2014 Society of Illustrators Founder’s Award

photo credit: Society of Illustrators

Last night I was deeply honored to receive the 2014 Original Art Show Founder’s Award at the Society of Illustrators. It was a wonderful evening. It’s amazing to be counted among so many talented people working in children’s books today. Benjamin Chaud won the gold medal for Bear Song, while 2 silver medals went to Carson Ellis  for Wildwood Imperium and Gary Kelly for Harlem Hellfighters. Lane Smith won a Lifetime Achievement award, as well as Arnold Lobel (posthumously). My heart swelled when the award was given to Lobel’s daughter. He has been an illustrator and storyteller who I have looked up to for many years.

Frog and Toad has been one of my most cherished books, and it’s been loved by countless others.

I’m still feeling overwhelmed by all of the beautiful pieces that Elliot is (literally) hanging out with. I need to get back to the show to see everything up close and personal, without hundreds of people crammed into the gallery. I’m proud to call some of these artists my friends. You can click here to see a full list of all of the artists who were accepted into the show. Also, the Original Art Show will be traveling the country for the next year, making stops in Memphis College of Art, Peninsula Fine Arts Center, and more to be announced.

Kelly Light and me at a show that our books got into, holding a Publisher’s Weekly article about our books. #Metaland

Celebrations ended with cake bigger than Ruth Chan’s head…and maybe a few other treats.

 

Polka Dotting the US: The Little Elliot Book Tour Recap

Wow! It has been a very busy few weeks! Elliot and I criss-crossed the country on a book tour to promote Little Elliot, Big City. We met lots of new friends! Here are some highlights from each stop…

9/19 Norfolk, VA

I started my journey at SIBA (Southern Independent Booksellers Association).

FIRST TIMER ribbon = all hugs & no hazing 😉

I did a book signing, and spoke on a panel featuring Little Elliot, Big City; Pout Pout Fish Goes to School illustrated by Dan Hanna; The Stick by Clay Rice; and Louise Loves Art by my friend Kelly Light.

It was nice to see a familiar face on my first day! Kelly Light was also on tour, and supplied me with some helpful pointers.