tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84611982419143170942024-03-11T21:51:32.398-07:00Shirley's IllustrationsShirleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04703768956294366254noreply@blogger.comBlogger765125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8461198241914317094.post-28756268891583550202023-01-02T14:38:00.008-08:002023-01-02T14:41:14.829-08:002023. Hello!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyMYWag5DnQ0R2cSEyrDNtKXq37K5hwmeny4veMD7lqeDaksJS-KaQpMuDqTdooYYNBQK6WZ3D_sWnIDv5BFI1fFJW4DBRqnK7qbMX65h2YjYbDnZKsSFAsTWbP0GDQ1tSW5yq4RTszFUn9mHjOYuYoObkZRqVLTJKzPkVm440ds1WNZuvHw4-oVLaBg/s828/IMG_0196.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="739" data-original-width="828" height="572" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyMYWag5DnQ0R2cSEyrDNtKXq37K5hwmeny4veMD7lqeDaksJS-KaQpMuDqTdooYYNBQK6WZ3D_sWnIDv5BFI1fFJW4DBRqnK7qbMX65h2YjYbDnZKsSFAsTWbP0GDQ1tSW5yq4RTszFUn9mHjOYuYoObkZRqVLTJKzPkVm440ds1WNZuvHw4-oVLaBg/w640-h572/IMG_0196.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day 1: Rabbit (Let's go 2023!)</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Hello! It's been too long. Truth be told, I'm out of practice sharing my thoughts these days. So much has transpired in the world, and for me personally during the pandemic...wildfires, personal health issues, and family. 2022 was a true roller coaster of highs and lows...the incredibly profound loss of my father being the hardest. I'm thankful for my brothers, my family and friends, and for the feeling of peace as I think about my father finally reuniting with mom as he'd missed her for so long (we lost her in 2011). Thinking of their smiles and laughter comforts me. <br /><br />Incredible opportunities and highlights of my career both in lettering and writing/illustrating happened in 2022 including my first story being sold to Quill Tree/HarperCollins, designing the new EMLA logo for the Erin Murphy Literary Agency, and having my lettering appear in Letter Arts Review. I presented on faculty at the SCBWI Golden Gate Asilomar conference in Pacific Grove, which was my very first presentation and time as part of faculty. It was incredibly fun and rewarding. I also had the great pleasure of being a part of faculty for the online SCBWI JambaLAya conference (Louisiana). </p><p>Back in March during a very sad time in my life, I received the incredible gift of an invitation to attend a Quiet Writing Retreat in Quebec City thanks to a dear friend, Myrna Foster. Reconnecting and traveling with Ava Chinn, a dear, dear childhood friend, was the tip-top during four wonderful days discovering yoga, meditation, sound baths, quiet writing, and being a part of a group of incredibly lovely creative and talented new friends. I'm grateful for Melissa Manlove, the co-host of the retreat to share this special place with all of us, it was truly life-changing. So many of the lessons there I still think about and try to practice daily...gratitude, breathing, taking in each moment and looking at life through all perspectives. I also had a "kaboom" writing moment for a new story I'm working on. </p><p>All in all, I am SO incredibly grateful for so many blessings in my life. <b>So incredibly grateful. </b></p><p>I'm continuing to work on myself, help others, and be a better human sharing time on this planet with all of it's creatures.</p><p>This year, I'll be focusing on craft, both in art and writing, and digging deeper so that the work I create is both a daily practice of learning and growing, and ultimately becomes something that resonates. I'm hopeful it will touch a heart, or cause a smile or two..and I really need to work on amping up laughter as well. So, we'll see how this goes. I've created a "gouache-a-day" challenge for myself. A small little painting to focus on light, shadow, shape, character, and opacity. I've found it challenging already, so I think it's a good prompt so far. I hope I can make one a day. </p><p>I'm sending my best wishes to you and yours for balance, peace, good health, and laughter now and throughout the new year. May rewarding and </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs-r3ZpsBM6M_t37COMUtUfhZAERV3pU5nTdfTQcMaIqmD6pDMk6NDBMZqJ0ce7icqSIXpndkAhrUGTOS_8p_TQ4rgps5t1SyuVgzwYQXUfW15vLWbbXpSz9bD2hg_3Y5vlY85aqpJeYae8goaPbdO5lQHYnbTGoPCtDpmUc2ZEut7Wesr2wuItF1K2w/s828/IMG_0197.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="618" data-original-width="828" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs-r3ZpsBM6M_t37COMUtUfhZAERV3pU5nTdfTQcMaIqmD6pDMk6NDBMZqJ0ce7icqSIXpndkAhrUGTOS_8p_TQ4rgps5t1SyuVgzwYQXUfW15vLWbbXpSz9bD2hg_3Y5vlY85aqpJeYae8goaPbdO5lQHYnbTGoPCtDpmUc2ZEut7Wesr2wuItF1K2w/w640-h478/IMG_0197.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day 2: Dragon</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><br /><br />~ Shirley<p></p>Shirleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04703768956294366254noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8461198241914317094.post-14736248178677218712020-10-14T21:28:00.002-07:002020-10-14T21:28:23.738-07:00AWEtober (on Instagram) - ART & WELLNESS AUCTION from 10/1 through 10/31! <p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz2xMZ7INWrt_ZZHryt2CZJHm6-ilViiQX6Gsx5pQdv1VGN4Z8c_4lia1ylpA24nxYkn5m8_ee4QLvrssuKm9XEzOf-paTWAfMgqEfaor-IYYiYPqQRbXeFXN2aMG_No_nUPgibv74CHPg/s576/aaa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="494" data-original-width="576" height="548" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz2xMZ7INWrt_ZZHryt2CZJHm6-ilViiQX6Gsx5pQdv1VGN4Z8c_4lia1ylpA24nxYkn5m8_ee4QLvrssuKm9XEzOf-paTWAfMgqEfaor-IYYiYPqQRbXeFXN2aMG_No_nUPgibv74CHPg/w640-h548/aaa.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/awetober/">To view on a browser only</a><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Oh my goodness, I've left the blog so dusty and old..my apologies! The pandemic hit, and I have been in my bubble for a long, long, long time. The virus, the California wildfires, and our near-evacuation in early August...well, truthfully, I've been struggling to stay focused and upbeat. Through the summer, before the fires, I was settling into a nice routine with one of my daughters home early due to the pandemic..so we made good use of the pool! It was a nice few weeks of just getting through the stress of the news, the virus, the uncertainty...and then out of the blue, an odd dry lightning storm raced through California. </p><p>I heard the thunder early that morning, but was so tired I didn't get up for the lightning. I woke up to the news of the fires up north. There were too many spot fires to count and watch. Then I heard the news of multiple lightning strike fires up in the Santa Cruz mountains. My sister-in-law and her firefighter fiancé lived up in the Bonny Doon community, high up above the bustle of the Silicon Valley, with gorgeous views below. They were creating their dream home together..redoing the property, pouring cement, redoing decks, planting veggies in their brand new custom built raised planter boxes, adopting a pup, and enjoying getting their place "just right". </p><p>That evening, scrolling through Twitter, I noticed that the lighting strike fires were combining in their area. I texted her late at night..11:30pm. Was it too late to connect? Husband said, don't bother her...but I was worried and sure enough, she was packed and on her way to my in-laws, with their tennants, five dogs, a kitten, and as much as they had pre-packed. Her fiancé was already at work, manning the firestation with his team. </p><p>Every hour that passed, we wondered if the firefighters would be successful with their efforts of containment, but there were too many. In a flash, their home was gone. Their neighborhood completely devastated. 42 of 51homes were destroyed. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeye7CaLhrkJPdTEataALUwX28K1LR_mKNZnL9-SI896ufwVGp9NHpKWbNct2SsySyf47kGfsFvnC3N27T4Xn-DqUv80U_x4CqtLAwYeROgTq2EVSOS1vvQKvIinxiQSigd5H22LVyE4an/s390/bbb.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="272" data-original-width="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeye7CaLhrkJPdTEataALUwX28K1LR_mKNZnL9-SI896ufwVGp9NHpKWbNct2SsySyf47kGfsFvnC3N27T4Xn-DqUv80U_x4CqtLAwYeROgTq2EVSOS1vvQKvIinxiQSigd5H22LVyE4an/s320/bbb.png" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p>Meanwhile, here at our home, where I thought that we were safe from fires (just south from San Jose, CA) a giant mass of fire strikes combined to become the SCU Lightning Complex fire. It covered five counties. Days passed, and we watched as the evacuation warning yellow zone came closer, closer, closer. We hoped for rain, we hoped for calm or no winds..we hoped and hoped...with closed windows from the smoke, and with incredible heat that was so unbearable that your mind went a bit crazy from the pandemic bubble, to now a smoke-filled orange-gray skied heat bubble. Thankfully the evacuation line came just up to the corner at the top of our street and stopped. But we prepared anyway. <br /><br />Have you ever done this? As a native Californian, who has rock & rolled through all the major earthquakes for the past few decades, I didn't think that the work of preparing for an evacuation would rattle me..but it did, in a very strange, quiet, sweaty, hot, and sad way. We quietly went from room to room. I called our eldest to see what she wanted packed from her room since she was already at her apartment to start her 4th year in college.<br /></p><p>Trying to figure out what to leave, and what to keep was a bit unnerving. If you pause too long, it could debilitate you. I knew I had to "not think too much" and just keep moving and putting things into the plastic bins, and bags. I still have not unpacked. My walls are still blank, there are no photos in frames, and there are only the remnants of the illustrations or mementos that I had deemed "leaveable". <br /><br />I know that this is probably fire trauma. Fire had never been something we worried about in earthquake country, but a few years ago, my heart raced during weeks of worry, as my eldest was in her 1st year at UCSB, during the Thomas Fire. The fire grew so close to campus that she shared photos of her walking the main walk under orange skies, with ash falling <i>and flying</i> from bikes that trekked by. The night that her dorm-mates woke to an alert to evacuate is something I'll never forget. It was panic, and through Twitter, I was thankfully able to find that it had been a false alert. I was able to connect with a lot of the kids in their dorms to calm them down and let them know that they were ok. The phone lines and internet at the school were wonky and sporadic. Their electricity flickered. It was truly a mess. I phoned the school's hotline to talk to someone to try to get them to get word to the students..all of it was maddening. Thankfully the Thomas Fire (the third largest in CA history that year) ended, but the memory of it stuck.<br /></p><p>So, I'm writing to just get this all out. The anxiety of the fires is too much to hold in. Our world has changed so much since before February. It feels as though we are all in our bubbles now with so much sadness from the fires, the news, the politics, the injustices from race, inequalities, RBG, the virus, masks/no masks and more. </p><p>One early Sept. morning, thinking about my sis-in-law and fiancé and how they were persevering through all of this I woke to the gray/orange skies again and decided to stop the downward cycle. I decided to find a way help them, and so many who have lost so much from the wildfires.<i> (Thankfully, they are safe, and well, and managing the rebuilding of
