a motorcycle again. Not for fast rides, but for the ease of kicking around. My dreams have literally come true! Isn't it gorgeous? I am having FUN!!!!🤩 🚲💕

Friday Links List

From JSTOR: How American Librarians Helped Defeat the Nazis

From the New York Times: A Bird’s-Eye View of a Technicolor World: Scientists have devised a new video system that reveals how animals see color, and us. Fascinating! Especially if you're a color geek!

From PW: The Top 10 Children's and YA Stories of 2023 - interesting!

From PW: A handy-dandy calendar of book events to plug into Google - and they're keeping it updated - YAY!!!

From TheThings via PW Children's Bookshelf: Dolly Parton Has Spent Over $500 Million On Books For Kids For A Sentimental Reason. She's my HERO!

From CBR via PW Children's Bookshelf: Percy Jackson Disney+ Series Fixes a Major YA Franchise Problem [a lack of diversity]

From TheWrap via PW Children's Bookshelf: The Best YA Shows of 2023

From The New York Times: Like His Illustrations, Leo Lionni Contained Multitudes: The illustrator of classic children’s books like “Frederick” and “Swimmy” was also a painter, sculptor, graphic designer and more.

At the Eric Carle Museum: Alphabet Soup: How Picture Books Are Made, From A to Z, January 13 - June 2, 2024

From PW: Veristage Launches Insight, an AI Platform for Book Publishers

From PW: 2024 Hans Christian Andersen Award Shortlist Announced

From PW: "This spring is packed to the gills with great comics, graphic novels, and manga for all ages, which we’ve rounded up in our third annual standalone preview of the category."

Vashti Harrison is the first Black woman to win a Caldecott with her touching picture book, BIG. PW interviewed her about her win, HERE.

Christopher Denise does it again!

I'm thrilled that Hollins' own Christopher Denise has created a sequel to his Caldecott honor-winning KNIGHT OWL. Drum roll please... I can't wait to get my hands on it!

Coloring Page Tuesday - Hugging Aliens

     My hugging theme continues for this upcoming Valentines Day - even if it's an alien love!
CLICK HERE for more Valentine's Day-themed coloring pages
     Remember, I create my coloring pages to draw your attention to my books! Especially... Merbaby's Love! Click the cover to learn about this sweet lullaby board book written by New York Times Best-selling author, Jane Yolen! Makes a GREAT baby shower gift!
If my news and images add value to your life, won't you please

Just love this one image? Consider a one-time donation...

     I create my coloring pages for teachers, librarians, booksellers, and parents to enjoy for free with their children, but you can also purchase rights to an image for commercial use, please contact me. If you have questions about usage, please visit my Angel Policy page.

And the Caldecott goes to...

Drum roll please! BIG, written and illustrated by Vashti Harrison.
I knew it was something special the first time I saw it. This is a well-earned award!!

CLICK HERE to see the full list of ALA award winners!

Hollins U Writer's Retreat

You want to know how a university supports their faculty? They host a Writer's Retreat at the university library and serve them lunch and provide snacks and basically just give them the time and space to simply sit and write. That's exactly what Hollins University did recently, and I was thrilled to take part. I got to sit in a big cumfy chair on the balcony level of the library with an amazing view (below is my view from the left to the right) for a week. And happily, it worked! I wrote over 13,000 words in my book on picture book design that is due to Bloomsbury UK in February 2025! What a gift to be given the opportunity to focus for a solid week. And it's good for everyone involved. I got work done, and when my book is published, it will help make the university look good—a win-win! I hope to participate in the Writers Retreat every year from now on. Thank you, Hollins U!!!

Holiday Catch-up

The holidays were a blur of activity, so I'll try to wrap them up in this post!
     Friends and I attended the Roanoke Christmas Parade, which was a little larger than the City of Rock Hill parade, but equally as fun. I especially liked the stilt-walkers... And the brilliant Polar Express train...But my fave was the bagpipes! Made me feel like I was in Scotland again - almost...I finally had time to visit one of the Asian grocery stores in Roanoke to see if I could duplicate some of the yummy food I had in Shanghai. This was a first attempt working with Korean Rice Cakes. (I don't know why they are called "cakes" when they look like really fat noodles!)I purchased a Korean sauce, fish cakes (again, this came in a stick shape that looked like little flowers when cut), and cooked it all up. It wasn't bad for a first attempt, but I can do better.It certainly wasn't the same as the crab dish I had in Hangzhou! Gadzooks that was good! This was the first time in a long time that I had an actual front door to decorate for the holidays. Watch this get more obnoxious over the years! Although, I thought it was quite pretty... (I did tell you I now live in the ground-floor apartment of a 100-year-old Victorian, yes?)     But I didn't get to enjoy it for long because I drove down to Atlanta for the holidays - a beautiful, 7-hour drive mostly through mountains heading down Interstate 81 through Knoxville and Chattanooga (my old home!). I packed way too many sweaters forgetting that Georgia is a good 10° warmer than the Virginia Appalachians.
     I loved having lunch with old friends like Vicky Alvear Shecter, R. Gregory Christie and his wife Claudia, and Melissa Libby. Sadly, I didn't think to take photos of us or our great meals at the Deer and Dove's bakery (a Michelin-starred restaurant!), Desta Ethiopian (OMG!), and Seed in Marietta.
     Meanwhile, Vicky helped me find another home for one of Stan's Parting Stones - the planter outside The Brick Store Pub, where we used to love to go. The Brick rather embodied everthing we loved about Decatur, which was a very good chapter for us. Here is Stan at our favorite table... probably in 2014 or some such.And here I am making sure he can enjoy it for all time - or at least for a while longer... Christmas was fun, although interrupted with some family health issues (which have since been resolved).      I loved attending Vicky's daughter's wedding. I was planning on wearing that dress I bought in China, but my parents were recently adopted by a baby Puma named "Fred." Fred is a 14-pound kitten who thinks that anything that crinkles is a toy. That included the dry-cleaning bag that housed my dress... yeah. I'll see if I can have it shortened into a cocktail dress. We'll see. Hm. (Click the image to watch him getting into trouble on Youtube.) Anyhow - back to the wedding. The couple met when they were 15-years-old, and the wedding took place on the 11-year anniversary of their first date. Sometimes, love really does WIN! They're very private, so I'll just share this photo of the venue - but the whole event and the couple was gorgeous.My gift to myself this year was a hairstyle change. Between bifocals and long hair, I felt half blind most of the time, so I got my hair out of my face with bangs. I'm still getting used to it, but am so enjoying not having to get my hair out of my face all the time!The drive back to Roanoke was also lovely and I enjoyed "Casey Kasem's Top 100 from 1977" - what a great year for music that was! And the number one hit was Andy Gibb's "I just want to be your everything." Gads, I had such a crush on him! I've also been trying to understand the new genre of "Romantacy" so have been listening to Rebecca Yarros' Fourth Wing. The only difference I can tell between Fantasy and Romantasy is a very explicit sex scene. Otherwise, it's pretty straight forward fantasy.
     So, it was a busy holiday! And it was good to get home to my sweet little apartment and the banquet seat my dad made for my kitchen - it's just so stinkin' cute, I never want to leave it!!!HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!