--Lauren Castillo Blog--

snow day in brooklyn!

2012-01-21T11:23:00.001-05:00

Happy New Year!

2012-01-03T10:59:00.000-05:00

Wishing all of you a very joyous 2012! xo~Lauren

*image from my forthcoming book, The Reader, written by Amy Hest

Merry Christmas to all

2011-12-25T16:43:00.000-05:00

This year I was given the opportunity to illustrate the Northwest Haiti Christian Mission's holiday card. This is a wonderful organization, and I hope that you will visit their site to learn more about how you can help the beautiful children of Haiti.
Merry Christmas friends! Much love, Lauren

Hip Hip Hooray!

2011-12-21T13:13:00.000-05:00

WOW. Melvin and the Boy ranked #2 on 100 Scope Notes Top 20 books of 2011 list! Again, wow.. Thank you Travis Jonker(100 Scope Notes) and John Schumacher (Watch. Connect. Read.) for drawing some attention to Melvin. He appreciates it, and I certainly do, too!

Here's what Travis has to say:

Again, thank you so much for the support and recognition, gentlemen.

I am honored to be a part of this fantastic list~

2011-12-15T19:25:00.000-05:00

Hi friends!
I hope these two little videos will help nudge you into the Christmas spirit if you’re not there already . . .

trailer for CHRISTMAS IS HERE

Rachel Marshall reading CHRISTMAS IS HERE

Happy Holidays to all!

City Cat

2011-12-08T14:53:00.001-05:00

Sorry I haven't posted in awhile! But I have a good excuse — I've been traveling around Europe! Well, uhh, drawing Europe. That's pretty fun too! I'm working on a new book that involves 8 different cities in Western Europe. So far I've wandered through Rome, London, Marseille, and Barcelona . . . Must keep moving!!
Hope everyone is enjoying the holiday season :)

An early Christmas gift

2011-11-21T19:18:00.001-05:00

Today I received a really exciting package -- copies of the Scholastic Book Club edition of CHRISTMAS IS HERE! I found out a few months back that Scholastic had chosen Christmas Is Here to be part of their book club, and I was beyond excited.

One of my very favorite memories of elementary school was when the Scholastic Book Fair came, and I was allowed to pick out and buy a book all on my own. The first book I remember buying was Imogene's Antlers by David Small. To this day it is still one of my favorite books. And David Small is one of my illustration heroes :)

If you're interested, you can download the "Holiday Gift Books" catalog right HERE

Thank you Scholastic for including my book in your club!!

2011-11-09T09:13:00.000-05:00

This Saturday I will be signing copies of my most recent books at Barnes and Noble in Bel Air, Maryland. If you live nearby, come say hello!

Winning hearts

2011-11-06T16:18:00.000-05:00

Reviewers, kids, & even famous authors have been falling for little Spunky. And I don't blame them. Ann Cameron wrote a fantastic story about this loving dog and his family, and I'm so glad it's getting the attention it deserves. Hooray for Ann and Spunky (and our fabulous editor, Frances Foster, too)!

Here are some review clips:

“Cameron has written another top-notch entry in the Julian and Huey series, this time from the brothers’ pup’s perspective . . . Readers will be simultaneously tickled by [Spunky's] canine observations and moved by the profound connection between dog and family . . . Though the narrative doesn’t need embellishment, thickly outlined illustrations pepper the text, giving readers a visual reference for some of Spunky’s antics. A gem.”--School Library Journal, Starred Review

"The beloved family of Julian and Huey Bates (The Stories Julian Tells, 1981, etc.) is back after a long hiatus. Spunky, their mixed-breed dog, hilariously reveals all about his humans and realizes his purpose in life . . . Spunky’s love of his boy, Huey, will bring a tear to the eyes of dog lovers, too. Castillo’s perfect black-and-white spot drawings capture the energy and intelligence of both animals as they begin the careful dance of new friendship . . . Readers ready for chapter books will delight in seeing the world through Spunky’s eyes and powerful nose.”

--Kirkus Reviews, starred review

“With a jacket showing a winsome pup only Cruella de Vil could dislike, this is a beginning chapter book that begs to be read.” --Horn Book Magazine

“Dog fans … will delight in Spunky’s tail-wagging tale-telling, which could introduce a new generation of kids to the Bates family chronicles . . . [A] deeply touching tribute to the dog-kid bond.” --Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books (BCCB)

“Spunky Tells All is a beautiful tale of human, cat, and dog finding friendship together. I loved it. It speaks with deep spirit and fine observation of small telling things in a way that young humans will understand.” --Paula Fox, author of the Newbery Award winning The Slave Dancer

“I loved going back inside Huey and Julian's world, but this time, through the eyes of the wise and loyal Spunky. A book with humor, heart, and a lovable dog. Who could ask for more?"
—Barbara O’Connor, author of How to Steal a Dog

“I fell in love with Spunky who, in his own words, is a considerate Dog and only tries to do what is best for his human family. His tale, both charming and hilarious, will make readers laugh out loud—and pay much closer attention to what their own dogs are really saying.”
—Ann M. Martin, author of Everything for a Dog

“I loved it all the way to the end.”
--Ivan, Beaverton, Oregon, age 12

“I liked your book so much that I want to buy it and read it to my sister before she goes to bed.”
--Connor, Beaverton, Oregon, age 11

The Original Art 2011

2011-10-19T21:19:00.000-04:00

I'm honored that two of my books are included in this years Original Art Show at the Society of Illustrators! Many thanks to the jury for selecting CHRISTMAS IS HERE and MELVIN AND THE BOY. I look forward to seeing lots of lovely book folks at the opening reception next Thursday evening, October 27th. Here are the details if you'd like to join. Hope to see you there!

Spunky leaps in to libraries and bookstores today!

2011-10-11T13:17:00.000-04:00

So excited to announce the release of SPUNKY TELLS ALL, written by the wonderful Ann Cameron. You can read this lovable dog's story in either hardcover OR Ebook.

Go on and grab your copy today! How could you resist such a dog? : )

more blogger love

2011-10-03T22:14:00.000-04:00

There's been some more love for Melvin in the blogosphere the last few months!
I wanted to take the time to thank these kind bloggers for the nice things they have said about the book:

“Melvin and the Boy” is a lovely little book. Both text and illustration work in concert with each other to create a fun, cohesive whole. The text is simple and straightforward with playful artwork filling in the holes. Children will love the images of other pets and parents will appreciate the book’s message. And a two-page section at the end featuring turtle facts is a fun and somewhat unexpected addition. ~ Cracking The Cover

The Boy of the story is delightfully sweet and appealing, his words expressed simply and honestly. Castillo's text and illustrative style are equally praiseworthy. ~ Storied Cities

Melvin and the Boy revisits the familiar theme of the child who wants a pet, but successfully finds the sweet and sentimental tone missing from most picture books on that topic. The illustrations are beautiful and have a timeless feeling about them. At the end of the story there is a series of facts about turtles to share with the young readers. Melvin and the Boy will remind you of the classics. ~ A Picture Book A Day

Every picture is beautiful and charming, with fabulous contrast between bright and subdued colors. There is so much to look at on every page that the squirmiest toddler is sure to focus, and yet Castillo manages not to go too far in the other direction and make the illustrations too busy, they are just wonderfully nuanced. ~ Devourer of Books

In my opinion [Lauren] hit a home-run with Melvin and the Boy. The illustrations do a beautiful job of walking with the text though the story. Nothing about this book is flashy. It has the look and feel of a classic. ~ Sharpread

Thank you again. The amount of praise Melvin has received is truly overwhelming.
xo~Lauren

A MELVIN reading

2011-09-23T16:03:00.001-04:00

Special thanks to the precious (4 yr old) Rachel Marshall for sharing her wonderful reading of Melvin and the Boy. You did an A+ job, Rachel! Keep up the great work :) xoxo

Turtle Facts poster!

2011-09-20T12:48:00.001-04:00

Parents! Teachers! Turtle lovers! There is now a fun and informative 11 x 17" MELVIN poster available for free on the Macmillan website. Just head right HERE where you can click on the link to download and print a copy for your classroom or homework room.