their lives as they plan their future up in the mountains again. It will
be a long road ahead, but they safe, together, inspiring and strong. xo)</i></p><p>I decided to start AWEtober (which is LIVE right now on Instagram). It's my ART & WELLNESS AUCTION from 10/1 through 10/31, though the auctions fully end on the 27th. All 53 auctions are LIVE RIGHT NOW, and on the 16th, I'll begin the WELLNESS aspect of the month, so be sure to visit to enjoy 14 days of how the artists are finding ways to move
through this truly turbulent and unique time.</p><p>There are 53 artists who've generously donated their art, their time, their $, and their hearts to the event <b>to help raise funds for the victims of the California wildfires</b>. I am so grateful for them and for all of the bidders and those who have shared and supported the efforts. It's been truly wonderful, and has kept me so busy, and tired, which is good. :)<br /><br />SO, if you'd like a chance to bid on a wonderful piece of art - there are originals, prints, a collector/designer toy, and a handmade chipmunk purse by my daughter (!) :), that are up for grabs! <br /><br />The first four expire tonight at midnight PST though, so my sincere apologies for the delayed post!!<br /></p><p></p><p><b>HOW TO CHECK OUT @AWEtober!:</b><br /><br />If you are on INSTAGRAM, you can place a bid on any of the auctions at @AWEtober<br /></p><p>If you don't have Instagram, you can view the items but not place a bid though, at: http://instagram.com/awetober<br /><br />It's easy to download the app (if you have a smartphone)..and apologies if you don't have that and can't access the auctions! Once you've got the app, follow the account and enjoy. <br /><br />Each auction is up for 2 weeks total..please check the listings for all the details!</p><p>And, for all of the information about the event, please visit <a href="http://AWEtober.com">AWEtober.com</a> - you'll find a list of all of the contributing artists, and the ENTITIES/ORGANIZATIONS that this event will help! You can even donate directly through clicking on each entity's link.<br /><br />I hope you're all safe and well and hanging in there. May you all have a good rest of the year. I will be working on some fun projects and making sure to keep up my daily walks, pet both our little black cats, Miso & Luna, eat well, and just rest. I think we all deserve to give ourselves the space to be at peace, so I'm hoping you are all finding ways to do that! <br /><br /><br />All my best everyone!! Shirley</p><p></p><p>PS, here is my piece, titled "Old Friends" - my ode to the forest after the fires have gone. I hope that it brings a little peace to all of you. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmMB1yPP0O9nwsC7Q0VpDbbdY9JFg5X-ku-yxhQvHyVyg9nbuw1wYa3tcoxRHuIQmCKuXctquNxekSSOdDPhhurUSyDA1F0_ZUM3H3K7awjdal-Bo62etilHjJes9rTQ81k1zIKeG34tBR/s504/sngbenitez_twitterfinalone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="504" data-original-width="504" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmMB1yPP0O9nwsC7Q0VpDbbdY9JFg5X-ku-yxhQvHyVyg9nbuw1wYa3tcoxRHuIQmCKuXctquNxekSSOdDPhhurUSyDA1F0_ZUM3H3K7awjdal-Bo62etilHjJes9rTQ81k1zIKeG34tBR/s16000/sngbenitez_twitterfinalone.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><p></p>Shirleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04703768956294366254noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8461198241914317094.post-57129478205286658312020-02-06T15:52:00.003-08:002020-02-06T15:59:30.785-08:00Try new mediums, and you never know what may happen...Hi everyone! Awhile ago, I decided to purchase some new paints - wanting a little something more opaque, but not as opaque and difficult (for me) as acrylics. I have a very good friend who paints with acrylics and I am astonished at how one can do so much with the restraints of how quickly the paints dry. I usually paint with watercolors and gouache, but I saw a few illustrators on Instagram talking about Acryl-gouache and I thought, well, I'll try it.<br />
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Not really knowing how to paint with this new medium, I stuffed it in a drawer for months, until I saw a "call for entries" and I decided it was time to try this new medium. Makes a lot of sense, right? Ha! :) <br />
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The funny thing is that my youngest who is a first year at UC Davis, loves to paint and create with paper, fabric, needlefelting, and more, and as she packed up all of her belongings for the dorm, she was sad to not have any paint to bring with her, and so, I told her, take all that you need from the new set of Acryl-gouache I had purchased. She took a lot of colors, mostly the primaries and some beautiful purples and oranges, and so for my painting, I had to choose from the ones left behind. <br />
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I chose a flesh color, a brown, a green, an ochre, brick red, and blue. It turns out that this is a really great way to focus on the composition and content, versus choosing colors (which I am still really not great at).<br />
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The call for entries was for "children as spectators of a live performance", and so while brainstorming, I thought of the Nutcracker, and for some reason, thought there was a dancing bear. I googled to see if there was such a thing, and sure enough, the Boston Ballet is famous for it's <a href="https://www.bostonballet.org/Home/BehindTheScenes/Becoming-The-Nutcracker-Bear.aspx">Nutcracker dancing bear</a>. <br />
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I sketched and sketched and added lots of little ones, and thought, wouldn't it be great to add stuffed animals, too? And what would the kids be doing while watching a performance? Well, it was pretty darned fun just to sketch those ideas out, and I didn't think too much about it as I just wanted to dig in and start painting.<br />
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I must say, painting was a LOT OF FUN! To be constrained to a limited palette, having to mix colors for skintones, clothes, hairstyles, and more, well, it was a great experiment for me and I learned so much from it. Acryl-gouache did dry quicker than watercolors and gouache, but I was able to manage it better than acrylics. I kept adding water to dilute the paints (maybe this isn't what you're supposed to do?) and then went back in to add more opacity. It was a real trial-and-error kind of experience and as I added more paint and detail, I learned more about the opacity of the paints and how to adjust for contrast and such. I plan to keep experimenting with this new medium for sure. <br />
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So today, I found out the <b>wonderful</b> news that my illustration was one of 38 selected to exhibit at the <a href="http://www.bookfair.bolognafiere.it/en/highlights/illustrators/the-childrenspectators/9760.html" target="_blank">“Children-Spectators” exhibit<span id="goog_234689673"></span><span id="goog_234689674"></span></a> at the <b>Bologna Children’s Book Fair</b> this year! I am still so shocked!<br />
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The piece is titled:<br />
<a href="http://www.bookfair.bolognafiere.it/en/highlights/illustrators/the-childrenspectators/the-2020-selected-illustrators/10002.html" rel="noreferrer">La Danse de l’Ours Bleu et de la Fille</a><br />
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So...try <i>everything</i>! Try different mediums and play...you never know what can happen, and through experimentation, mistakes, and exploration, learning happens, growth happens, and I think it just keeps informing you of your own creative drive. I will keep seeking new mediums to try and remember to keep playing. What medium do you wish to try? <br />
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I am enjoying a celebratory Peet’s coffee and
then back to work-work.<br />
Hope everyone’s well and thank you for visiting!<br />
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ShirleyShirleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04703768956294366254noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8461198241914317094.post-86260480993626662102020-01-07T14:40:00.000-08:002020-01-07T14:44:17.211-08:00Happy Book Birthday to Mindful Day by Deborah Hopkinson! Book Giveaway Contest!<h2 style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b>Mindful Day</b></span></h2>
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by the incredibly talented <a href="http://deborahhopkinson.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b>Deborah Hopkinson</b></span></a>, author of over fifty books!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Published by <b><a href="http://soundstrue.com/" target="_blank">Sounds True</a></b> </div>
It was an honor to work on this timely and wonderful book which follows a mother, daughter, and son, from the sound of a bird waking to the sun's rays, to the glow of the rising moon at night. I hope you enjoy this story which is a great tool for young readers (and a reminder for myself, an old-ish reader) to take in every moment and be mindful of the sounds, tastes, smells, and connections you have throughout the day. In this very busy, very stress-filled world, I feel that this is something we can all take to heart as we start each day.<br />
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From my graphic design/print background, I wanted to also say that I am incredibly impressed with the quality of Sounds True publisher's printing! From the jacket, to the endpapers, and more, there are wonderfully crisp details: spot gloss varnishes, vibrant rich colors, matte heavy text paper, and so much more. And from my old lettering days, it was a true delight to get to handletter the cover! I'm so very grateful that they approved of it and added the varnish too! :)<br />
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***Enter for a chance to win a copy of this hardbound picture book by 1/15/20 (sorry my graphic says 1/14 but I'm extending it to 1/15) midnight PST by commenting below, and should you ever read the book or purchase a copy, please consider leaving a review (amazon.com, goodreads.com, etc.) as it's a great way to share your thoughts about the book! Thank you in advance.<br />
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<br />Shirleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04703768956294366254noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8461198241914317094.post-54968519576289853402019-11-23T11:17:00.002-08:002019-11-23T11:17:21.421-08:00SignaturesFor picture book/book creators, <a href="https://www.wordsandpics.org/2013/07/picture-book-basics-understanding-format.html" target="_blank">this post</a> blew me away...thank you John Shelley (<a href="http://www.jshelley.com/">www.jshelley.com</a>) for this incredibly helpful post regarding signatures and how books are printed, and why there are certain page counts for picture books.<br />
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<h3>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Number of Pages</span></h3>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Picture books are constructed from <i>signatures</i>.
