CBW Seeking CBI

I'm a Children's Book Writer seeking a Children's Book Illustrator!

I know that the key to Jasper & Wazza's success is the right illustrator. Full disclosure: I've tried illustrating it myself, as I have some background in art. However, my artistic style is just too different from what I envision for my dynamic and spirited characters.

So what do I envision?

I'm drawn to expressive, yet simple, cartoon-style illustrations. To be honest, I think even a stick figure can be expressive when drawn a certain way (Keith Haring, anyone?). I believe that illustrations are just as--if not more--important than the text in children's literature because they have the power to draw a reader right to the book on a shelf. They say not to judge a book by its cover...but don't we all?

Some of my favorite illustrators of animals include:

• Kevin Henkes (Kitten's First Full Moon, Waiting, Chrysanthemum)

• Ainslie Pryor (Baby Blue Cat and the Whole Batch of Cookies)

• P.D. Eastman (Big Dog... Little Dog, Go Dog! Go)

• Felicia Bond (If You Give a Mouse a Cookie, If You Give a Dog a Donut)

• Sandra Boynton (Belly Button Book, Barnyard Dance)

• Claire Belton (Pusheen the Cat)

• Joyce Wan (Peekaboo Zoo)

• Salina Yoon (Bear's Big Day)

• Summer Macon (ABCs of... books)

I love crisp black outlines without a lot of realism. In illustrations like those of Belton, Wan, and Yoon, I love the minimalism and the chunky outlines that somehow convey so much expression in the animals. Macon and Henkes' styles invoke an immediate sense of calm. Kitten's First Full Moon is a Caldecott winner of course, and one my absolute favorite books of all time because Henkes conveys the perfect essence of a kitten. He finds the perfect balance of realistic (movements and body shape) while still being simple and cartoon-like. Pryor's Baby Blue Cat and the Whole Batch of Cookies has always been a favorite as well. The kittens are drawn so simply and yet convey their mannerisms so clearly. And of course, Eastman, Bond, and Boynton have created some of the most iconic children's books to date with their adorable (and at times, vivacious) characters.

Are you an illustrator with a similar drawing style? It would be a dream to work with you. Let's chat!

Contact Me