Did you know that turtles were here on Earth before dinosaurs?!

A very snowy desktop

2011-09-13T14:51:00.000-04:00

My computer's desktop has become snowier by the day, as I hustle to finish up final art for my newest book, THE READER, by the great Amy Hest. Placing myself in this blustery snowscape helped me to survive the string of heatwaves we had in NYC this summer. Perfect timing I say :)

International Society for Animal Rights

2011-09-06T15:35:00.000-04:00

Last month I had the pleasure of donating a signed copy of my book Melvin and the Boy as part of a raffle to help raise money for ISAR's (International Society for Animal Rights) International Homeless Animals' Day.

Here's a bit about this annual event: "In 1992, ISAR introduced International Homeless Animals’ Day as an innovative educational vehicle with a purpose of informing society of the global tragedy that overwhelms animal shelters each year – pet overpopulation. Since the conception of International Homeless Animals’ Day, ISAR has reserved the third Saturday of August, commemorating the Day annually, to promote new campaigns, programs, and ideas on the solution to the pet overpopulation epidemic: spay/neuter."

If you're interested in learning more about ISAR, or would like to help, please head over to their website for more information.

MELVIN Activities!

2011-08-25T12:50:00.001-04:00

Parents and teachers! Looking for some rainy [or not rainy] day activities for the kiddies? A fun MELVIN AND THE BOY activity guide is now available to download off the Macmillan website. The guide includes a turtle word search, coloring page, connect the dots, and drawing sheet. Head over and print out your copies today! (scroll down to the pdf labeled "Activity Guide" to download)

Also, COMING SOON! A "Turtle Facts" poster will be available to print for your classroom or home. . . will keep you informed!

[official] review city

2011-08-15T17:58:00.000-04:00

Over the last couple months, MELVIN has collected some really nice reviews that I've neglected to share here. So, here they are, better late than never:

Booklist:

"Castillo, whose winning artwork has appeared in numerous picture books, including Emily Jenkins’ What Happens on Wednesdays (2007), makes her writing debut in this sensitive title. “I ask Mom for a dog like that, but she says, ‘Too big,’” says a young boy as he walks with his mother down a street in their city neighborhood. At the zoo, a monkey catches the boy’s eye, but Dad says, “Too much work.” Then, at the park, the boy spots a turtle, names him Melvin, and convinces his parents to bring him home only to realize, after Melvin mostly hides in his shell, that the turtle would be much happier back in the park. With pared-down, rhythmic words and mixed-media illustrations filled with spot-on body language and details from an urban child’s world, Castillo elevates the familiar theme of a child’s unrequited yearning for a pet, adding a welcome twist when the boy, not the parents, is the first to recognize that Melvin belongs in the wild. A spread of turtle facts closes this well-crafted, gentle offering, which should find wide appeal."

Kirkus Reviews:

"Castillo’s illustrations, rendered in acetone transfer with watercolor and markers, have a soft visual texture, nicely aligning with the story’s quiet nature. Subtle humor punctuates the narrative as the boy diligently tries to play with his pet, whom he calls Melvin (“because Melvin is a good name for a turtle”). But the turtle “is hiding…[dis]likes pretzels…is shy…doesn’t even want to meet the other pets…[and] tries to sneak away.” Melvin finally emerges from his shell when the boy gives him a bath before bedtime, making him think that perhaps the turtle wants to return to the pond. The next day, the family returns Melvin to the pond, and the boy watches him swim toward two sunbathing turtles. Castillo deftly captures the child’s conflicted feelings with a tender expression of sorrow, his brow furrowed and his hand held to his mouth. The final image of three turtles together, facing a silhouetted, distant picture of the boy walking away with his parents, lends a comforting symmetry to the story as the boy says, “I can’t wait to visit him tomorrow!” Emotionally true and therefore highly satisfying." (Picture book. 3-6)

Horn Book Magazine:

"Castillo’s expressive artwork gently sets the boy in the center of a friendly, bustling cityscape and deftly conveys his longing for an animal friend, the joy at finally achieving that goal, and the ultimate realization that perhaps a wild animal belongs in the park, not leashed or cooped up in an apartment."

Publishers Weekly:

"In her authorial debut, about a boy whose experiment in turtle ownership doesn't quite work out, illustrator Castillo's (Alfie Runs Away) gently outlined drawings help to soften a potentially disappointing situation. Melvin fulfills the boy narrator's parents' conditions for pets--he's not too big, and he doesn't demand too much work. But he's withdrawn ("When I take Melvin outside to meet my friends, he is shy," says the boy as his friends surround a firmly shutup shell), and he's not very active, either. "I have to carry him all the way home," says the boy, his red leash fastened to Melvin's shell, which sits stolidly on the sidewalk. The boy's parents offer surprising support, allowing their son to bring Melvin home from the park, but the decision to return Melvin is the boy's own: "[W]hen I set Melvin free, he goes right into the pond where two other turtles are sunbathing.... ‘We should let him stay here,' I say." It's an honest account of a small, manageable failure, with a lemonade-from-lemons moment at the end: "I can't wait to visit him tomorrow!" Ages 4–8. (July)

School Library Journal:

"An unnamed boy longs for a pet. At the park he finds a turtle that, unlike other proposed pets, is not too big, not too much work, and not too noisy. His parents allow him to bring Melvin home, but he stays in his shell and shows no interest in playing or taking a walk, although he does seem to enjoy swimming in the bathtub. The child concludes, “I don’t think Melvin likes it here. I wonder if he misses his friends….” Next morning, the family members return Melvin to the park and make plans to visit him there. The story demonstrates the incompatibility of a wild animal with a human household and encourages readers to enjoy these creatures in their natural habitats. Acetone transfer with markers and watercolor are used to create opaque, thick-lined sketches with a charming old-fashioned feel. The narrator lives in an urban multicultural neighborhood that has a timeless look to it. The simplicity of the illustrations effectively conveys the straightforward story. This is a realistic and useful look at human/animal interactions. " (PreS-Gr 2)

Thanks to Booklist, Kirkus, Horn Book, PW, and SLJ for such lovely write-ups!

Gary Klinsky Children's Center school visit!

2011-08-05T18:05:00.000-04:00

On Tuesday I traveled out to PS 292 in East New York to visit and share my new book MELVIN AND THE BOY with the adorable kids at the Gary Klinsky Children's Center. GKCC is an absolutely fantastic program, funded by Brooklyn Community Services (BCS) non-profit organization, that provides learning opportunities to children from low-income families who attend some of New York City's lowest performing schools (For more information, please check out their website). The children are currently studying marine biology and ecology, so it was the perfect time to introduce them to Melvin and his friends~

We had a great time, and those little guys even made me a welcome banner with paper plate glitter turtles! Best greeting EVER!

Winning 6 yr old question/comment of the day:
"You live in Brooklyn too?? Ohh, I thought you lived in a museum."

Party!

2011-08-03T17:11:00.000-04:00

Wine, cheese, chocolate, and books — Come one, come all! :)

MELVIN out in the world

2011-07-21T13:07:00.001-04:00

MELVIN has officially published!!! He hit bookshelves while I was out of town in early July. I have been illustrating books for about 6 years now, but this is the first I have written. Way back in the summer of 2007 I drew this in my sketchbook, which immediately sparked the story of MELVIN AND THE BOY.

Now, a whole 4 years later, it's an actual printed book! It's a scary thing to be 100% responsible for the outcome of a book — illustrations AND text — but hearing and reading the kind reviews and responses to MELVIN has been wonderful encouragement to write more stories of my own.

Here are a few reviewers that have shed some light on little Melvin:

—Shelf Awareness (click below image to enlarge/read)

—An article in The New York Times, titled "For Children Who Want Pets and Parents Who Don't"

—A Kirkus Reviews article by Julie Danielson, titled "Seven Impossible Things: Illustrators on Their Own"

—And, today Jules included Melvin on her Seven Impossible Things Before Breakfast blog. If you'd like to see a handful of interiors from the book, head over there to take a look.