Pages are laid out and printed together on large sheets, which are cut
in half (giving 4 sides), then half again (8 sides), then folded, making
a bundle of 16 pages called a “signature”. Many picture books consist
of two signatures sewn together, resulting in a 32 page book. It's the
most common format, and as common is generally easier to produce, it's
best to submit dummies with a 32 page plan. However for slightly extra
cost an extra half sheet (8 pages) can be added, making 40 page (2.5
signature) and 24 page (1.5 signature) books. Three signatures would
create a 48 page book, four a 64 pager and so on. Even more confusingly,
on rare occasions sheets are removed too - my last book in Japan, a
version of <i>Jack and the Beanstalk</i>, is an irregular 44 page
separate ended book - that's three signatures with one sheet (4 pages)
replaced by separate endpapers. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>Shirleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04703768956294366254noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8461198241914317094.post-46445089831996505962019-11-21T14:41:00.001-08:002019-11-21T14:41:27.164-08:00Beet harvest...who likes beets?...or perhaps pinecones?<br />
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Happy November, and upcoming Thanksgiving to all here in the states!<br />
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Shirleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04703768956294366254noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8461198241914317094.post-33554863218421257482019-10-24T13:03:00.002-07:002019-10-24T13:51:31.158-07:00Follow That Map! by Sheri Tan, published by Lee and Low books - A GIVEAWAYHello, hope everyone's doing well!<br />
I wanted to wish a happy belated "book birthday" to<br />
<b>Follow That Map! by Sheri Tan, illustrated by me, and published by Lee and Low Books!</b><br />
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To celebrate, I'm giving away a copy of the paperback, so if you'd like to enter the BOOK GIVEAWAY, please leave a comment to enter by 10/27 midnight PST. Good luck!<br />
<br />
This Dive Into Reading early chapter book reader was a true challenge to illustrate, truth-be-told! There were multiple scenes of crowds, buildings, and interior shots of buses and subways, and it was a challenge to provide easy-to-follow (not daunting) illustrations of what it would be like to use public transportation. Thankfully with the keen art direction by Maria Mercado and guidance by editor, Jessica Echeverria, I feel that we succeeded and I’m so proud of how this sweet book turned out. Following Pablo and his friends as they walk, ride the bus, then take the subway to finally arrive at Coney Island, is such a rewarding feeling as you empathize with Pablo's friends how sometimes travel can be challenging. Someday, I'd love to visit Coney Island, and maybe I'll take the same route the kids follow. :) It was an honor to illustrate this 8th book in the series and I hope you all get a chance to enjoy this story! Visit: <a href="https://www.leeandlow.com/books/follow-that-map">https://www.leeandlow.com/books/follow-that-map</a>, or your local bookstore for a copy, or do enter for a chance to win! <br />
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PS - thank you, Kirkus, for a wonderful review..I'm very grateful. <br />
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<br />Shirleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04703768956294366254noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8461198241914317094.post-69061308922754041572019-10-09T20:52:00.000-07:002019-10-09T20:52:03.594-07:00I'm back! Happy 2019 and apologies for being AWOL! BOOK GIVEAWAY - scroll to the end! Dear friends, I hope you've all been well throughout all of 2019 so far. I have to apologize for falling off the face of the earth as the beginning of the year brought a very busy time for our family, leading all the way into the summer, until finally October!<br />
<br />
My youngest was awaiting college application notifications, senior year in high school was in full swing, work was busy, and all kinds of other things that took me away from social media, including the world/political climate that truth-be-told has thrown me for a loop! <br />
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Our sweet family pup, Zsófi, had been battling late stage diabetes for a few years, and in June—after thirteen wonderful years with us—we had to say goodbye. Losing her was incredibly painful and it took me many, many weeks to recover. She had been so sick for so long that in the end, she was up every two hours in need of my help (or, I just couldn't sleep knowing she was in need). She ate, sleep, drank, played til the very end, though the last week I realize now that she was experiencing symptoms similar to dimentia (canine cognitive disorder). We adopted two black kittens last October which I'm so grateful for as I look back and now they've eased the transition from her loss. We love and miss you Zsófi, and thank you for being such an amazing companion to us all. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Luna and Miso</td></tr>
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After weeks of cleaning for a big graduation/bday party, we celebrated Noëlle who attends UC Davis and is a Physics major. GO Noëlle!<br />
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The summer brought a wonderful family trip for the first time (all four of us) to Italy, and France. Being able to enjoy delicious italian pasta dishes with wine in Venice will forever be a gem in my memories. We walked the streets of Venice in the early light, and into the late evenings and soaked up every bit.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A rare family photo! </td></tr>
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<br />From Venice we took three trains (one to Milan, one to Nice, one to Avignon) and then a rental car to the village of Les Baux de Provence, where we stayed for four nights until we trekked up through Paris to Bayeaux (Normandy), and then finally to Paris for our last three nights. The villages of the South of France (Rousillon, Les Baux, St. Remy de Provence, Arles) were intriguing and beautiful. We missed the lavender fields as they were cut weeks earlier, but the bushes remained and our drives through the tree-lined roads were just incredible. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Les Baux de Provence</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from up top</td></tr>
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<br />From the south, we ventured up to the Normandy region, which I must say was a highlight of our trip. The village of Bayeux brought us cooler temperatures, fascinating historic streets, and a place to wash our clothes and set out on an all-day bus tour of highlights of the area. We took a <a href="https://www.viator.com/tours/Bayeux/Full-Day-Small-Group-Tour-of-American-D-Day-Beaches-from-Bayeux/d909-7237P1" target="_blank">Viator Full Day Group Tour of American D-Day Beaches from Bayeux</a>, which I highly recommend! We stopped at Utah Beach (amazing to learn of some of the heroes in the American 4th Infantry Division) and to walk on the beach itself; then off to Sainte Mere Eglise (important re: the 82nd Airborne operation on D-Day); then to Pointe-Du-Hoc (to see where the American Rangers scaled the cliffs to silence the German guns); then off to Omaha Beach (amazing to walk on this historic beach and see the sights that still exist from that infamous landing on June 6th, 1944); and then finally to Cimetiere Americain de Colleville-sur-Mer, the American Cemetary. Truly one of the most incredible places I've ever visited. The honor and solemnity with which the French hold for our fallen is so beautiful and moving, and we were able to witness the lowering of the American flags set to the national anthem, a 21 gun salute and more. Truly beautiful.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Utah Beach</td></tr>
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After Normandy, we were able to visit Mont St.Michel, an amazing island/community near Avranches. It's a UNESCO World Heritage site and we took the tour all the way up to the Abbey of the Monastery. I'll never forget the heat, the crowded village which felt very similar to what Diagon Alley of Harry Potter fame would feel like, and then walking all the steps up to the Abbey where we sat in air conditioning. It was one of the hottest days on our trip, so the trek down from the abbey was fantastic..cooler rooms to view and enjoy and then ice cream on our way out. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8WSWeAHwcnulP00VN79sbDuxTZQ1QsP3NoiqD9kWCoANoC5NjSesUU15owiMuiIcp5G-CugwL_cpLs8ymHp-GqXCgok1qEMAa4bR97YXlp93cIIIo4PRpIPy2Sq-43N6HHYabNQpjCWd1/s1600/IMG_0308_1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="672" data-original-width="504" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8WSWeAHwcnulP00VN79sbDuxTZQ1QsP3NoiqD9kWCoANoC5NjSesUU15owiMuiIcp5G-CugwL_cpLs8ymHp-GqXCgok1qEMAa4bR97YXlp93cIIIo4PRpIPy2Sq-43N6HHYabNQpjCWd1/s1600/IMG_0308_1.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">view from the top of the monastery</td></tr>
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<br /><br />From there we visited Paris which unfortunately was having it's worst heat wave. The day before the hottest day in Paris' history, the girls and I were at the top of the Eiffel Tower (103 degrees)..something we will never forget! We visited the Musee d'Orsay (amazing, amazing); ate delicious food, walked along the Seine from the Eiffel Tower and melted all the days we were there. We shall visit again!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Musee d'Orsay!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the clouds were coming in..though it was still incredibly hot.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">proof of the hottest day in Paris' history..crazy!</td></tr>
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Once we returned from a fun, but challenging trip (heat, perhaps too-much-close-quarters-family-time, travel itself), we had to get ready for the big move to college, and once that happened, I find myself now with a little more time. I realize now that I needed to take all that time away to tend to my family and basically soak up every moment with both my college girls who I miss every day. To be a mom is....(I shall write another post, for it would be too long to add to this one!)...everything to me. <br /><br />Thanks friends for visiting here and also I want to share with you all a BOOK GIVEAWAY - I'm thrilled to have had the wonderful opportunity to illustrate the 7th in the Dive Into Reading Early Chapter Book series featuring the Confetti Kids, titled "The Buddy Bench" by Gwendolyn Hooks and published by the great folks at Lee and Low Books. <br />
