Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Spotlight on Books and Illustrators



This time I'd like to share with you a series of terrific chapter books. Written and illustrated by the late Harry Horse, the books are: The last polar bears, The last gold diggers, The last cowboys and The last castaways.

The books' main characters, Grandfather and his independent canine companion Roo, tell their many adventures through letters addressed to his grandchild back home. The story lines are quirky and imaginative, sometimes silly, but always warm and loving. Roo quickly became one of my favorite dog characters!

And then there are the illustrations: done in pen and ink, they are simply wonderful: detailed, expressive and exquisite.

Published in the U.S. by Peachtree Publishers. Look for them at your local library or bookstores!

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Spotlight on Books and Illustrators

A bunny and a piglet, painting side by side, wish they were just like the other. In an attempt to look like their friend, they each try to change their colors, ears, noses and tails (in very creative and fun ways), until finally realizing they do indeed like themselves just the way they are.

Using fluid, spontaneous line work, Canadian artist Geneviève Côté creates a pair of loving, playful and adorable characters. With a touch of color against a mostly white background, she keeps the illustrations fresh and simple. According to the book, the artwork is rendered in mixed media – it seems like a combination of color pencil, watercolor and digital illustration. The end result is a delightful story about friendship and individuality that both children and adults can enjoy.

Published by Kids Can Press, it's now available at libraries and bookstores!

Monday, August 10, 2009

Award!

From Atelier Brigitte comes this moving award that celebrates art and friendship.
Thank you Brigitte and Bella, two very talented, generous and sensitive artists!

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Illustration Friday | Modify

I realize this is a stretch for this week's theme, but I think it's time we modify our assumptions about pigs: they are in fact rather clean!

By the way, my attempt to post a doodle a day for a week went down in flames after 4 days. It's a great exercise, but it's hard to keep up the momentum ;-)

Está na hora de mudarmos nossa impressão sobre porcos: na verdade eles são muito limpinhos!

A propósito, minha tentativa de fazer um rabisco por dia por uma semana acabou depois de 4 dias. É um excelente exercício, mas é difícil manter o ritmo ;-)