Thanks so much to these reviewers for their interest in MELVIN AND THE BOY! xoxo~Lauren

bloggers like Melvin!

2011-06-27T21:29:00.000-04:00

Melvin and The Boy will soon be appearing in bookstores!!! And a couple great bloggers have some exceptionally nice things to say about this turtle. Hooray! Many thanks to Travis Jonkers over at 100 Scope Notes for writing what is probably the most complimentary book review I have ever received. You can head over to his blog to read the whole review if you'd like. Here's a clip that made me smile from ear to ear:

"The text is a strong point, as Castillo does wonders with an extremely small word count. Succinct, yet crystal clear, this is a book that will work with very young children.

The illustrations put Melvin and the Boy squarely into Caldecott territory. Castillo uses a unique acetone transfer with markers and watercolor, and the results are gorgeous. The composition of each illustration is masterful, and the spreads are especially memorable, bursting with subtle skill."

And thanks to another outstanding blogger, Tasha Saecker over at Waking Brain Cells, for her oh-so-kind review of Melvin! Wander over to her blog for the entire review. Here's a little snippet:

"This is the first book that Castillo has both written and illustrated. Her writing is pitch perfect here, offering just enough detail and with the right phrasing and tone. It really feels as if a child was speaking in first person without becoming distracting. "

Thank you both so much for recognizing little Melvin and the boy! xo~Lauren

Character sketches!

2011-06-17T12:10:00.000-04:00

Here's some character sketches I did for a new project I'm working on titled THE READER (written by Amy Hest). A boy, a dog, and snow—what could be better?

Visitors!

2011-06-12T13:12:00.001-04:00

Melvin and the Boy have finally arrived!!!

My first book as author comes out in less than a month, and I'm pretty excited. Will share much more very soon!
(It is available for pre-order here if you're interested)

2011-06-01T12:26:00.002-04:00

American Booksellers Association Silent Auction

2011-05-18T17:45:00.000-04:00

I donated this study from MELVIN AND THE BOY to this year's ABA Silent Auction (benefiting the ABFFE Fund for Free Speech in Children's Books) which is part of Book Expo America.

There's going to be tons of great art to bid on at the event ~ hope to see you there next Wednesday evening, May 25th! You can browse through all the art right HERE! And, details for the auction are HERE.

Nice day for a picnic

2011-05-13T13:58:00.001-04:00

Cinco de Mayo sketcharoo

2011-05-06T18:10:00.000-04:00

come join the party!

2011-04-27T13:50:00.001-04:00

This Friday evening there is going to be a celebration of all that is good. You should come! There will be tons of artwork filling the walls of the party space, including this piece of mine. (click to enlarge—you'll see Melvin the turtle made it in to the scene!) Details are here. Don't miss it!

MELVIN cover

2011-04-19T11:52:00.000-04:00

Here's a bit of the cover progression for Melvin. Veronique Sweet over at Henry Holt did an excellent job designing the jacket...and there's even going to be a surprise case cover! I can't wait to receive my first printed copy. The book isn't out till July, but you can already pre-order here!

All That is Good

2011-04-13T12:39:00.002-04:00

Sketch for art I'll have at this celebration :)

spring snow drawing

2011-03-31T11:24:00.014-04:00

Sooo, now that it's spring, I get to work on a book about snow...
Geesh, I can't get away from winter over here. It's a good thing I love love LOVE drawing snowy landscapes!! This story, titled THE READER, is written by the wonderful Amy Hest. I'm a big fan of Amy's books, and couldn't be more psyched to illustrate this sweet story of hers. Here are a couple sketches from the dummy I just finished putting together:Happy spring everyone! : )

rain rain go away

2011-03-21T13:31:00.002-04:00

Soccer out the door

2011-03-08T13:22:00.010-05:00

Last week I wrapped up my project with Candlewick, Happy Like Soccer. The story is written by Maribeth Boelts, talented author of many books including Those Shoes and Before You Were Mine (which is adorable!). Here's a summary of our book, courtesy of Maribeth:

A young girl from the inner city, Sierra, is chosen for an elite soccer team that plays its games at a complex far from her apartment. Sierra longs to have a game in her own neighborhood so people who know and love her, like her auntie she lives with, can attend more easily. Sierra gets courageous enough to try to make that happen.

Happy Like Soccer won't be out till next year, but I will post more as we get closer to the books' birthday. . .

Now off to begin a new project that involves a boy, a dog, snow, and reading. I'm excited! Just too bad I wasn't working on this one during the winter of one-thousand blizzards!

a snowy day stroll

2011-02-21T14:44:00.002-05:00

Spring's Sprung?

2011-02-18T16:32:00.001-05:00

CCBC Choices 2011!

2011-02-09T10:21:00.007-05:00

The Cooperative Children's Book Center has just released their CCBC Choices 2011 annual best-of-the-year list, and both ALFIE RUNS AWAY and CHRISTMAS IS HERE are on it -- Hooray! The Cooperative Children’s Book Center (CCBC) is a unique examination, study and research library of the School of Education at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. The complete CCBC Choices 2011 publication will be available after March 5th, and will include annotations and recommended ages for all of the books included, as well as an author/title/subject index, and a commentary on the publishing year. Many thanks to this years panel of jurors, Kathleen T. Horning, Carling Febry, Merri V. Lindgren and Megan Schliesman!
You can check out the complete list of titles right * here *

SPUNKY

2011-01-17T23:52:00.008-05:00

It's been busy over here in the Castillo studio. I recently finished interior art for an awesome chapter book by Ann Cameron, titled SPUNKY TELLS ALL. Here is the synopsis, courtesy of the author:

Spunky is a middle-aged, serious dog, --a thinking dog, a dog with some troubles. His humans-- Ralph and Michelle, and their sons Julian and Huey — don’t speak his language. Even worse, they don’t realize that smells are the center of life’s meaning. Worst of all, they think that Spunky wants a new companion — a cat!

Thus arrives in Spunky’s life the aristocratic Balinese Fiona-- snobbish, supremely sure of herself and absolutely incompetent — who, to his astonishment, gives him a life purpose and a new way of looking at his world.

I loved working on this book, as it was the first time I've had the opportunity to illustrate a non-picture book. Creating black and white art was a really nice change of pace. PLUS, I got to draw a lot of dogs and cats! Always a fun thing.Look for Spunky on shelves this Fall!

Happy New Year!

2011-01-03T12:18:00.003-05:00

I hope everyone had a very relaxing and memorable holiday~

I have to share this adorable video of my friend's 4 year old daughter, Rachel, reading CHRISTMAS IS HERE. Way to go, Rachel! I think I'll hire you for my future reading events :)

Here's to a new year filled with much joy! xoxo~Lauren

Merry Christmas to all!

2010-12-23T22:56:00.006-05:00

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. (Luke 2: 8-14 KJV)

Christmas Is (almost) Here!

2010-12-16T20:40:00.006-05:00

I can't believe Christmas is only about a week away. Can you??

It's funny, I've been in Christmas mode practically all of 2010:
In January and February I created the final art for CHRISTMAS IS HERE. Looked at the printer proofs in March. Saw the F&G's (folded and gathered) in June, and a final bound copy in August! Then began a Fall season full of events promoting the book. I was also fortunate enough to be part of a wonderful fundraiser that put translated copies of CHRISTMAS IS HERE in to the hands of 300 sweet, underprivileged Romanian children . . . Pheeew! Now that's a lot of Christmas.
What will I do next year?

Here's a little trailer that I put together for the book. Hope it makes you feel all warm and fuzzy :)

Happy Christmas everyone!
Love & Blessings,
Lauren

Alfie got a gold seal!

2010-12-06T16:55:00.010-05:00

ALFIE is pretty excited. He's received a 2010 Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Seal Award! ("Given to outstanding new products that enhance the lives of children.")

