Appreciation for Children's Books 7 Illustration is Thriving

This is the 7th year that I've been involved with the Chemers Gallery Children's Book Illustration Show in Tustin, CA. I have to say, the enthusiasm of our community is amazing! Visitors came from all over LA and Orange County. It's always a popular event, in fact we have customers ask as early as July if we've chosen the illustrators for the December show yet. I look forward to this event too. The illustrations are new, exciting and inspiring every year. It's always such a pleasure to meet the artists and observe as they happily meet their peers & fans and how they admire one another's original artwork with awe. Art buyers eagerly anticipate this time of year too, and are tickled to find treasured illustrations that speak to them and become part of their collections.

Melissa Sweet signing for a delighted fan (photo by yours truly)
Beth Krommes, Holly Meade, Elisa Kleven & Zachary Pullen were also present

At the opening Saturday, I couldn't help but notice, more than ever, what a grand celebration this event is for so many different kinds of people. It is a celebration of the craft of storytelling through illustration, a celebration of children's literature, a celebration of the love of reading, learning, and exploring our world. It is a celebration that is enjoyed by children and their parents and/or grandparents, together. Educators, librarians, children's book enthusiasts, art collectors, artists and writers all love viewing the original art, reading the stories, and listening to the artists as they share their insights. And, of course, giant piles of big, fat delicious cookies and Ronald McDonald magic tricks help add to the fun too!

Ronald McDonald entertaining visitors. (photo by Jennifer Geisert)

The impression I come away with is that even with all the razzle-dazzle of modern media, a love and appreciation for a good old fashioned "hold in your hand" children's book, and hand drawn illustrations are alive and well!

More about the Show

More pictures

IF - Similar

I met these three pals while experimenting with black lines on a not so long plane flight.

IF - Balloon

Sometimes a person's just gotta doodle. This little guy reappeared from childhood memories.

Nap Time
graphite

Maybe one day I'll finish him in color. If I do, he'll be powder blue with a little fuzz missing.

IF - Wise

This WISE chef encourages children to taste
new fresh fruits and vegetables.

Pastel on Paper
by Cathy June

This is from the new book I illustrated, "We Eat Food That's Fresh", which will be released in early 2009. It's written by Angela Russ-Ayon, published by Our Rainbow Press.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO

IF - Vacant

This is my entry for Illustration Friday - VACANT

copyright cathy june 2008

There may be a vacant spot where her front tooth used to be,
but her mouth will soon be filled with fresh, juicy fruit.

This is the original cover illustration that I did for "We Eat Food That's Fresh" by Angela Russ-Ayon. Of course, it's been changed some to suit the needs for the cover. Click the image if you'd like to know more about the book, soon to be released by "Our Rainbow Press". Thank you for visiting my site!

IF - Late

Here is my Illustration Friday entry of a late night star gazer,  Chandler, who loves to ride horses.  The sky's the limit, Chandler!

Chandler Star Gazing

12 x 9

Pastel

Sneak Preview - We Eat Food That's Fresh

Here is a sneak preview of the soon to be released book that I illustrated, "We Eat Food That's Fresh", by Angela Russ-Ayon, published by Our Rainbow Press. It comes with a CD for children to play and sing along with, so I've included a short clip of the song. Children and educators can enjoy the CD with or without the book. Below are a few pictures from inside the book.

"A whimsical chef introduces young children to fun food experiences that stir up their interest in fruits and vegetables. Join them as they pick from the garden, prepare in the kitchen, and relax by the shore. The chef wants the children to try something new, and they just might, before he's through.

Easy rhymes and repetitive verses are combined with deliciously colorful pastel illustrations. This picture book comes with a companion song, audio book, and instrumental on CD. Ages 4-8."

Hardback ISBN: 978-1-934214-06-0 Paperback ISBN: 978-1-934214-09-1

"You might just want to try something NEW. Blended BERRIES and APPLES. Make a smoothie too." "You might just want to try something NEW. PAPAYA, MANGO, GUAVA. Taste one or two!"

"We Eat Food That's Fresh" will be released late 2008 or early 2009. I'll keep you posted!

IF GARDEN

This is my entry for ILLUSTRATION FRIDAY this week.

Princess Charlotte, loves to read. She likes to read all kinds of stories about girls in other lands and books about animals, dinosaurs, and insects. Keep reading Princess Charlotte!

Princess Charlotte
pastel

GREEN THINGS GROWING
Oh, the green things growing, the green things growing,
The faint sweet smell of the green things growing!
I should like to live, whether I smile or grieve,
Just to watch the happy life of my green things growing...

~ Dinah Maria Mulock Craik

My Current Book Project

I'm very happy to say that my first picture book is going off to the publisher this week! Soon, I'll have a better image of the cover to post... the color is off on this one.

The working title is "We Eat Food That's Fresh" by Angela Russ, published by Our Rainbow Press. It is a book for preschool and elementary age children to encourage healthy habits.

More info to come!