MELVIN cover

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!

Papa's Way in advance

An exciting package came in the mail the other day -- it was a SUPER early bound copy of That's Papa's Way (by Kate Banks)! The book won't be out till Spring next year. Will keep you posted as the time gets near!

Who's Jim Hines?

Today was an exciting mail day! I received some copies of the Y.A. novel, Who's Jim Hines? by Jean Alicia Elster, that I did the cover art and design for. The book is available July 31st, and you can buy your copy here

WEDNESDAYS in French!

I just found out that WHAT HAPPENS ON WEDNESDAYS has been picked up by a French publisher, which is pretty exciting! The new title is: Un mercredi à Brooklyn -- Translation: A Wednesday in Brooklyn... awesome :)

a PIGS appearance

Last evening, while browsing over at the Union Square Barnes and Noble, what did I see but PIGS! According to the distribution info from my editor, I wasn't expecting to see this book displayed at any large chain bookstores (Star Bright works their marketing magic mostly through the educational market). But YAY, The Pig and Miss Prudence made it there, and even has a spot on the main shelves of the picture book section! I was able to sign the copies they had in stock, too...

Publication day!

My 2nd picture book, The Pig and Miss Prudence (written by Linda Stanek), is released today! Check it out (and buy it if you like) here, or at your local bookstore!

Cover art

I just finished working on a great cover assignment for Wayne State University Press. This young adult novel, entitled Who's Jim Hines? by Jean Alicia Elster, is a fictionalized account of life in Detroit Michigan in the 1930s. The story, based on the author’s family history, concerns an African American family in their Detroit neighborhood during the Depression Era.
Many thanks to Maya Rhodes, design and production coordinator, for giving me the opportunity to work on such a fun assignment!
I also got to do the hand-type, which was another excellent experience!
Look for this book, available August 2008!

Jacket illo for THAT'S PAPA'S WAY

Now I am officially 100% finished with THAT'S PAPA'S WAY (by Kate Banks)! Yesterday I turned in all revised interior art, and the jacket, which you can see a sneak peek of above. It was yet another great experience working with Frances Foster over at Farrar, Straus & Giroux. And of course Irene Metaxatos, my super designer :)
Already looking forward to my next project with them in 2008!

Buffalo Arrival!

This week I received a wonderful surprise, when a bound and final Buffalo Music (written by Tracey Fern) arrived at my house a whole 6 MONTHS early!!! Buffalo Music will not hit shelves till next May, so this early printing took my editor and designer by complete surprise as well. The book looks wonderful, and Kerry Martin, my designer at Clarion, did a fantastic job!