Here's what the committee had to say:
"A little gem of a story about a boy who wants to keep his old shoes. When his mother does not give in, Alfie announces he is going to run away. In one loving scene after another his mother makes sure that he will have everything he needs--water, a flashlight, batteries, peanut butter and crackers, his pillow and bear. Finally Alfie takes off. Though the ending is predictable, it is also reassuring. The drawings capture the youthful vitality of this spirited boy and the moments of bitter sweetness that make it both meaningful and memorable. "

Thank you for noticing ALFIE, Oppenheim Toy Portfolio!!

Barnes & Noble book signing!

2010-11-23T10:24:00.009-05:00

This [Black] Friday, Nov. 26th @ 2pm, I am going to be signing CHRISTMAS IS HERE at Barnes & Noble in my home town of Bel Air, Md. If you live in the area, I hope you'll come by and say hello. I'm pretty excited—it's shaping up to be a reunion of sorts!
Happy Thanksgiving to all!

Books of Wonder

2010-11-20T11:11:00.003-05:00

Tomorrow is November Picture Book Bonanza @ Books of Wonder! I'll be there presenting and signing CHRISTMAS IS HERE, along with a handful of other exciting authors and illustrators, from 1-3 pm. Would love to see you there!

A couple more nice reviews!

2010-11-19T12:54:00.003-05:00

Blogger and fellow illustrator Sarah Jane did a very nice write-up of CHRISTMAS IS HERE on her website this week. If you'd like to check it out, head on over to her lovely site. I also encourage you to spend some time looking at her wonderful work. Thanks so much for the post, Sarah! (the above photo is of Sarah's son. Adorable!)

Also this week, Shelf Awareness reviewed Christmas Is Here on their list of 2010 favorite holiday titles. A big thank you to Shelf Awareness! Here's what they had to say:

Christmas Is Here by Lauren Castillo
(S&S, $12.99, 9781442408227/1442408227, 32 pp., ages 4-8, October 2010)
This nearly wordless picture book (with just a few lines from the King James Bible) brilliantly connects a present-day child's discovery of a Christmas pageant in progress with the very first Christmas under a star in Bethlehem. Through her ink and watercolor illustrations, Castillo creates a glow that seems to emanate from the child in the manger. Her subtle connection between the modern baby dressed in white and the long-ago baby wrapped in swaddling clothes speaks to the way a new life feels miraculous to every family.

"Holiday High Notes"

2010-11-16T09:19:00.005-05:00

Thank you Horn Book for including CHRISTMAS IS HERE on your annual list of recommended holiday books! Here's the very nice review from their Nov/Dec magazine issue:

Christmas Is Here
words from the King James Bible; illus. by Lauren Castillo
10/10 978-1-4424-0822-7 $12.99

Over three wordless spreads, a young child walks with his family through their neighborhood to take in a live Nativity scene. The third spread brings us up close to view the boy looking thoughtfully into the manger at a sleeping Christ child. As the biblical story begins (“And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field”), readers are transported to the setting of the first Christmas. The seemingly incongruous pairing — formal Bible verses and Castillo’s child-friendly illustrations — works beautifully, with subdued colors and unfussy compositions making the archaic text more accessible. As the Nativity story comes to an end, the pictures gently carry readers to the present, but the spirit of that long-ago miracle remains in the air, evoking the real meaning of Christmas. —KITTY FLYNN

Weekend FULL of fun events!

2010-11-08T14:07:00.007-05:00

So! This Saturday and Sunday are filled with fun book and art-related events that I'll be a part of: One in Brooklyn, one in Manhattan, and one in Baltimore! Below are the flyers for all three events (just click on each for all the details). Hope to see you at at least one of the following!

*Saturday: THE BROOKLYN MUSEUM CHILDREN'S BOOK FAIR:

*Saturday: BOOKS FOR ROMANIA--a holiday fundraiser party! (please please please come to this if you can!)

*Sunday: ILLUSTRATION NEXT; MICA alumni gallery exhibition:

I'm so excited!

2010-11-03T15:03:00.009-04:00

CHRISTMAS IS HERE has received its 3rd starred review! Can't quite believe it...Thank you Publishers Weekly!

CHRISTMAS IS HERE
Adapted from the King James Bible and illustrated by Lauren Castillo (SSBFYR;9781442408227)
Snowflakes fall on a young family watching a live nativity scene in their city neighborhood. As the boy peers into the manger, the story shifts to an ancient field underneath gentle moonglow and a brilliant star's guiding light on the holy night observed by shepherds. By literally bookending the traditional account of Jesus' birth (with text from the King James Bible) with cheery modern imagery, sans commercial trappings, Castillo underscores the connection between past and present. Sketched in thick, black line, her kind-looking figures, human and animal, convey a wealth of emotion. Ages 3–7. (Oct.)

Opening fun

2010-10-25T13:15:00.012-04:00

The Original Art Show opening last week was a blast! The show is up at the Society Of Illustrators through November 24th. I hope if you're in the city you'll swing by—It's a great looking show! Here are a few photos from the evening:

The incredible Eric Carle accepting the Lifetime Achievement Award

Laurent Linn and Amy June Bates, this years' lovely Juror and Co-Juror

my ALFIE pieceFront: Paul Hoppe and Julia Denos;
Back: Brian Floca, me, Laurent Linn, Selina Alko, Sean Qualls, Chad Beckerman, Meghan McCarthy

30th Annual Original Art Show Opening

2010-10-20T12:38:00.005-04:00

Tomorrow night is the 30th annual Original Art Show opening @ the Society of Illustrators! This show never disappoints, so hopefully if you're in the area you'll swing by and check it out! (click on the above image for details)
p.s. I was on the jury this year! Here's a link to the post about my experience back in August~
p.p.s. ALFIE is also represented in the show, if you want to see him up close and personal :)

2010-10-11T20:36:00.004-04:00

This coming Saturday, October 16th, is the Illustrators Festival at the Brooklyn Public Library. It's one of the events connected to the DRAWN IN BROOKLYN exhibition. Over 30 illustrators will be present, doing readings, workshops, book signings, and there will even be some musical entertainment. I'll be signing three of my books: What Happens on Wednesdays, That's Papa's Way, and Alfie Runs Away. If you're in the area I hope you'll stop by. It should be a great time. Here are the details:

Family Day: Illustrators' Festival
Saturday, October 16th, 10:30am — 3pm

Plaza in front of the Central Library
10 Grand Army Plaza
Brooklyn, NY 11238

Book Birthday!

2010-10-05T12:31:00.008-04:00

Today is the release of my Holiday book, CHRISTMAS IS HERE!!! I couldn't be more excited about this project, and am so grateful for the opportunity to illustrate the true meaning of Christmas. A BIG thanks to my two editors and art director at Simon and Schuster for all the love and hard work that went in to making this special book.

Also, School Library Journal (October edition) has just given the book its second starred review! Here it is:

CHRISTMAS IS HERE: WORDS FROM THE KING JAMES BIBLE. illus. by Lauren Castillo. unpaged. S & S. Oct. 2010. RTE $12.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-0822-7. LC 2009045979. PreS-Gr 3

The only text in this book is a few sentences from the King James Bible, and many of the ink and watercolor illustrations, in soothing tones of brown and gray with bold outlines, are wordless. They show a modern family—mom, dad, babe in arms, and dog-walking child—out for a stroll on a snowy evening, when they come across a small, outdoor Christmas pageant. As the child peers into the manger, readers are taken back in time to Bethlehem, with illustrations of sheep grazing over a dry Middle Eastern landscape as the shepherds learn of the birth of Jesus. As light from the star streams down over the holy family and shepherds leaning over the manger, the scene switches with a turn of the page back to the modern family singing carols in the snow in front of the manger. The theme—that the most basic meaning of Christmas has remained the same over the centuries—is conveyed with a warm and captivating simplicity that even the youngest child will understand. -Eva Mitnick, Los Angeles Public Library

If you want to get a head start on your Christmas shopping, here's one suggestion :)

Opening reception success

2010-09-29T22:04:00.011-04:00

Last Wednesday evening was the opening reception of the fabulous DRAWN IN BROOKLYN exhibition at the Brooklyn Public Library, and it was an awesome turnout! Plenty of editors, art directors, designers, illustrators, friends and families all packed the auditorium of the BPL Central Branch Library. I love that the Children's Book publishing world feels like family. Warm and supportive of one another. Events like this remind me just how blessed I am to be part of such a wonderful community... I love my job :)

Here's a few photos from the night:

The Group! press photo, courtesy of Al PereiraIn the Grand Lobby~
My two "process" cases in the Youth Wing~Awesome illustrators + friends (Paul Hoppe, Selina Alko, Sean Qualls)

Thanks so much to everyone who was able to make it out. The show is up through January, so if you haven't had a chance to view it yet there's still plenty of time!