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<br />I love that this story shares Padma's compassionate quest to include others and I hope you'll enjoy it too. Please visit your local independent stores or visit <a href="https://www.leeandlow.com/books/buddy-bench" target="_blank">here</a> to order. <br /><br />Comment below for a chance to win by midnight 10/13/19 PST.<br />Shirleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04703768956294366254noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8461198241914317094.post-59071742669667392018-12-25T17:08:00.001-08:002018-12-25T17:08:51.728-08:00Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!Wishing you all a wonderful Christmas and season of giving. For all who are celebrating, I hope you're all enjoying some quality time with friends and family, and hope there's good food, drink, and fun in the days and new year ahead. For those less fortunate, may we all consider connecting with one another, sharing light and hope to others in a kind word, a phone call, a helping hand.<br />
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<br />Shirleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04703768956294366254noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8461198241914317094.post-44603646204858884812018-10-21T17:10:00.001-07:002018-10-21T20:19:21.391-07:00Rutgers University Council on Children's Literature (RUCCL) One-on-One Plus Conference!This past summer I submitted an application to attend the RUCCL.org's One-on-One Plus Conference, and was very happily accepted to attend! I just returned from a whirlwind weekend and an incredible conference that left me inspired and encouraged on the journey to write picture books!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsuVz1QSRoBdjpA8pZzsBmGScXEY_mDJv7DVwazo4-NaRHgGKBE8KRzoH-V7NurMs8UEwOsPBuVfleZmKRXO8vf96lXb3JJoYmuVddUmd0ncxKSZLuGUDNvmskLdHat0p2mD58YCntYjZe/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="486" data-original-width="648" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsuVz1QSRoBdjpA8pZzsBmGScXEY_mDJv7DVwazo4-NaRHgGKBE8KRzoH-V7NurMs8UEwOsPBuVfleZmKRXO8vf96lXb3JJoYmuVddUmd0ncxKSZLuGUDNvmskLdHat0p2mD58YCntYjZe/s400/2.jpg" width="400" /></a>The energy from the 80-90 mentees and abundance of incredible mentors was apparent at the start..with breakfast and then a great success story from authors <a href="http://jeanreagan.com/" target="_blank">Jean Reagan</a> and<a href="http://lorakoehler.com/" target="_blank"> Lora Koehler</a>. It was great to hear of their near 15 year crit group experience and their paths to publication and how they felt when their book made it to the NY Times Bestseller lists. Congratulations to the both of them!<br />
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From there we broke out into the <b>Five-on-Five Sessions</b>. With the direction of the RUCCL lead, Author/Illustrator <b><a href="https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-1-ab&ei=uB3NW7n3KK3H_Qbtrr_wAg&q=lindsay+Barrett+George&oq=lindsay+Barrett+George&gs_l=psy-ab.3..0l2j0i10l2j0i22i30l2.129079.133917..134185...0.0..0.307.5554.0j1j19j2....2..0....1..gws-wiz.......0i131j0i67j0i131i67j0i131i10.DHNP-N1TasY" target="_blank">Lindsay Barrett George</a></b>, five mentees were paired with their mentors and had a group discussion about all things children's book. At my table were mentors <b>Clarissa Wong</b>, Editor, HarperCollins Children's Books; <a href="http://www.pandaerica.com/" target="_blank"><b>Erica de Chavez</b></a>, Sr. Designer, HarperCollins Children's Books; <b>Beth Terrill</b>, Editor, <a href="https://northsouth.com/" target="_blank">NorthSouth Books</a>, <a href="http://leeharperart.com/" target="_blank"><b>Lee Harper</b></a>, Author/Illustrator; and <a href="http://bryanlangdo.com/" target="_blank"><b>Bryan Langdo</b></a>, Author/Illustrator. Mentees included: <b><a href="http://sakitales.com/" target="_blank">Saki Tanaka</a>, <a href="http://wemakebelieve.com/" target="_blank">Kavita Ramchandran</a>, <a href="http://www.aprilktonin.com/" target="_blank">April Tonin</a>, <a href="http://carolibreros.com/" target="_blank">Caro Libreros</a></b> and myself. Discussions included so many topics including the following: pros and cons of having an agent, the inner workings of how submissions are taken in at HarperCollins, how the editors and Sr. Designer find illustrators, social media, claiming yourself as an author vs. "aspiring author", as well as introductions from all of us. There were lots of questions and answers and it could've gone for hours..but alas.<br />
<br />
After a break, we attended a great panel discussion led by the incredibly talented Margery Cuyler, Author/Publishing Consultant, "Writing Today for Tomorrow's Market"- Panelists: <b>Stacey Barney</b>, Senior Editor, Putnam/Penguin Random House; <b>Jill Flaherty</b>, Children's/YA Buyer, Baker & Taylor; <a href="https://taralazar.com/" target="_blank"><b>Tara Lazar</b></a>, Author and Council Member; and <b>Dean Smith</b>, Co-owner and children's buyer, <a href="https://patch.com/new-jersey/princeton/a-spacious-well-lighted-place-for-books-and-toys-in-t55d445b1cc" target="_blank">JaZams bookstore</a>.<br />
<br />
Tara discussed how ideas came to her and how she gathered the ideas - "write it down, anything" - you never know when it will hit you. Stacey Barney discussed their process of acquiring books which was primarily decided through the editorial team, but this will vary with other houses. Dean spoke of the fact that he attends all kinds of shows from gift shows, toy shows, etc. as he is the buyer for his bookstore/toystore. He says that 8 years ago, he was telling people that unicorns were going to be HOT, and how he predicts the hot new animal will be the.....<br />
(email me if you're interested! shirley@shirleyngbenitez.com)<br />
<br />
Jill Flaherty told us that there are more libraries in the US than there are McDonalds! Applause! She then spoke of how their work at Baker & Taylor were to share with libraries what's coming down the pike in terms of the publishing world..she will look at trend reports and they also find out about what customers want. She mentioned that a series was also a great way to sell books continually and to look for anniversaries that would be coming up. Next year, the 50th anniversary of the moon landing and Woodstock. Very interesting! The panel answered the question "Do you think about the future when you think about the present?" - and the answers varied..yes and no..how to find trends, Tara watches trends from illustrators and their posts! She makes regular dates to the bookstore and takes note of the "face out" books. She spoke of hearing about the "ugliest animal in the world", but Blobfish and how she worked on Blobfish Bob, and saw blobfish books on the market. Dean says yes and no - and what he hopes to see - namely publishing that speaks to "hope for young boys". I believe he said that he loves the book by Thomas Scotto & Olivier Tallec - <i>Jerome By Heart</i>, as an example. He also stated a wish for books that take a deeper look at cultural awareness. Other wishes from the panel included more middle grade non-fiction, like <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Marley-Dias-Gets-Done-Can/dp/1338136895/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1540170702&sr=1-1&keywords=marley+diaz&dpID=512oDHMswYL&preST=_SX258_BO1,204,203,200_QL70_&dpSrc=srch" target="_blank">Marley Dias</a>; quality sports-fiction, more rich storytelling of stories that don't necessarily include or touch upon suicidal realities; and books about "young people who are just kids" who are cool just by liking and respecting one another. Another wish was for more real-life, common situations that reflect confidence in the character, and positive mental health for teens, as well as the hot current trends of: own voices, diversity, indigenous peoples, and STEM/STEAM. <br />
<br />
I spent my lunchtime with <b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Owl-Boy-Brian-Schatell/dp/0823432084" target="_blank">Brian Schatell</a></b>, Illustrator. Author. and Council Member who was very kind to have read and provided feedback on my manuscripts while at lunch! We were joined by Margery Cuyler, Author/Publishing Consultant and Council Member, who also took the time to read my ms (apologies for showing it to you on my phone, Margery!), and my other dummies while enjoying a lunch of sandwiches, salads and pizza. I am so grateful for their words of wisdom and advice and can't thank them enough! At the end of lunch, I had the great pleasure to meet and sit with Tara Lazar, Author and Council Member who, along with Margery and Brian, were incredibly fun to speak with. I can't thank Tara enough for her one tweet on Twitter many months ago, promoting the RUCCL.org One-on-One-Plus Conference event on her feed! She is such a joy to listen to and be encouraged by and her excitement about books and ideas filled the room.<br />
<br />
My One-on-One was more than I had hoped for..a meeting with dear Clarissa Wong, Editor at Harper Collins Children's Books. I can't thank her enough for such insiteful and honest feedback about my manuscripts. We spoke about many things, including family, the Chinese-American experience, the process at HarperCollins, the industry, and so much more. It was so fun to see how we have had some parallel aspects of our lives and she left me with much to think about! I have a notebook with lots of notes to help me along the way as I revise my work in hopes to get them submission-ready. Thank you so much, Clarissa! Joining us later, was Erica De Chavez, whom I have followed through social media from back in the early years of IllustrationFriday.com and IllustrationMundo.com..wow, it was a highlight to get to finally meet her in person and get to know this joyful, talented woman and hear of her wealth of information about the industry. Thanks so much Erica!<br />
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The keynote was given by the power authors, <a href="http://janeyolen.com/" target="_blank"><b>Jane Yolen</b></a> and <b><a href="http://heidyeystemple.com/" target="_blank">Heidi E.Y. Stemple</a></b>! I have always wanted to hear them speak, and together, they provided such down-to-earth words of wisdom. For two incredibly successful authors, with hundreds of published books to their names, it is easy to assume that these things come easily for them, but no, what they provided in their speech was insight into their fears (Heidi shared a personal email she sent to her (their) agent), as well as Jane's motto: <b>Passion, Patience, Persistence</b>! They spoke of Heidi's book, <i>You Nest Here With Me</i>, and it's journey (a many year journey) to publication...persistence! And glorious illustrations by Melissa Sweet upon waiting for her schedule to clear so that they may have her illustrate the book. I was so encouraged to hear these wishes for all of the attendees:<br />
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<h2>
<b>Celebrate!</b></h2>
<h3>
1) When you find the beginning of your book halfway into your story.</h3>
<h3>
2) Your first draft</h3>
<h3>
3) When you share your story for the first time</h3>
<h3>
4) When your critique group says it's ready (find your trusted reader!)</h3>
<h3>
5) A good rejection (loved it but not enough to marry it)</h3>
<h3>
6) An open-ended rejection (try to revise)</h3>
<h3>
