From my sketchbook: Hippo & co.

Hi!

I just added a new page for sketches, featuring characters from my work-in-progress Run, Cheetah, Run. See them all here.

That’s all…until next year! Heh. Dad jokes.

Later, gators!

My Embarrassing Christmas Wish List

Truth be told, I belong to one of those families that makes Christmas wish lists. And I know we’re not the only ones because my husband’s family does the same thing. This year my list includes an embarrassing number of kid’s books.

Yup. I’m one of those weirdos.

Now, maybe if I had kids, it would be less weird. But…I don’t have kids. So instead I go under the guise of being an aspiring author/illustrator who wants to add new favorites to her inspiration library. Unless I’m talking to fellow children’s book authors or illustrators, I still sound like a weirdo.

Eh. Oh well!

So I’m late to the party here, but I recently discovered that I’m a huge fan of David Wiesner’s work. I asked for these three titles: Flotsam, Sector 7 and Mr. Wuffles!

I have to admit, I glanced over Mr. Wuffles! a few times before I checked it out. I love cats (even mean ones like mine!), but based on the cover it looked like it was just about a cat. FALSE. This book is about WAY more than just a cat. It is an amazing journey told through impressive visual storytelling that includes space ships and aliens! It also made me realize the strange visual similarity between ants and aliens. How did I not see this before?

Next on the list is Carnivores. I love Creepy Carrots written by Aaron Reynolds and Dan Santat’s illustrations never disappoint, so I asked for Carnivores before even checking it out in person! The cover alone is hilarious: three meat eaters in meat packaging. I love how uncomfortable they look. I feel confident that this will be a good addition to my bookshelf.

Last, but not least: Dragons Love Tacos written by Adam Rubin and illustrated by Daniel Salmieri. The conversational tone between the narrator and the reader really draws me in. And I dig the illustrations. Same deal with Secret Pizza Party…which I may already have.

Do you have anything embarrassing on your Christmas wish list? Like an electric toothbrush, or socks, or the complete 42-disc box set of Gilmore Girls? Or…picture books?!