(Also, the show has been receiving some very nice coverage in the press. Here's an article from Time Out NY Kids. And another from Capital New York.)

"From The Mixed-Up Files" interview

2010-09-27T12:30:00.006-04:00

An interview I recently did with the lovely Jennifer Bertman, over at her blog From The Mixed-Up Files, is now up! If you'd like, swing on over for a peek in to my studio. And don't forget to check out all the other awesome author/illustrator interviews she's conducted! Thank you very much for having me, Jennifer!

DRAWN IN BROOKLYN

2010-09-15T21:14:00.009-04:00

My work is included in the upcoming exhibition, DRAWN IN BROOKLYN, displayed at the Brooklyn Public Library's Central branch. The show runs from September 21, 2010 — January 23, 2011. (click on the above flyer to view details)

Here's the official description of the show:

'This exhibition of children's book illustrations, curated by John
Bemelmans Marciano, features the work of 34 illustrators who live and work
in Brooklyn, from the most exciting newcomers in publishing to the legends
of the business. View more than 100 pieces of art from books such as Duck
for President, The Curious Garden, Moonpowder and Madeline and the Cats of
Rome. Also, see the work of Caldecott Medal and Coretta Scott Kind Award
winners Leo and Diane Dillon, Brian Selznick, Paul O. Zelinsky, Bryan
Collier, Pat Cummings and Brian Pinkney. Original picture book art is
displayed in the Grand Lobby. In the Youth Wing, find sketches, models,
tools and more that reveal the processes behind the works.'


I will be at the Opening Reception and the Illustrators' Festival.
Hope to see you at one or both of these fun events!

Opening Reception
Wednesday, September 22nd, 6 — 8pm
Dweck Center Lobby
Central Library
10 Grand Army Plaza
Brooklyn, NY 11238

Family Day: Illustrators' Festival
(features readings, workshops, book signings and music)
Saturday, October 16th, 10:30am — 3pm

Plaza in front of the Central Library
10 Grand Army Plaza
Brooklyn, NY 11238

"Twenty Questions" Interview~

2010-09-02T09:29:00.010-04:00

UK artist and blogger, Jane Heinrichs, was kind enough to have me over this morning for an interview on her blog. Drop by and take a look if you like! Thank you for having me, Jane!

The first CHRISTMAS review is in

2010-08-30T12:25:00.009-04:00

And it's a star!!! I am so happy. This being the first book I've worked on where I am fully responsible for the outcome, I have to admit I've been pretty nervous about what the critics will have to say... But, so far so good! Thank you Kirkus for a wonderful write-up of CHRISTMAS IS HERE, which appears in their September 1st issue:

CHRISTMAS IS HERE
Illustrated by Lauren Castillo; Adapted from The King James Bible
(SSBFYR; ISBN: 9781442408227; October 2010; Fall catalog page 24)

“This touching interpretation of the Christmas story wordlessly follows a modern-day family as they journey through a snowy town in the evening to view a live Nativity scene. The family includes a baby in a white snowsuit, who provides a subtle symbolic connection to the baby in the manger in both the re-created scene and the Nativity story that follows. As an older child peeks in at the baby in the manger, the setting shifts in time and place to Bethlehem of long ago, accompanied by the traditional words from the King James Bible, before returning to the contemporary setting. Gorgeous watercolor illustrations in a subdued palette of twilight grays set off the falling snowflakes in the modern scenes, while the biblical scenes are brilliantly lit by starlight. Castillo's smudgy style infuses all with wonder.”

ALFIE Blog Reviews

2010-08-17T17:39:00.012-04:00

Little Alfie has been receiving some pretty nice reviews from some pretty kind bloggers out there. I wanted to share a handful of them, and thank each and every one of these blogs for taking the time to write about ALFIE:

~Kiss The Book

~Carol's Corner

~Kids Kit

~K Bookwoman

~Picture Book of the Day

~Books For Kids Blog

~University of Delaware, Education Resource Center

~Lisa, Lisa and the Book Jam (where you can listen to a discussion with author of ALFIE, Kenneth Cadow!)

Thank you all very much! (I know Alfie just loves it when people say nice things about him)

~Jurying the 30th Annual Society of Illustrators Original Art Show~

2010-08-05T13:25:00.016-04:00

Piles and piles of books to judge...554 to be exact! (photo courtesy of Chad Beckerman)

Monday was a very big day for me: I had the incredible honor of serving on the jury of the 30th Annual Society of Illustrators Original Art Show. About a month ago Laurent Linn, Chair of this years show, called me up to ask if I would be an alternate juror in the event that one of the others could not make it. I was honored to be asked, but doubted the fact that I'd actually be called in... Well, much to my surprise, I got the "you're in!" phone call on Sunday night. Wow. What a wonderful experience it was, and I am extremely thankful to both Laurent Linn (Chair) and Amy June Bates (Co-Chair) for having me on board! One of my fellow co-jurors, Chad Beckerman, did a great job of documenting the day over at his blog, if you'd like to see and hear a little bit about how it all went down (thanks for photographing, Chad!). This is going to be an awesome show--make sure to mark your calendars for the opening reception and awards ceremony on Thursday, October 21st!

What's here?

2010-08-03T14:04:00.015-04:00

Christmas Is Here!!!

The first bound copies of the book arrived on my doorstep yesterday. Very exciting! But since it is still summer, I will refrain from showing wintery images...
I'll wait till AFTER Labor Day to share a few interiors :)

Literacyhead!

2010-07-29T17:28:00.008-04:00

My lovely and talented friend Shadra Strickland has an entire issue dedicated to her in the wonderful publication, Literacyhead! Literacyhead is a weekly publication designed to use the visual arts to teach literacy. And, in preparation for this weeks issue, the editors of Literacyhead, Jan Burkins and Roberta Gardner, conducted an interview with Shadra in her Atlanta GA studio. Shadra was so sweet to mention her fellow SVA MFA friends (Taeeun Yoo, Jonathan Bean, Paul Hoppe, and myself) which then inspired the editors to surprise Shadra by including all of us in the issue--some of our art and our books. Here's a nice article in the issue, by editor Jan Burkins, titled The Art of Living. I encourage you all to browse through this weeks issue of Literacyhead ~~ It's a great one. Congratulations, Shadra!

Happy Like Soccer

2010-07-20T16:47:00.006-04:00

I started working on a new picture book this summer, written by Maribeth Boelts, currently titled Happy Like Soccer. It's a great story, and I've been having a fun time drawing the world of main character, Sierra. It's been perfect timing, really. I got to watch many games of the World Cup WHILE drawing roughs for the book. What awesome inspiration!
And now I'm beginning the final art stage, which is always both exciting and nerve-racking. I think, no matter how many books I will have completed, there will always be initial moments of uncertainty...Them's the breaks :)
BUT, I'm looking forward to these next couple months of art-making. Nothing compares to creating a picture book...It's the greatest job in the world (if I do say so myself)!

Back in BK

2010-07-06T17:57:00.007-04:00

Happy July all!

I've returned to sweltering hot Brooklyn, after a very relaxing cruise vacation. I admit, it is extremely hard to get back in to work mode... BUT, I do have two exciting projects I'm looking forward to working on for the remainder of this year. One, a picture book written by the talented Maribeth Boelts. And the other a chapter book written by the highly acclaimed Ann Cameron. I'll share more about both of these later on this summer!