7) the opportunity to revise ("Butt in chair" - J.Y. and "Yes, I can!" - J.Y.)</h3>
<h3>
8) When a child reads your book - ("The ultimate thrill!" - J.Y.)</h3>
<h3>
9) When you receive a letter from a child</h3>
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<br />
<br />
Unfortunately I missed some of their keynote, and my
apologies to Tara for missing her closing remarkds, due to a flight, but
I gained so much from their words of advice and left with a smile on my
face. So much to think about, sit with, and do! <br />
<br />
I highly
recommend applying to the conference which occurs every year. For
information, go to RUCCL.org, and follow them on Twitter@ruccl1on1. <br />
<br />
<span class="ProfileCard-screenname"></span><br />
<span class="ProfileCard-screenname">Some closing thoughts - I really enjoyed my trip with my dearest friend Renee..we California girls loved seeing New Brunswick</span><span class="ProfileCard-screenname"><span class="ProfileCard-screenname">, New Jersey a</span>nd
the surrounding areas for the first time. The Garden State is truly
lovely..so green, so crisp. Rutgers University is HUGE, and they were
having a homecoming college game against Northwestern which brought
Hall-of-Famers from all over to the campus. We drove a rental on the
surface streets to the hotel..lots to see, and unfortunately traffic
that seemed like the Bay Area. On the way home, we ventured onto the New
Jersey Turnpike which was a dream! In an instant, we were on our way
home, watching the last bits of our view of Manhattan from the AirTrain
at the airport. Back to reality now..hard work ahead in the next few
months. I'm looking forward to spending the bits of downtime on my
manuscripts though. I know I'll be pulling my hair trying to get just
the right word down, while I hone in on the heart of the story but it
will all be worth it. OH, one last thing, Renee was kind enough to ask
me to attend a talk by Rick Steves, the author, T.V. personality of many
books about travel. This resonated with me...remember when we used to
say "bon voyage" when you heard someone was going to travel? but that it
has been replaced with "safe travels!"...Mr. Steves talked about travel
and being open to talking to the locals and broadening your view. Never
having visited New Jersey, we met some really great people along the
way and experienced downtown New Brunswick by eating at Old Man
Rafferty's and enjoyed a great grilled cheese pulled pork sandwich
yesterday. It was a joy to experience all of the newness of the
city..and I shall be back. Thanks for reading, and apologies for the
length! Have a great rest of October and the Fall everyone! ~ Shirley
</span>Shirleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04703768956294366254noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8461198241914317094.post-76613802463573732592018-10-14T12:50:00.002-07:002018-10-14T12:50:34.878-07:00Riley the Retriever Wants a New Job - by Jill Mangel Weisfeld & Deborah Mangel<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b>Happy Book Birthday </b></span></span></span></span></h2>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b>to </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="color: #674ea7;">Riley the Retriever Wants a New Job</span></b> </span></span></h2>
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by Jill Mangel Weisfeld & Deborah Mangel </h3>
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published by <a href="http://www.peek-a-bear.com/" target="_blank">Peek-a-bear Press</a>! </h3>
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I am honored to share this sweet new book by Jill and
her dear mother, may she rest in peace, Deborah, who co-authored this
book. It was a joy to bring Riley’s story to life, which tells of her
quest for “the perfect job”! Thanks Jill, for the wonderful opportunity to celebrate Riley, and thanks to my super agent, Nicole at <a href="http://tugeau2.com/">Tugeau2.com</a>! </div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Follow Riley’s adventures on Instagram
@workingdogtales </b></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>and head on over to <a href="http://www.peek-a-bear.com/">www.peek-a-bear.com</a> to order a
copy!</b></span></span></div>
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Thanks for stopping by! It was quite a summer, tending to a broken bone, fractures, infections, etc..but thankfully we're over the hurdle! I hope you've all been well and I wish you a peaceful Fall. This is my most favorite time of year, and I wish you all good food and beverages (there are so many comfort foods at this time), fun with friends and family, and a hopefully no stress month or two leading up to the holidays. ~ ShirleyShirleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04703768956294366254noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8461198241914317094.post-14908089082539795702018-06-01T11:04:00.003-07:002018-06-01T11:04:45.343-07:00The Secret Garden - sketch to final color cover book mockup<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-D_xxXyU4y513hQwcDobmmFKgCZNuShmnkcYUPRE8Po5J1EO2ZYYgqYSsyrgDFWFNtlMz30iGJ4LfTxJ8VU6HdGJVqzAuOV8RbrL_uGp_Z9NRX5nGS3RNe9GgLN0RJHsW5PP9eYjQIVzh/s1600/sngbenitez_sg_1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-D_xxXyU4y513hQwcDobmmFKgCZNuShmnkcYUPRE8Po5J1EO2ZYYgqYSsyrgDFWFNtlMz30iGJ4LfTxJ8VU6HdGJVqzAuOV8RbrL_uGp_Z9NRX5nGS3RNe9GgLN0RJHsW5PP9eYjQIVzh/s1600/sngbenitez_sg_1.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cover mockup created in Photoshop, with linen image, and blank book photo</td></tr>
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Hi folks! Happy Friday..hope you've got some restful plans for the weekend! I'm currently dealing with pain from a shingles vaccination (what a wollop!), but hopefully I'm over the fever part. Back in my early 30's I came down with shingles (too much stress from work, my immune system was completely low), and now that I'm able to get the shot, I decided why not. In 6 months I'll get a booster, and hopefully all will be well.<br />
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So I wanted to share the process to "The Secret Garden" book cover as this was a prompt from my agent, Nicole Tugeau for her artists for this month. If you follow her @t2_illustrators.and.authors you'll see fellow agency-mates' book covers and interiors.<br />
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It started with a sketch I did for a personal project, which I remember having fun with..just adding more foliage and leaves, hidden animals, etc.<br />
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I look at this sketch now and think I will try painting it again : )</div>
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Anyway, here are snippets of the book cover and process. Lots of
gouache/watercolor, colored pencil and photoshop to create the book
mockup and pages. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">pencil on copy paper, just doodling....</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So much fun to paint this. I kept adding and adding bits and pieces..would love to add more animals!<br /> </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">bw sketch on copy paper, layed out and duotone tinted in Photoshop</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">raw scan of painting (watercolor/gouache on smooth Bristol) - do you see the "key"?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIqQ__K2l3ScDz6QwZ0NXnsMnzB0KWe6K3cB2tgvqWNysLWhSk4ZCeZntE5d76Z-IsF8fTTqzrBpZyOG1mH2Aqnydn2-qRLEzvXpNHjSzels7vjKTBOpVXJejBctTGKE3L2qnkvgLJhgsN/s1600/sngbenitez_robin2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1044" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIqQ__K2l3ScDz6QwZ0NXnsMnzB0KWe6K3cB2tgvqWNysLWhSk4ZCeZntE5d76Z-IsF8fTTqzrBpZyOG1mH2Aqnydn2-qRLEzvXpNHjSzels7vjKTBOpVXJejBctTGKE3L2qnkvgLJhgsN/s640/sngbenitez_robin2.jpg" width="441" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mockup of the color chapter header in Photoshop</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivwhx-89w436B9jhBt5lDiPHCXihzbLmF7em-WrphO7nXfXELyGJ8mVT5ZcCsauIWfjjnQ2HSzZ5PiWIIN4qoi2zME7FNi5BJyq5UfhwLxEI5OCSw9RQ_Cn-4OwRnE9sn2E1xfw5GS4ZvX/s1600/sngbenitez_robin3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="665" data-original-width="864" height="492" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivwhx-89w436B9jhBt5lDiPHCXihzbLmF7em-WrphO7nXfXELyGJ8mVT5ZcCsauIWfjjnQ2HSzZ5PiWIIN4qoi2zME7FNi5BJyq5UfhwLxEI5OCSw9RQ_Cn-4OwRnE9sn2E1xfw5GS4ZvX/s640/sngbenitez_robin3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boy this was fun to paint..birds are hard, but so interesting to paint close up!</td></tr>
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<br />I hope to do more of these book cover mockups - I really had a great time painting..and I have next up, The Wind in the Willows in my head. But, work calls, so hopefully I can attempt this this summer. <br />Happy June everyone! Have a lovely weekend! ~ Shirley</div>
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Shirleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04703768956294366254noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8461198241914317094.post-40926839272988085452018-05-30T21:55:00.002-07:002018-05-30T21:55:59.098-07:00Here's to new adventures!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hi everyone -<br />
Hope you've been well! Things are changing, and
I've decided to delete my Facebook account, so I will hopefully be here
more often, and on Instagram and Twitter (@shirleysillos).<br />
There
were many reasons why I've decided to leave FB, and yesterday seemed the
right day to do so...just had a birthday and my husband and I
celebrated our big 25th, so I guess I'm reflecting on all of the years
that I've been so grateful for. I truly have been so blessed with
family, friends, amazing daughters and a wonderful husband, as well as
opportunities in my career that don't even feel like work. That truly is
amazing to me.<br />
<br />
I endeavor to work on my projects with
more clarity and focus, and in the off-work times, I'll be spending
working on my writing. I'm currently working on manuscripts and
revising, revising, revising..it's the name of the game. I am SO excited
about this new chapter.<br />
<br />
I'll leave this here and hope
to reconnect with all of you in the blog world. My very best to you and
here's to new adventures to you all! ~ Shirley Shirleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04703768956294366254noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8461198241914317094.post-4893667429836129582018-03-19T21:11:00.003-07:002018-03-19T21:11:46.045-07:00Happy publication day! I'm grateful to have had the wonderful opportunities to work on these two great books!I'm happy to share two new books published by Magination Press/American Psychological Association out in the world today! Scroll down for a chance to win a copy of "A Feel Better Book for Little Tempers". And now, presenting:<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><b>Baxter and Danny Stand Up to Bullying</b></span></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #674ea7;">by James M. Foley </span></b></div>
