Hey, it's February! Feel like writing a book review?

I have a little something of a goal for this month, and you, gentle reader, can help me achieve it.

My goal:

Reach 25 Amazon reviews for LELANI and THE PLASTIC KINGDOM

That means I'm looking for just (as of this writing) 19 people to write an honest review of the book before March (National Reading Month, duh!)! Aside from sharing the book with those around you, book reviews are really one of the best avenues for this wee, little book to gain attention. If you liked the art, found the story to be compelling, or appreciated the message of reducing plastic pollution in our environment, please help spread the word. 

If you're reading this, chances are you've been a supporter of this book from the beginning, and without you this book would not have had a chance. It's YOUR book, it's OUR book (I still get kinda delirious when I think about that). If you're as proud of this book we've put together as I am, I hope you'll take a few moments to share it :)   

commissioned piece - finished

This commissioned piece started in California, over a year ago. 

I was in California for the wedding of two dear friends, Phil and Nickie. I know Phil from my undergrad days at Michigan State University. The wedding celebration was like some sort of magical reunion, bringing together my best friends from growing up in Rockford, Michigan and adding to them newer friends and kind, familiar faces from my days at university. It was here that I reconnected with someone from MSU who I hadn't gotten to know very well during my time in East Lansing, a gem of a young woman named Kelly. As it happened, Kelly and her husband, Will, live pretty close to Ann Arbor, so we decided to keep each other on the radar once we were back MItten-side.

Well, I ran into Kelly and Will again at a Christmas party later that year, and this past summer, I saw Kelly and Will at Top of The Park in A2, totally by chance. Kelly mentioned picking up a copy of my book in the Food Coop in Ypsilanti (although not knowing it was MY book at the time), and floated the idea of commissioning a piece of artwork for her sister and her partner. I was happy take on the project. Commissions provide some exciting challenges for me as an artist. Trying to realize someone else's vision using my own skills and particular style can be a really rewarding experience, with lots of frustration and growth along the way. Kelly wanted a portrait of her sister and her sister's partner, and gave me some excellent direction. She requested that I include: nature, salmon (which has personal, symbolic significance for the couple), water, and a tree in the style of The Most Beautiful Tree. I took those elements and created the piece seen above. there are some things I wish had turned-out differently, but I'm mostly satisfied with how it turned-out, and Kelly seemed to approve. For me, the biggest win for this piece is how the 2 figures translated into my style of illustration. Portraiture has always been really scary for me...but maybe a little less-so, now.  

Jill and Allison!

Interested in commissioning a piece? Did you see something in the gallery that struck your fancy? I'm always happy to work with people interested in some original art.

GET IN TOUCH, and let's see if we can put something together :) 

Christmas 2014, gift for mum

I had a lot of fun working on this one! The inspiration came from mum, using one of her favorite bible verses: Philippians 4:13 

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

I'd like to do more in this vein. Anyone have a favorite passage they would like to see done-up in a similar style? 

Kirkusssssssssssss

I rolled those $425 dice one again and requested a review from the folks at Kirkus Reviews for Lelani and The Plastic Kingdom. Here she is:  

In Johnston’s (The Woodcutter and the Most Beautiful Tree, 2011) latest environmentally conscious tale, a young girl is inspired to become an activist after visiting an island made of plastic refuse.

Lelani is a carefree child who spends her days paddleboarding in the bright ocean. One day, she finds a message in a plastic bottle summoning her to visit an island called New Flotsam. Intrigued, she ventures out on her paddleboard to the mysterious locale. After a long journey, she finds herself on “[a]n entire continent made of waste from all the other continents.” There, she meets Big Sam, a boy who presides as emperor of the wasteland. He shows Lelani animals tangled in plastic and a forest made of plastic straws. Johnston’s pastel illustrations sensitively depict the beautiful natural world as it’s threatened by the growing trash problem. Like Dr. Seuss’ Lorax, Big Sam explains to Lelani that human pollution is destroying the wildlife. Big Sam explains the rapid growth of the island, thanks to other places’ waste: “Decisions made in the Fast Lands, no matter how tiny and small, can have a big effect in New Flotsam, which is why I have answered the call.” Through Big Sam’s words, Johnston conveys his message in a clear manner that young readers will fully comprehend. Also, the sadness of the animals tangled in the garbage is likely to evoke readers’ sympathy. Big Sam implores Lelani to return to the mainland as an ambassador of change. She takes her mission to heart, creating reusable alternatives to plastic products for her friends and family, and she passionately educates everyone around her. Her impassioned approach is likely to inspire children to action, and the measures she takes are entirely accessible for young readers. Overall, this book is highly recommended for educators or caregivers looking for a way to educate children and inspire them to be environmentally conscientious.