Now, I didn't get to do that much drawing on my trip because we weren't in one place long enough. But I did get to see a lot, and took many photos. Here's a shot of my favorite location on the trip, The El Yunque Rain Forest in Puerto Rico. Absolutely breathtaking views, and a must see if you visit Puerto Rico!Ok, now back to the [steamy] drawing board!!!
~Lauren

Adiós!

2010-06-23T17:39:00.005-04:00

Hasta luego, New York . . . Hola Bermuda, St. Maarten, St. Thomas and, last but definitely not least, Puerto Rico!!! So psyched to sail the seas on this for ten days!
See you back here in July, mis amigos!

Happy Father's Day

2010-06-20T12:41:00.006-04:00

Wishing all you awesome dad's a very happy day!

(illustration from WHAT HAPPENS ON WEDNESDAYS)

More nice ALFIE reviews!

2010-06-17T13:55:00.028-04:00

From Booklist, June 1st issue:

"Picture-book shelves overflow with stories of furious young kids who protest injustice by packing up their essentials (snacks, stuffed animals) and running away, often making it only as far as the backyard before setting up camp. In his debut picture book, Cadow borrows familiar elements, but what feels fresh here is the child’s reason for leaving. Instead of sibling rivalry or the struggle to be heard, it’s young Alfie’s frustration and sorrow over his own growing up that sends him out the door. After his mother tells Alfie to part with a favorite pair of outgrown sneakers, he explodes, announces his departure plans, and assembles his supplies. His gentle, understanding mother helps and even tucks an imaginary hug into his bag. Alone in the backyard, Alfie slowly accepts that his shoes need to go, and in a warm conclusion, finds a new home for them. Young children will easily recognize Alfie’s frustrated feelings of powerlessness, as well as his fears of independence. Castillo’s expressive illustrations sensitively reinforce this tender, reassuring story’s elemental emotions." — Gillian Engberg

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From The Horn Book, July/August issue:

"Alfie already has a significant list of grievances-taking baths, making his bed, eating potatoes-so when his mother wants to give away his favorite shoes just because they've gotten a little small, Alfie decides he's had enough. The headstrong emotions of a young runaway are humorously portrayed in the dialogue ("'May I give you a hug?' asked his mother. 'You may let me keep my shoes,' said Alfie") and in the art (Alfie's dignified expression as his mother helps him pack a bag). At his clever mother's suggestion, Alfie takes a lot of supplies; he can't get far with his heavy pack, and, after unloading everything in the backyard, takes off his favorite, too-tight shoes and puts them on his stuffed animal companion, Buddy Bear. With perfect timing-Alfie is just starting to feel homesick-his mom comes out with the welcome-home hug he is looking for. The subdued colors in Castillo's old-fashioned yet unsentimental illustrations highlight the red shoes and match the reassuring, low-key tone of Cadow's text. Alfie himself comes up with the solution-he realizes the shoes will always fit Buddy Bear-that ends this satisfying picture book." — JENNIFER M. BRABANDER

First two ALFIE reviews!

2010-06-11T15:39:00.016-04:00

Thanks to Publisher's Weekly and School Library Journal for saying such nice things about little Alfie!

From Publisher's Weekly:

Alfie Runs Away

Kenneth M. Cadow, illus. by Lauren Castillo
FSG/Foster, $16.99 (40p) ISBN 978-0-374-30202-3

"Cadow debuts with a perceptively written story about a power struggle between a mother and her small son. Alfie's mother proposes to give away his favorite red shoes--they're too small--and he responds by announcing that he's running away. The conflict unfolds in slow motion: Alfie's rebellion doesn't involve yelling or tears, and his mother honors his feelings without backing down. "May I give you a hug?" she asks, as he prepares to leave. "You may let me keep my shoes," says Alfie stiffly. "I will put a hug in your bag," she replies. Castillo's (What Happens on Wednesdays) spreads, comfortingly rendered in muted colors, are just right for Cadow's even-tempered narration. The figures are edged with soft black lines, echoing the sense that Alfie is surrounded by secure boundaries. When Alfie discovers, on his blanket out in the backyard, that his red shoes fit his teddy bear ("Those shoes will never get too small for you," he reassures Buddy Bear), readers will feel the value of the thinking Alfie's done for himself. A fine first outing for Cadow." Ages 4–8. (May)

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From School Library Journal:

"K-Gr 2–There are several things Alfie doesn’t like about living in his household, but when his mom decides to give away his favorite too-small shoes, he’s had enough. “I’m going to run away,” he declares. His very accommodating mother helps him pack for the journey: flashlight, batteries, water bottle, snacks, pillow, blanket, stuffed bear, and books. When he gets as far as the backyard, however, the pack is so heavy that he empties everything out and has a picnic. And just when Alfie discovers a way to avoid parting with his shoes forever, his mom comes running with a sorely missed hug. Endpapers feature broad outline drawings of Alfie’s treasures, color visible only on his beloved red shoes. The mixed-media illustrations are large and heavily outlined in black. They depict a very determined child, hair sticking up, hands on hips, and foot tapping as he makes his ominous announcement. He prances out of the house while Mom calmly looks on, his bravado dampening only when he begins to realize what he has left behind. Youngsters will enjoy hearing the story of Alfie’s short-lived adventure along with that of another small runaway in Elissa Haden Guest’s Harriet’s Had Enough! (Candlewick, 2009)."–Marianne Saccardi, formerly at Norwalk Community College, CT

ABC (Mostly) Silent Auction

2010-05-19T16:59:00.009-04:00

Next week is Book Expo America here in NYC! And each year as part of BEA, The Association of Booksellers for Children(ABC) hosts its fun Not a Dinner and (Mostly) Silent Auction. This year I'm donating art! You can bid on a 'study' from my upcoming book MELVIN AND THE BOY (wall of art from the book in above image). The event will be held on Tuesday May 25th, where there will be lots of independent children's booksellers, lots of mingling, drinks, speakers (David Wiesner is giving the keynote!), the announcement of the 2010 E.B. White Read Aloud Awards, and then finally the auction with tons of great art from tons of great illustrators. If you're in NYC you should come on out and say hi! Here's more information if interested.

Happy Mother's Day

2010-05-09T19:56:00.003-04:00

Happy Mother's Day to all you wonderful mother's out there!
(illustration from ALFIE RUNS AWAY)

Happy pub day to ALFIE!

2010-04-27T10:38:00.001-04:00

The postman came by to deliver my first copies of ALFIE RUNS AWAY, just in time for publication day~ Hooray!
I had such great time illustrating this text by Kenneth Cadow--it is the perfect combination of sweet and hilarious. That Alfie's got some serious attitude!
This, from Macmillan:
Alfie's mother wants to get rid of his favorite red shoes he's outgrown. So Alfie is running away. His mother points out that he might get thirsty on his trip, and she gives him a bottle of nice cold water. And a flashlight, in case it gets dark. Together, they pack everything Alfie might need. But once he is out in the wide world, Alfie discovers that some very important things can't be packed in bags. If you like, you can order a copy here, or check it out at your local bookstore. Happy reading!

~Make every day Earth Day~

2010-04-22T00:02:00.008-04:00

Grow something!

2010-04-21T14:44:00.003-04:00

Plant something!

2010-04-19T13:04:00.007-04:00

This little guy's kickin off Earth Week right

Big Cat Pepper kindness

2010-03-30T10:35:00.004-04:00

There have been a couple nice new reviews for Big Cat Pepper:A spread from WNC Parent Magazine, February 2010 issue (click to enlarge).

Also, a very kind review from the cool Canadian blog, Books r Fun!

Happy St. Patty's Day!

2010-03-17T19:40:00.003-04:00

Georgia and Alabama like Buffalo Music!

2010-03-03T15:02:00.005-05:00

Cool new news: Buffalo Music has been nominated for the 2010-2011 Georgia Book Award! This award was established in 1968 by Sheldon Root, a professor at the Department of Education at the University of Georgia. The award was started to promote a love of reading in the children of Georgia. This month students across the state will vote on which book they feel should win. More info about the award, and a complete list of this years nominees can be found right here.