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With the help of Queen Beth of the Bees, Baxter and Danny learn how to start feeling better, and help the other animals in the forest feel better too. Together, they are able to stand up to Buford's bullying! Find out who Buford is and how the friends of the forest stand up to the bullying. This book includes a Note to Parents and Other Caregivers with more information about bullying and strategies for building self-esteem and resilience in children. It is an honor to have illustrated this third book for the wonderful team at <a href="http://www.apa.org/pubs/magination/441B229.aspx" target="_blank">Magination Press</a>, and Dr. James Foley. Thank you so much for the opportunity, and thank you to my wonderful agent, <a href="http://tugeau2.com/" target="_blank">Nicole</a>! <br /><b><a href="http://www.apa.org/pubs/magination/441B229.aspx" target="_blank">Available Now</a></b></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>A Feel Better Book for Little Worriers</b></span></span></div>
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<b>by Holly Brochmann and Leah Bowen</b></div>
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published by Magination Press/American Psychological Association</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSWC9knmjKlCEv8tmo_KManBKYyMP3F2NXMA1fBmM9AfD-VMlZ0DmJhEBF3gTR5dUKwCbFbW5cLJZ6RCnGBn1FihPKJ82Pt8mfznT6oUpBXspJTSMAN6TFPnOAggIIExGWaR_z9DHB4wzY/s1600/LittleTempers_Post5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSWC9knmjKlCEv8tmo_KManBKYyMP3F2NXMA1fBmM9AfD-VMlZ0DmJhEBF3gTR5dUKwCbFbW5cLJZ6RCnGBn1FihPKJ82Pt8mfznT6oUpBXspJTSMAN6TFPnOAggIIExGWaR_z9DHB4wzY/s320/LittleTempers_Post5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEyxAMkYgW19mPFBvT5MFIO1044aN6vqMbZlhL6J9cPMe2IbFnuAd1HvErvFmH6_glv-zw5FZt2IoR0NRg14psUIR63EdZ4IeJlDFrsv9YekJ2GVpe1x24soHu7VoGM6iukCYrRmNVxxF9/s1600/LittleTempers_Post2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEyxAMkYgW19mPFBvT5MFIO1044aN6vqMbZlhL6J9cPMe2IbFnuAd1HvErvFmH6_glv-zw5FZt2IoR0NRg14psUIR63EdZ4IeJlDFrsv9YekJ2GVpe1x24soHu7VoGM6iukCYrRmNVxxF9/s320/LittleTempers_Post2.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />***CHANCE TO WIN, SEE BELOW***<br />Happy pub day to “A Feel Better Book for Little Tempers” by Holly Brochmann and Leah Bowen published by Magination Press/American Psychological Association! </div>
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This is the second in the “A Feel Better Book for Little Kids” series. </div>
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Sometimes the LITTLEST kids have the BIGGEST tempers. This Feel Better book helps little ones who are just beginning to recognize and identify their emotions to understand how anger feels and affects them. Told in rhyme, the gentle and calming narration broaches the subject delicately and simply, offering explanations, reassurances, and tools to try and help manage tempers and tantrums (whether justified or not!). Includes a Note to Parents and Caregivers that expands on the cognitive-behavioral science behind the strategies and tools presented in the book, with more information on how you can help your little one manage their anger. <br />It’s an honor to have worked on this important book and I want to thank Holly, Leah, Katie, Magination Press, and my wonderful agent, Nicole. <br />For a chance to win a copy, leave a comment by Sunday, March 25, midnight PST. </div>
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<a href="http://www.apa.org/pubs/magination/441B230.aspx" target="_blank"><b>Available Now</b></a></div>
Shirleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04703768956294366254noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8461198241914317094.post-82011023069423316652018-01-18T13:10:00.000-08:002018-01-18T13:10:05.077-08:00Happy Birthday Mr. A. A. Milne! #winniethepoohday<div data-contents="true">
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<span data-offset-key="f0in5-0-0"><span data-text="true">Happy birthday Mr. A. A. Milne! Thank you and Mr. E. H. Shepard for Pooh, Piglet and the whole gang at the '100 Akre Wood'! </span></span></div>
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Shirleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04703768956294366254noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8461198241914317094.post-68783321328763138532018-01-18T12:07:00.000-08:002018-01-18T12:07:14.326-08:00Bob & Billie Bear's Bakery: a place for warm hellos, baked treats, and cups o' cheer!<div style="text-align: center;">
Sending warm hellos your way! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVogMsdb4Z3BQVC3fmu1oVG_b9qz9PwpdpBgKmP6ce-wR34sY450_0BLqdZpg8mCRexf5gsp3g5iAY0EqO6HnDHjUvJX9oMyhvMJ48ivgSzNxq85guWPhNthxBPWUsmChVINLKw1mMPxyJ/s1600/SNgBenitez_Bakery_2017_72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="984" data-original-width="792" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVogMsdb4Z3BQVC3fmu1oVG_b9qz9PwpdpBgKmP6ce-wR34sY450_0BLqdZpg8mCRexf5gsp3g5iAY0EqO6HnDHjUvJX9oMyhvMJ48ivgSzNxq85guWPhNthxBPWUsmChVINLKw1mMPxyJ/s640/SNgBenitez_Bakery_2017_72.jpg" width="514" /></a></div>
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Shirleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04703768956294366254noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8461198241914317094.post-59163053746053665462017-12-06T14:17:00.000-08:002017-12-06T14:17:28.029-08:00Thoughts about this journey; and How Do You Say I Love You? By Hannah Eliot, Little Simon - and a giveaway!<div data-contents="true">
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<span data-offset-key="1v4vo-0-0"><span data-text="true">Hello everyone! <br />Warning, this is a bit of a long post..thank you for your patience! Or scroll to the bottom for a chance to win at this giveaway...</span></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="fbk3t-0-0"><span data-text="true">My thoughts and wishes for swift containment of all the Southern California fires are top of mind today, with my eldest nearby in Santa Barbara, I am anxious. She is thankfully safe, but I continue to worry about friends and family. It's awful to see so much devastation first in Northern CA (Sonoma), and now Southern Cal. </span></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="bqd2t-0-0"><span data-text="true">With so much going on in the world and right down south, it seems strange to post happy news today, but I wanted to share a story to those in the kidlit community and beyond about keeping at it (your craft), staying strong, working hard, and staying true to yourself. The journey of an artist is long & winding, frustrating, and tough. It's something that most choose as a second option, or third, or fourth. I found this to be true in my career, choosing graphic design with a concentration in illustration, over straight illustration. I feared how I could make a living in this industry. With many years in the design industry, with a partnership through the many years of marriage and now two big kids (one's 18!), and a community that has supported my work throughout the blog days of Illustrationfriday.com, to Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, I found the courage to work on my art..and through the years, I have aged (definitely!), but have also grown and have become more comfortable and patient with myself. I've been able to work on some pretty darned awesome projects thanks to many people who I have admired for so long; advice from close friends; people willing to take a chance on me, and agents who have shared my work with others. I am grateful more than you know (and you all know who you are :) )THANK YOU! </span></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="rglu-0-0"><span data-text="true">One day, back in July, 2016, I was taken aback with sadness from the shooting of police officers in Baton Rouge, Louisiana..I painted..for that was what I needed to do, and the piece, 'Grow Peace', came about. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span data-offset-key="rglu-0-0"><span data-text="true">I wrote: <i>So many very tragic and sad things have occurred all over the planet and today, I again, woke up to another shooting, this time of police officers in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. It's time for peace. It's time for a change to the light. It's time for humanity, compassion, rational and open dialog, and our ability to think beyond what we feel is not fixable, but work towards a better tomorrow. I'm worried about the future our children and their children will inherit.</i></span></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="1pkqa-0-0"><span data-text="true"><i>If we could all in our own way, move towards the positive, and share our love and light, we can keep the darkness away..in short, grow peace. Wishing you all well, my friends!</i> </span></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="cjapi-0-0"><span data-text="true">It seems timely still today, perhaps even more. I share this because this little illustration, borne out of hope, was shared by my wonderful agent, <a href="http://tugeau2.com/" target="_blank">Nicole Tugeau</a>, on a trip back east to publishers, and a year and a half later, the illo sparked the possibility of illustrating this sweet board book, <b><i>How Do You Say I Love You?</i></b>, by Hannah Eliot, published by Little Simon (Simon & Schuster). </span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our very well-loved Snowman. : )</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSf2tTO5BPLnvqJbREEHPV5_SVwe0Z9kbxY5Q-PtSK9wu_778XJumfPADAyEj3DdQS9yQZniy8NskqYooBKgrJVFxOr4VbbV-QXCgchS0Rybchvzlc9UvdxPPgyjGd7Y_M-HKEXpZk9qNc/s1600/japan_hdysilu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="576" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSf2tTO5BPLnvqJbREEHPV5_SVwe0Z9kbxY5Q-PtSK9wu_778XJumfPADAyEj3DdQS9yQZniy8NskqYooBKgrJVFxOr4VbbV-QXCgchS0Rybchvzlc9UvdxPPgyjGd7Y_M-HKEXpZk9qNc/s400/japan_hdysilu.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In Japan, we say "Daisuki desu"...</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA9AESu16oA0bY7lVIVk62KLykhpUBrrle5mhpKVaUq0AS5Jd5iKiP6QCjogXaE5LSYFwYVvJGeuVDpZsHxTS1Ff0Qy9gE3PmyLRJh0oCrNX1VOwwqM17wwrQ78tCCkQKkwNXGCcImxlZy/s1600/inside_hdysilu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="432" data-original-width="576" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA9AESu16oA0bY7lVIVk62KLykhpUBrrle5mhpKVaUq0AS5Jd5iKiP6QCjogXaE5LSYFwYVvJGeuVDpZsHxTS1Ff0Qy9gE3PmyLRJh0oCrNX1VOwwqM17wwrQ78tCCkQKkwNXGCcImxlZy/s400/inside_hdysilu.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVfBAddEAUVlQkTYwCenPBIBPgLm9eA23P5JF373O0MD30F65yXHVji9wcal0jVPb_dMKkug9_hrF69lTB-v7D0_G1DTN1b0YMCf5xIdUescHmO-tae-6LmteIHjohMvbcANO68ChkY5ft/s1600/snooze_hdysilu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="504" height="395" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVfBAddEAUVlQkTYwCenPBIBPgLm9eA23P5JF373O0MD30F65yXHVji9wcal0jVPb_dMKkug9_hrF69lTB-v7D0_G1DTN1b0YMCf5xIdUescHmO-tae-6LmteIHjohMvbcANO68ChkY5ft/s400/snooze_hdysilu.