Visiting Sandy Hook, Pt. 2

I’ve been meaning to write more about going to Sandy Hook, but in the long run there isn’t much more for me to say that isn’t obvious.  I am glad that I was able to be a part of this great group. I feel privileged to have met such amazing teachers and staff, who I will forever see as heroes. I am grateful that I had the opportunity to share some laughs, some joy, or provide a few moments of distraction for the students, faculty and community of Sandy Hook.

I’d also like to thank Marc Tyler Nobleman for dreaming up and spearheading the visit, and for doing all of the legwork.

Marc's Blog 

Here’s some press on the event.

School Library Journal

Huffington Post

Goofy picture of me.

Visiting Sandy Hook

Yesterday, along with 11 other authors and illustrators, I visited Sandy Hook Elementary in Newtown.  We did a sort of variety show for the students, and everyone seemed to have a great time.

I have much more to say about the event, I had planned to write much more about this.  However, Gavin, my six-year-old first grade son, is home sick.  And I don’t think I’ve ever been happier, or felt more grateful, and privileged just to be able to cuddle with him on the couch and watch cartoons.

New Illustration Ideas #4

A while back, I posted this text, along with this image on Facebook.




"I've been trying out some different illustration techniques, and while I'm not happy with the results I figured I would post this one. I like the idea. I wanted the drawing to feel loose, but it just looks rushed. I was hoping that the colors (scanned colored papers) would add some texture, but it still looks a bit flat. It doesn't go far enough in any specific direction. Back to the drawing board, literally."

I received a good amount of feedback, ranging from positive, to well-thought-out critiques, and possible ways to use the texture better.  Oddly, through a third party, one of the people who commented was Eric Carle.  This was done in a private message.  He was thorough in his opinion, but what he wrote has really struck a chord in me.




"He has too many excuses, should have more confidence in what he is doing. Be bold. One should not "try different styles", one should at one point arrive at ones own style. I always say: it is better to fail with ones own style than succeed with some one else's style...maybe he shouldn't worry so much."


I'm going to have to let that settle in.