Also (!), Buffalo Music is being considered for the Alabama Camellia Children's Choice Award! The Alabama Camellia Award program (formerly known as the Emphasis on Reading program) selects books from three grade level categories: K-1, 2-3, and 4-6. For the full list of nominees please check out their website.

It is such a great feeling to know that so many little hands will be holding and flipping through the pages of this book. HUGE thanks to the states of Georgia and Alabama for recognizing Buffalo Music and including it on their short lists!

Hooray for Papa's Way!

2010-02-24T09:49:00.013-05:00

The Cooperative Children's Book Center has just come out with their CCBC Choices 2010 annual best-of-the-year list, and That's Papa's Way is on it! The Cooperative Children’s Book Center (CCBC) is a unique examination, study and research library of the School of Education at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. The complete CCBC Choices 2010 publication will be available March 6th, and will include annotations and recommended ages for all of the books included, as well as an author/title/subject index, and a commentary on the publishing year. Thanks so much to this years panel of ladies, Kathleen T. Horning, Merri V. Lindgren and Megan Schliesman and Tessa Michaelson, for selecting Papa's Way!
*You can check out the complete list of titles right here

ALFIE in Japanese!

2010-02-17T20:12:00.005-05:00

My editor just shared the exciting news that my new book ALFIE RUNS AWAY, written by Ken Cadow, is going to be published in Japanese! Holp Shuppan will be publishing the edition in the next 24 months~I can't wait!

p.s. the U.S. edition hits shelves this Spring. More info on ALFIE to come!

brooklyn blizzard

2010-02-10T16:46:00.005-05:00

I love that it is snowing today while I'm wrapping up my Christmas book. Perfect timing. And I also love how cute the little green car looks right across the street~~Yay for snow days :)

It's still Christmas over here...

2010-01-24T21:14:00.005-05:00

I refuse to take down my fake mini tree until I finish this book! Nearing the end of final art for a project with Simon and Schuster, now titled CHRISTMAS IS HERE. In three weeks all the art will be complete, and on its way to China to print in time for publication this Fall. Fastest turnaround on a book I've ever experienced. I'm used to waiting a good 1.5 years to see a final product, so it's pretty fun that I'll be holding a bound copy of this sucker in just a few short months (well, maybe 6 or 8, but still FAST). I'll share more about the project later on this year, as publication time approaches...For now, back to the drawing board. Got a deadline to make!

Happy 2010!

2010-01-10T21:00:00.008-05:00

A new year, a new studio! Well, very soon! And while the new studio is being renovated, I am temporarily set up in my living room, in the back of the apartment. I'm loving it because my desk faces the windows, where I can watch the neighborhood cats and squirrels walk wires and fences between backyards all day long. And each evening as the sun says goodbye, the buildings become one beautiful silhouette against the darkening sky. This evening I was inspired to make a little ink and watercolor because it was just that pretty :)

Wishing you all a very happy 2010, filled with much beauty & wonder~

Feature on 7-imp

2009-12-16T09:15:00.006-05:00

Today, Jules over at the fabulous Seven Impossible Things Before Breakfast blog has featured my two books that came out this year~Thank you, Jules! Please drop on by and take a look at some of the art from That's Papa's Way, and Big Cat Pepper. Jules also highlighted some of the beautiful art from Leslie Evans newest title, Faces of the Moon. Maybe you are still in search of that last minute Christmas gift for a child you know...books are always a wonderful present :)

Happy Holidays everyone!

Come out to the Brooklyn Museum!

2009-11-17T14:07:00.005-05:00

This Saturday I'll be signing books, along with many lovely and talented authors & illustrators, at the Brooklyn Museum's 3rd annual Children's Book Fair. Come say HI, and grab some early Christmas gifts for your friends and family!

It's beginning to look a lot like

2009-11-12T13:23:00.005-05:00

Christmas?? Yup, that's right. Well, in my studio that is. I've just started final art for a really awesome Christmas book project that will come out next year (Fall 2010). Lots of sheep and shepherd drawing! Will share more later on this year~

trick-or-treat

2009-10-31T19:53:00.003-04:00

Society of Illustrators Opening

2009-10-27T15:35:00.010-04:00

In front of my piece (from That's Papa's Way). It was fun that Peter's piece was below mine, and Julia's piece was to the left of mine~ Goooo Team Rodeen!
A small part of the crowd, right before Chris Van Allsburg came up to accept his Lifetime Achievement Award. It was so wonderful to hear him speak, especially because his incredible books were part of what inspired me to work toward a career in this field!
SVA MFA unite! Taeeun Yoo, You Byun, me, Paul Hoppe, and Chris Butzer. Congrats to Tae and Chris, and to all my other friends who had their work on display (AND to all my other incredibly talented and hardworking friends who did not, and should have!). It was a great exhibit, and an event that I look forward to every year. The show is up through November 25th, so go check it out if you can!

S.I. Original Art Show

2009-10-15T15:18:00.007-04:00

If you live in or around NYC, and have interest in the book arts, then The Society of Illustrators is the place you need to be next Thursday evening October 22nd! It is the opening reception of the 29th annual Original Art Show, and I promise the exhibit never disappoints. I feel honored to be part of the show this year, and look forward to celebrating the work of this lovely industry~

And P.S. A big CONGRATULATIONS goes out to Brian who won a Silver medal for Moonshot, his absolutely gorgeous book!

A few sketches from the trip~

2009-10-11T13:47:00.008-04:00

Back in the U.S.A.

2009-09-30T14:25:00.013-04:00

Aaand, I'm back! Paul and I had a wonderful two weeks touring around France and Germany~All I can say is, to thoroughly cover 4 cities in 15 days is H-A-R-D! I managed to take over 1000 photos, yet a pathetic amount of drawing was done--we were on the move way too much for that (still, I will post the few that I have later on this week)! I successfully gathered more than enough reference for my upcoming book, CITY CAT (by Kate Banks). YAY for travel books!!!

Here's a little overview of our journey (click to enlarge):

France+Germany=bliss

2009-09-07T12:15:00.000-04:00

Well, the time is FINALLY here--I am headed to Europe to do research for a new book project (written by the wonderful Kate Banks)! The travel route will include Paris, to Ravensburg and Weingarten, to Meersburg, to Munich (arriving just in time for the lord mayor to tap the first keg at Oktoberfest!), and finally back to Paris. I am so so psyched to explore these cities and their landmarks, and hopefully fill up some memory cards and a few sketchbook pages! Oh, and my assistant (and official translator!) is pretty excited as well :)
So long, au revoir, tschüss!!! Catch y'all at the end of September~

Buffalos nominated!

2009-09-04T12:29:00.010-04:00

Some FUN news just in! Buffalo Music is one of 2o books nominated for the 2009-2010 West Virginia Children's Choice Book Award. This Fall, the Committee will be inviting children all across WV, who are in grades three through six, to read the list of books and vote for their favorite. The award is based solely on children's votes, which allows young readers to have a voice about the types of books they enjoy and would read more often~What a lovely honor to be included on this list :)

PAPA'S WAY en Español

2009-08-11T16:55:00.010-04:00

Very exciting news: THAT'S PAPA'S WAY is going to be published in España by Editorial Juventud! UN DÍA CON PAPÁ is the Spanish title, and UN DIA AMB EL PARE will be the Catalan title. ¡Muy bueno!

Raccoons are sneaky

2009-07-24T13:05:00.005-04:00

BCP blog love

2009-07-14T16:39:00.006-04:00

BIG CAT PEPPER (written by Elizabeth Partridge) has received a couple of really nice reviews from the folks over at Curled Up With a Good Kids Book and For Immediate Release Reviews - Kids! Thanks so much to these two blogs for reviewing and recommending our book!

Papa's Way for Father's Day

2009-06-18T12:42:00.007-04:00

There have been some nice Father's Day gift recommendations from the San Fransisco Chronicle, Detroit News, and the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette for THAT'S PAPA'S WAY. Maybe you are in need of a last minute gift for a Dad, and maybe, just maybe, you 'll find this to be a good choice? :) Happy Father's Day to all you dads!