A sensitive, thoughtful book that effectively conveys the impact each person has on the environment.

I was informed last week that LELANI would also be included in the Kirkus Reviews magazine (the 1/15/2015 issue). It seems only 20 or so Indie books are included (less than 10%),so that's pretty cool.

2nd printing of "The Woodcutter" - Going, going...

Well! It seems as though mum has once again successfully acquired almost all of the copies of THE WOODCUTTER and THE MOST BEAUTIFUL TREE and squirreled them away in the attic. I have about 20 copies left from this second printing, and am unsure as to if/when a third will be ordered. Happily, used copies are still available on Amazon:  

This will never be not-hilarious to me.

There are still some copies available on ETSY, and a few new copies should be popping up on Amazon in the near future. Thanks to everyone who has supported me and helped get another 1000 copies of this silly little book out into the world!!! 

*EDIT*

Worth.every.penny.

BOOKS ARE AVAILABLE FOR THE MASSES!

Kickstarter rewards have all shipped, and I think it's now time to let everyone else in on the fun:)

SO! Copies of both my books are available on AMAZON and ETSY!!  Amazon is great if you want a book cheap and fast; ETSY is the way to go if you'd like your copies signed/personalized. You could also throw your name into the hat and participate in the BOOK GIVEAWAY on Goodreads. 

I hope everyone had a wonderful Halloweeeeeeeeeeeen!!!

Upcoming events!

Here are some places where I will be in the future, with books and art for sale or trade. The season of gift-giving draws nigh, and the best gift you can give someone is a hug.

But! The SECOND best gift you can give someone is a nice plant. 

And third best? Well, that's DEFINITELY a book. It's always nice meeting new people and signing books for their special someones. I'll have BOTH(?!) books on hand, so come say hi!! 

Saturday, November 8th - Hillside Craft Show (10am-4pm)

6100 Folks Rd

Horton, MI 49246

Saturday, November 15th - Art-A-Licious 2014 Redux (noon-6pm)

Adrian YMCA

638 W Maumee

Adrian, MI 49221

(Hopefully) more to come!

Kickstarter rewards are shipping!

Got the books...now just gotta get 'em to the people that helped make it happen. #plastickingdom

Sushi

Po

I have the worst/most adorable assistants. 

Art-A-Licious 2014

I was fortunate to attend a street fair in Adrian, MI this past weekend called Art-A-Licious. It was a 2-day, well-attended event featuring artists, crafters, food, music, and "music."

My bush league setup.

Kids love it!

So, the first, like, 98% of Art-A-Licious was awesome. Then a storm rolled-in, and the last 2% looked like this:

People screaming, stuff flying, stuff breaking

I didn't have the heart to take pictures of the worst of it...but this gives you an idea.

Thankfully, I'd packed-up everything except my tent weights by the time the storm hit. I literally closed the trunk of my car, felt a few raindrops, a few more raindrops...then a gust of wind came down Main Street like a freight train and carried with it tents, art, crafts, money, screams, and trash. A little more wind, then torrential rain for the next hour. I helped my neighbors salvage whatever they could and got them packed-up and on their way. Feeling really thankful to have gotten out with just wet clothes. It was emotional.

What an end to the season.

Books are being printed!!

For serious! It's happening!!

Here are the final front and back cover designs 

I can't believe this book is going to be holdable/touchable/readable soon...