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inspiration can be found everywhere. <br />My littlest would love sneaking into Zsöfi's sleeping bag when she was young.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoodnjUdAjiJP4I9zZhVbghSoeIZG8saAlYVQTLnMccyBgdKs_z5dWwq0TesPcxJ2kkl5QXAbM2iPCy0nRrjtq1V6fu9MnOWZstewHXdyQYesfNK96urSqF_XBRxdUads9kLaMOoLrSo6M/s1600/spain_hdysilu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="576" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoodnjUdAjiJP4I9zZhVbghSoeIZG8saAlYVQTLnMccyBgdKs_z5dWwq0TesPcxJ2kkl5QXAbM2iPCy0nRrjtq1V6fu9MnOWZstewHXdyQYesfNK96urSqF_XBRxdUads9kLaMOoLrSo6M/s400/spain_hdysilu.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In Spain, it's "Te Amo"</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqh7DivjSqc4jxmMIiyqnA4ZNeZMPqGVSXZ6_oWj4Pm1lneJmDW-k8Z2u7P_3Ld8l8AJfdl5G4rFc9qS2MTX10QPLzpOURCzqyRnxMwof1uJge5UnRz0j0c-EwvTJUyoiSSv7L6_12iFvz/s1600/pup_hdysilu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="576" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqh7DivjSqc4jxmMIiyqnA4ZNeZMPqGVSXZ6_oWj4Pm1lneJmDW-k8Z2u7P_3Ld8l8AJfdl5G4rFc9qS2MTX10QPLzpOURCzqyRnxMwof1uJge5UnRz0j0c-EwvTJUyoiSSv7L6_12iFvz/s400/pup_hdysilu.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In Germany, it's "Ich Liebe Dich"...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqlW0hDf5P67meSEbQ7CYrV-P10H-IwMJ-oXSh_ErMqayubRzpfYpbA-A3LJjRdNfuYm2_1u2tquqMPWr_hqnLl3It9Wp4mGJauitaZ-BPJLHozCOl_CMMV7erySJuIMHbAbc7swHuTvul/s1600/zsofi_hdysilu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="504" data-original-width="504" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqlW0hDf5P67meSEbQ7CYrV-P10H-IwMJ-oXSh_ErMqayubRzpfYpbA-A3LJjRdNfuYm2_1u2tquqMPWr_hqnLl3It9Wp4mGJauitaZ-BPJLHozCOl_CMMV7erySJuIMHbAbc7swHuTvul/s400/zsofi_hdysilu.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><u>Zsöfi approved. ; )</u></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidOa38w7DuewOv0dvEyEt9AEKqWqZCGkiVa89yGmzkU-XpNgiTt-6mkz_AxYLgTNYFigeK0xoDeHwUCqW0waCUOMVEqMw695gl8Oa4IdDCZJArB550PHdIL-5t4Y9rEElu-io-iodOvVuL/s1600/christmas_hdysilu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="672" data-original-width="504" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidOa38w7DuewOv0dvEyEt9AEKqWqZCGkiVa89yGmzkU-XpNgiTt-6mkz_AxYLgTNYFigeK0xoDeHwUCqW0waCUOMVEqMw695gl8Oa4IdDCZJArB550PHdIL-5t4Y9rEElu-io-iodOvVuL/s320/christmas_hdysilu.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How Do You Say I Love You? By Hannah Eliot</td></tr>
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<span data-offset-key="5ts7n-0-0"><span data-text="true">I am honored to have illustrated such a lovely book, celebrating the diverse languages of love while learning how to say, "I Love You" in ten new ways. Gratefully, I'm posting this post to say thank you to all of you who have been on this journey with me. For those who are on their creative journeys, keep going and ENJOY what you do each day. We're lucky to be able to create something that might resonate with others and it truly is a gift that I appreciate whenver I see work from all of you. I am constantly inspired by so many and am glad that there is art in the world, thank goodness. (sending best wishes to the Getty Museum!). </span></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="aming-0-0"><span data-text="true">To celebrate the journey, I'm giving away a copy of this sweet board book, so if you'd like a chance, please leave a comment below by midnight 12/11 PST. <br /></span></span></div>
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<i><b><span data-offset-key="bbi4b-0-0"><span data-text="true">Happiest of holidays to all! Shirley</span></span></b></i></div>
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<span data-offset-key="bbi4b-0-0"><span data-text="true">If you'd like to order a copy, please visit: </span></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="bbi4b-0-0"><span data-text="true"><a href="http://www.simonandschuster.com/books/How-Do-You-Say-I-Love-You/Hannah-Eliot/9781534400122" target="_blank">SimonandSchuster</a></span></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="bbi4b-0-0"><span data-text="true"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1534400125?tag=simonsayscom" target="_blank">Amazon</a> </span></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="bbi4b-0-0"><span data-text="true"><a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/how-do-you-say-i-love-you-hannah-eliot/1125685767;jsessionid=B74C9EADFAFF5F76FBCE2C462A96E1E6.prodny_store02-atgap02?ean=9781534400122&st=AFF&2sid=Simon%20&%20Schuster_7567305_NA&sourceId=AFFSimon%20&%20SchusterM000023" target="_blank">Barnes & Noble</a></span></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="bbi4b-0-0"><span data-text="true"><a href="https://www.indiebound.org/book/9781534400122?aff=simonsayscom" target="_blank">Indy Stores</a></span></span></div>
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Shirleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04703768956294366254noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8461198241914317094.post-41701203517372187542017-11-25T21:01:00.000-08:002017-11-25T21:01:11.191-08:00"Grateful and Full, 2017" and it's inspiration...This piece is titled "Grateful and Full, 2017" in honor of the 2017 National Dog Show Non-sporting group winner: French bulldog, GCHS Haloridge's Cruisin The Open Sea of Arnold, Md. He pretty much stole the show for me at this year’s event, and I thought I’d paint him resting after a hard day’s work. :)<br /><br />
This piece was inspired by last year's painting of my "Grateful & Full" little corgi.<br />
Hope you are all well and I wish you a wonderful holiday season!<br />
Shirley<br />
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Shirleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04703768956294366254noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8461198241914317094.post-53329905397622970402017-10-12T14:35:00.004-07:002017-10-12T14:44:01.189-07:00Presenting: I'm Not a Scaredy-Cat, by Max Lucado! And a BOOK GIVEAWAY..enter by 10/15 midnight PST<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's a <b>pleasure</b> to present to you, my most recent illustrated book,<i><b> </b></i></div>
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<span style="color: #674ea7;"><b>I'm Not A Scaredy-Cat</b></span></h2>
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<span style="color: #674ea7;"><b>A Prayer For When You Wish You Were Brave</b></span></div>
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<b>By Max Lucado</b></div>
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Published by Thomas Nelson</div>
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From New York Times bestselling author Max Lucado, comes <b><i>I'm Not A Scaredy-Cat</i></b>, a hilarious new picture book to help kids manage their fears and worries and learn to trust God. Laugh-out-loud funny, yet filled with an important message that God is near so there's no need to fear, kids will learn to put into perspective those things that frighten or worry them.<br />
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<b>Thank you </b>to the fabulous people at <a href="http://thomasnelson.com/" target="_blank">Thomas Nelson</a>, and to my awesome agent, <b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><a href="http://tugeau2.com/" target="_blank">Nicole Tugeau</a></span></b> for this wonderful opportunity, as it's such an honor to illustrate this book! Working with the team to create Scaredy-Cat was a great experience as I tried to create a character that was scared (but not too scared or scary), dealing with his fears throughout the book. It was quite a lively and fun manuscript to work from, and some of my favorite scenes are of Scaredy-Cat battling his fear at the playground, and at the pool. I took some time to make myself laugh a bit with extra details in the pool and newspaper scenes. Some of the articles on the crumpled sheet of newspaper dealt with "Feline Feelings" and "Cats Who Comfort". I hope that these little details bring a smile to the reader.</div>
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One of the challenges I had for the cover was that my editor was particular about making that pink doughnut as pink and large as possible, and to make those sprinkles shine. To my delight, the hardcover books with beautiful slipcovers come complete with spot-gloss varnished & embossed Title, and shiny spot-gloss varnished SPRINKLES! SO fun!</div>
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I'm hopeful that the story of Scaredy-Cat's ability to maneuver his fears with the help of God's words is helpful and useful to many young readers.</div>
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For a chance to win either a hardcopy book or a board book, please leave a comment below before 12/15/17, midnight PST and I'll announce the winners on Monday.<br />
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For links to purchase the hardcover and/or board books:</div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b><a href="http://www.thomasnelson.com/i-m-not-a-scaredy-cat-1" target="_blank">please click here for ThomasNelson.com</a></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: orange;"><a href="https://www.christianbook.com/not-a-scaredy-prayer-were-brave/max-lucado/9780718074913/pd/074913" target="_blank"><b>please click here for Christianbook.com</b></a></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/im-not-a-scaredy-cat-max-lucado/1125989305?ean=9780718074937" target="_blank">please click here for BarnesandNoble.com </a></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #674ea7;"><a href="https://www.target.com/p/i-m-not-a-scaredy-cat-a-prayer-for-when-you-wish-you-were-brave-hardcover-max-lucado/-/A-52197518" target="_blank"><b>please click here for Target.com</b></a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #741b47;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Im-Not-Scaredy-Cat-Prayer-Brave/dp/0718074920" target="_blank"><b>please click here for Amazon.com</b></a></span></div>
<b><br /></b> <a href="https://www.christianbook.com/not-a-scaredy-prayer-were-brave/max-lucado/9780718074913/pd/074913" target="_blank"><b> Also, here's a link to view the author, Mr. Max Lucado, sharing the book in his own words!</b></a><br />
<b>(scroll to "Product Media"and view video) </b><br />
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Shirleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04703768956294366254noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8461198241914317094.post-86976051180329530012017-09-28T10:40:00.001-07:002017-09-28T10:40:12.911-07:00Take Your Pet to School DayHope everyone's enjoying the Fall so far!<br />
A quick update: Congratulations to Julissa Mora, winner of my previous post's book giveaway. I hope you enjoy A Feel Better Book for Little Worriers, and thank you all for supporting the giveaway and the book. :)<br />
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I wanted to share this latest piece completed for my agent, Tugeau2.com - it's "Take Your Pet to School Day" and I had a great time creating this piece envisioning how much fun it would be to bring your pet duck, or hamsters to school. I<br />