Melvin and the boy, on their way!

2009-06-12T12:23:00.004-04:00

Yesterday I packaged up and delivered most of the art for my first written book, Melvin and the boy! Henry Holt will be publishing it in the very distant Spring 2011, and I am both excited and terrified! I think the excitement outweighs the terror though :)

Check this out!

2009-06-01T19:29:00.004-04:00

The official announcement of the June Franklin Naylor Award
Thanks again to the committee members, Dr. Barbara Immroth, Dr. Viki Ash, and Linda Plevak!

Yippie, Buffalo Music won a state award!

2009-05-15T10:59:00.004-04:00

I received an exciting letter last month by the Daughters of the Republic Texas Library announcing that Tracey Fern and I won the 2008 June Franklin Naylor Award for our book Buffalo Music!

The Naylor Award, endowed by the family of June Franklin Naylor and sponsored by the Daughters of the Republic of Texas Library, is given annually to the author and/or illustrator of the most distinguished book for children that accurately portrays the history of Texas, whether fiction or nonfiction. A former schoolteacher and long-time resident of Odessa, Mrs. Naylor served as President General of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, Inc., from 1989-1991.

Tonight is the Historical Dinner where the award is presented. Sadly, I am not in Killeen, Texas and won't be able to accept it. I'm not sure if Tracey will be there either...unfortunate! But nonetheless, I am very thrilled and honored that Buffalo Music was chosen as this years recipient--thanks to the DRTL committee!

BIG CAT PEPPER release

2009-05-12T13:30:00.006-04:00

Yippie, today is Big Cat Pepper's official release! Please check it out the next time you're wandering up and down the isles of your local bookstore. And of course you can purchase it online if you like~ There have been some kind reviews coming in over the past month--
here are a few snippets:

Big Cat Pepper Elizabeth Partridge, illus. by Lauren Castillo. Bloomsbury, $16.99 (32p) ISBN 978-1-59990-024-7

“Because of their loyalty and innocence, the death of a pet is especially poignant, and Partridge gets it just right with this tale of a boy and his beloved cat, Pepper. Using simple rhymes, the comforting daily routines described at the outset forewarn tragedy. Sure enough, one day Pepper no longer wants to play. Partridge does not sugarcoat what happens next: “Is he gonna die, Momma, / is he gonna die? / Mama said she thought so, / cry, oh cry.” The discovery of the dead animal is not shown, but we do see the boy cradling a wrapped bundle that he and his mother place into a flower-bed hole. The rest of the book entails the boy’s grief with emotional pencil illustrations of too-dark nights and too-empty rooms. It’s all pretty darn sad, but the story is buoyed by a stirring ending: hoping to understand Pepper’s “spirit,” the boy closes his eyes and realizes the breeze feels just like his cat’s fur and whiskers. Pets come and go; best to have this one on hand.”— Booklist

“Mama, me, and Pepper,/ always been this way/ Never been without him,/ even for a day,” says the young narrator in introducing the main characters of this rhyming story. But Pepper, a big tabby cat, is “way too old” and within a few pages, he dies. Partridge (Whistling) and Castillo (Buffalo Music) don't try to smooth over or rush through the loss, giving their boy protagonist the respect his love and loss deserve (he comes to understand that Pepper will remain “always in my heart”)...Castillo's mixed-media domestic scenes, rendered in muted tones and composed mostly along the same, prosceniumlike plane, provide reassurance and emotional ballast for both the narrator and readers, as the boy and his mother care for the cat during its final days and bury it in the flower bed... Ages 3–8. — Publishers Weekly

“‘A young African-American boy sure loves his big cat Pepper, but one day Pepper won’t play. The next day Pepper won’t drink or purr. After the inevitable occurs, mother and son bury the cat in a flowerbed. When the boy asks if Pepper will be scared down there, Mama responds, “No, sugar, no, / I’ll tell you why. / His spirit is forever— / it can fly, fly, fly.” The boy doesn’t understand until one day he holds still: The grass tickles his ankles like Pepper’s fur, and he hears Pepper’s purr in the wind. The boy’s heart opens up, and he knows Pepper will always be with him. Castillo’s mixed-media illustrations of a rural, single-parent family are smudgily warm and comforting. The entirely secular explanation of death and the fact that there is no substitution pet added to the family in the end make this a very worthwhile addition to bibliotheraputic literature for the young.”—Kirkus Reviews

PAPA'S WAY hits shelves

2009-04-27T16:57:00.006-04:00

Today is the official release date of That's Papa's Way (written by Kate Banks). Please check it out online, or at your local bookstore!

Here's what School Library Journal has to say:
PreS-K–A father and his daughter start their fishing day by going into the woods to look for earthworms. Her methods are all her own since, “that’s my way.” Papa picks up worms with his fingers; she scoops them up with a shovel. This is a quiet story, just the telling of the small pleasures that make up an outing on the lake. Both catch fish and go home to have dinner with mom and baby brother. The illustrations in pastel and ink are perfect for conveying the sense of calm that the story requires. The full-bleed spreads show the expanse of the water and the pines, and the depiction of the wildlife is just detailed enough to be naturalistic. The only thing that really happens here is that a father and a daughter spend a lovely day together. And that’s something to celebrate.–Ieva Bates, Ann Arbor District Library, MI

--Lauren Castillo Blog--

snow day in brooklyn!

Happy New Year!

Merry Christmas to all

This year I was given the opportunity to illustrate the Northwest Haiti Christian Mission's holiday card. This is a wonderful organization, and I hope that you will visit their site to learn more about how you can help the beautiful children of Haiti. Merry Christmas friends! Much love, Lauren

Hip Hip Hooray!

WOW. Melvin and the Boy ranked #2 on 100 Scope Notes Top 20 books of 2011 list! Again, wow.. Thank you Travis Jonker(100 Scope Notes) and John Schumacher (Watch. Connect. Read.) for drawing some attention to Melvin. He appreciates it, and I certainly do, too!

City Cat

An early Christmas gift

Winning hearts

The Original Art 2011

Spunky leaps in to libraries and bookstores today!

more blogger love

A MELVIN reading

Turtle Facts poster!

A very snowy desktop

International Society for Animal Rights

MELVIN Activities!

[official] review city

Gary Klinsky Children's Center school visit!

Party!

MELVIN out in the world

bloggers like Melvin!

Character sketches!

Visitors!

American Booksellers Association Silent Auction

Nice day for a picnic

Cinco de Mayo sketcharoo

come join the party!

MELVIN cover

All That is Good

spring snow drawing

rain rain go away

Soccer out the door

a snowy day stroll

Spring's Sprung?

CCBC Choices 2011!

SPUNKY

Happy New Year!

Merry Christmas to all!

Christmas Is (almost) Here!

Alfie got a gold seal!

Barnes & Noble book signing!

Books of Wonder

A couple more nice reviews!

"Holiday High Notes"

Weekend FULL of fun events!

I'm so excited!

Opening fun

30th Annual Original Art Show Opening

Book Birthday!

Opening reception success

"From The Mixed-Up Files" interview

DRAWN IN BROOKLYN

"Twenty Questions" Interview~

The first CHRISTMAS review is in

ALFIE Blog Reviews

~Jurying the 30th Annual Society of Illustrators Original Art Show~

What's here?

Literacyhead!

Happy Like Soccer

Back in BK

Adiós!

Happy Father's Day

More nice ALFIE reviews!

First two ALFIE reviews!

ABC (Mostly) Silent Auction

Happy Mother's Day

Happy pub day to ALFIE!

~Make every day Earth Day~

Grow something!

Plant something!

Big Cat Pepper kindness

Happy St. Patty's Day!

Georgia and Alabama like Buffalo Music!

Hooray for Papa's Way!

ALFIE in Japanese!

brooklyn blizzard

It's still Christmas over here...

Happy 2010!

This year I was given the opportunity to illustrate the Northwest Haiti Christian Mission's holiday card. This is a wonderful organization, and I hope that you will visit their site to learn more about how you can help the beautiful children of Haiti.
Merry Christmas friends! Much love, Lauren