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My thoughts today are with my eldest, who started at UCSB today - her first day in college, and we are so very proud. Wishing you all the best to spread your wings, Sierra!<br />
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Hope you are all well..it's been a busy year for me, and I will share what I've been working on hopefully more steadily in the future, I've so neglected this ol' blog!<br />
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<br />Shirleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04703768956294366254noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8461198241914317094.post-31114118733812143752017-08-08T09:41:00.000-07:002017-08-08T09:41:01.683-07:00It's a book giveaway! Happy book birthday to...<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>A Feel Better Book for Little Worriers</b></span></span></span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: large;">by Heather Brochmann and Leah Bowen</span></span></span></h3>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Published by: Magination Press, American Psychological Assocation</span></span></span></h4>
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<b>From Magination Press: Worries can feel like a BIG problem to a LITTLE kid!</b></div>
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<b> </b><br /><b><i>A Feel Better Book for Little Worriers</i></b> assures kids that having some worries is normal—<br />everyone has them, even adults! The rhyming narration helps kids to identify a worry and where it might come from, as well as provides them with helpful tools to reduce and cope with worries.</div>
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Includes a <b>Note to Parents and Caregivers</b> with more information on how you can help your little worrier stay calm.</div>
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I'm so grateful to have been able to work on the first in this new series by Magination Press. Many thanks to the kind folks at the APA, Magination Press, my agent, Nicole Tugeau, and the sweet author/sisters, the @bsistersbooks, Holly & Leah! </div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>If you'd like a chance to win a copy of this book, </b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>please leave a comment below, </b></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>or find me on Facebook or Twitter (@shirleysillos) </b></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>and add a comment there by midnight, 8/10 PST. </b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><b><br /><u><span style="font-size: small;">Or if you'd like to purchase a copy, here's the APA's <a href="http://www.apa.org/pubs/magination/441B209.aspx" target="_blank">link</a> for the book</span></u></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></b></span></span><br />Thanks so much for stopping by! I've been working steadily on six new books this year, and will be back up and running socially (I've taken a bit of a break for the summer) in late September. I hope everyone's taking good care of themselves and enjoying August so far! ~ Shirley<br /><br /></div>
Shirleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04703768956294366254noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8461198241914317094.post-24905413332346079942017-06-01T13:55:00.001-07:002017-06-01T13:55:45.215-07:00The Decision to withdraw from the Paris Agreement today: #Act on Climate<br />
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I completely disagree with @potus re: the Paris Agreement, and made this to #actonclimate. In my opinion, The PA was a start and our withdrawal from it signifies the US's yielding to others in terms of technology, jobs, innovation & climate health for our future generations. I'll continue to fight for the only planet we've got.<br />
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Apologies for leaving this blog so dusty..I have been preoccupied by life, which has had it's ups and downs. Very grateful for the blessings I see each day in my family, friends, work, the beauty of nature, and a great community such as this. Thank you. I hope you've all been well and enjoy June ahead. Wow! We are blasting through 2017, aren't we?! Many thanks for your visit!<br />
Shirley<br />
<br />Shirleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04703768956294366254noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8461198241914317094.post-56262911996259179032017-01-27T11:38:00.000-08:002017-01-27T12:00:09.909-08:00Project Popcorn By Laura Driscoll, Illustrated by me :) / Kane Press<div style="text-align: center;">
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<b>Woohoooooo! I'm shouting it to the rooftops!</b></h4>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrUZiP3bIwdcTRhxEDu8_yJtKAELsJhWtWleoEPF6i1Aq7D56DNEzpME7Lh-EBDRV42lVQrjW13xMJt_SBA8diaIDKCZJ4bQViMqkiaNYGOjSotkiJWFjF2N_NgrymkZOoFBxz80BSdnEo/s1600/ProjectPopcorn_photo.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrUZiP3bIwdcTRhxEDu8_yJtKAELsJhWtWleoEPF6i1Aq7D56DNEzpME7Lh-EBDRV42lVQrjW13xMJt_SBA8diaIDKCZJ4bQViMqkiaNYGOjSotkiJWFjF2N_NgrymkZOoFBxz80BSdnEo/s640/ProjectPopcorn_photo.jpg" width="592" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yipppee! The smell of fresh books on a sunshiney day....</td></tr>
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I'm so excited and happy to share with you my most recent book project, <br /><a href="http://www.kanepress.com/project-popcorn/" target="_blank"><b><i>Project Popcorn</i></b> </a>by Laura Driscoll <br />with the very awesome people at Kane Press!</h4>
So why am I so excited and happy? Well, truth be told, it's because this book was the result of a wish. A year ago at this time, I was steadily working on my portfolio pieces, some very new pieces built on a focus of "story" and adding a narrative to my personal pieces. I was working like a madwoman over the holidays, steadily trying to get my portfolio to a point where I could share it with the world as I was getting ready for my very first SCBWI New York Conference. I had bitten the bullet and was looking forward to my solo trip back east in super freezing temps. <span style="color: red;"><a href="http://shirleysillustrations.blogspot.com/2016_02_01_archive.html"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">This </span></b></span><b>post</b></span></a></span> shared my experience there.<br />
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So in prepping for the event, we were able to bring our portfolios and I believe up to 100 postcards to leave with our portfolios at the "Portfolio Showcase", which was a closed viewing of over 200 portfolios for the publishing industry representatives.<br />
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Long story short, one of my postcards was picked up by a Kane Press author, and about a week later, turned into this wonderful book project. I can't ask for any better to come from an event which completely blew me away, both inspirationally and motivationally. It was the cherry on top, and I am so honored.<br />
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What's even better than the cherry on top? If it were me, a side of truffle fries, or something equally delicious! And if that were translated to working relationships, well, working with the awesome Juliana and Edward at KP, are the truffle fries of clients. Thanks very much to Juliana, Edward, and my dear agent, Nicole Tugeau at <a href="http://tugeau2.com/">Tugeau2.com</a> for making this all happen..it's been a delight!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ed did a great job adding touches like the popcorn on the frames..thanks Ed!</td></tr>
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Here's a little about the book and series:<br />
<a href="http://www.kanepress.com/project-popcorn/" target="_blank"><i><b><span class="math-red">Project Popcorn</span></b></i></a><br />
by Laura Driscoll; illustrated by Shirley Ng-Benitez<br />
<span class="math-blue">Mean/Median/Mode/Range</span><br />
The Community Champs have an extra-special fundraiser this year—donating
Thanksgiving dinners to families in need. With three weeks to go, can
William and Lizzie sell more popcorn than ever before?<br />
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<b><a href="http://www.kanepress.com/math-matters/" target="_blank">Math Matters</a></b> is one of Kane Press' wonderful reading series, focused on math concepts while extending reading and math skills. </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Here's a <a href="http://www.kanepress.com/project-popcorn/" target="_blank"><b>link</b> </a>to order</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">or</span></h4>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Share a story or give a shoutout</b></span></h4>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>to an awesome volunteer (maybe it's you?!)</b></span></h4>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>in your community</b></span></h4>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>for a chance to WIN A COPY</b>!</span></h4>
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I'll be picking a winner on February 1, 2017, 12noon PST, and will share here...so swing on back! </div>
Shirleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04703768956294366254noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8461198241914317094.post-70793867921479599242017-01-22T12:32:00.000-08:002017-01-22T12:32:33.321-08:00Hello! And a belated Happy New Year to you <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Happy new year and I hope you're all well! </div>
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I wanted to give my blog a bit of an update and share a few recent pieces I did for my agent's promotional emails. The theme was "Hello", and as I often do, I had a lot of different ideas and characters in my sketches, and so I just went ahead and tried a few options. I gave Nicole both and asked her to share whichever one she preferred. </div>
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I'm curious which one you would choose... </div>
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Thank you for visiting! It's always great to read your comments and I wish you all good health, peace, and a lot of fun projects ahead!</div>
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Shirley</div>
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<br />Shirleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04703768956294366254noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8461198241914317094.post-24749256350542412252016-12-24T01:46:00.003-08:002016-12-24T01:46:29.475-08:00Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays everyone! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Sending you all my best wishes for a happy, healthy holiday! ~ ShirleyShirleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04703768956294366254noreply@blogger.com4