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ilikereadingactually · 6 months ago

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Picturebook roundup: April 2024

why the hell do my photos always look a little blurry, even when i resize them to the size tumblr wants? why do you do this to me, tumblr? anyway, here i am with three new books i picked up on Indie Bookstore Day! one of them is a gift, two of them are going on my bookshelf, all of them are delightful in different ways.

Spider in the Well by Jess Hannigan

LOVE THIS BOOK! the art is so fun and eye-searing and charming, and the story gave me a good belly laugh. i won't spoil the details, but it's about a town full of selfish people, a spider who doesn't mind fleecing them, and an earnest and clever little boy who gets one over on everybody. the blocky art is so great, it has a real Jon Klassen feel. the tone is funny and dry, and the whole book felt like a big shit-eating grin to me. delightful!

age rec: i'm gifting this to a three-year-old, but i think his six-year-old brother will get a kick out of it too! a great read-aloud with a grownup who has a fun sense of humor.

a bit i really liked: these expressions are just so good

more under the cut!

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The Last Zookeeper by Aaron Becker

i am a known Aaron Becker fan, and wordless picturebooks are my catnip. this one is a gorgeous example of the genre, about a robot—NOA—who's looking after the animals in a flooded zoo on a post-apocalyptic Earth. when the water keeps rising, NOA builds an enormous sailboat, loads the animals on board, and sets off in search of safety. i sat in the store reading this together with a friend, the two of us oohing and ahhing on a bench in the middle of the children's section, just having a blast, because the story is so clearly and beautifully expressed in Becker's art. every spread has a sweeping quality, a bigness to it, and at the same time there are so many tiny details to look at! it's astonishing.

age rec: this is one of those books that could be for any age. the story isn't complicated, so young kids can follow it on a basic level, but it's a timely commentary about care for the Earth and care for other living creatures that resonates with adults too.

a bit i really liked: poor lonely NOA!

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Bug in a Vacuum by Melanie Watt

on my first read of this, i was very charmed by how funny and clever it is. all the art has a 50s/60s aesthetic, the fly's dialogue is great, and it's split into chapters that each begin with one of the five stages of grief, explained through text on an object we've seen in the background (like a tv dinner box). i read these chapter headers as funny exaggeration at first. Then as i got to the end, reread, considered it a little more, it stayed funny to me but also became a gentle and hopeful reflection on dealing with struggle and loss.

also, the side story to the fly's drama is about a dachshund whose beloved toy has been vacuumed up, and i can't resist a dachshund!

age rec: this was going to be a gift for a six-year-old, even though there isn't much text, because i think the humor skews a little older. i still think this is so, and it would be a good read for maybe a 4-7 crowd, older or younger if the subject matter is particularly relevant. i say it WAS going to be a gift because i fell in love with it, and also realized i already had a gift for this six-year-old in my pile of gift books XD so now it's on my bookshelf.

a bit i really liked: just look at this cutie

#books and reading #bookblr #booklr #book reviews #book recs #picturebooks #children's literature #picturebook roundup

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bookcub · 5 years ago

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End of the Decade Favorite Book Tag

Turns out I have a hard time narrowing down books (shocker) so I decided to make a tag game!! Feel free to adjust the questions for your personal need (add or exclude genres to your liking, or categories, everyone reads differently). I’m trying not to repeat books, but hey, what happens happens, right?

(ps sorry for the poor formatting) (seriously, change categories to fit your own taste but feel free to use mine as a basis)

1. High fantasy books that are obsession worthy

Tie between Pegasus by Robin McKinley and The Wise Man’s Fear by Patrick Rothfuss because I adore them both!!! Also, apparently Fire by Kristen Cashore I also read in this decade and I can’t exclude that one, because it is also an all time favorite.

2. Urban fantasy books filled with people you want as friends

The Lynburn Legacy by Sarah Rees Brennan and Darkest Powers by Kelley Armstrong by Kelley Armstrong. I made this category for these series because I reread them over and over.

3. Portal fantasy you fall in love with multiple times

In Other Lands by Sarah Rees Brennan. Not to be a hipster, but I loved this book before it was even published. (basically I just fell in love with it twice) (I have receipts lol)

4. Novella that just makes you sigh cause it’s so lovely

The Slow Regard of Silent Things by Patrick Rothfuss because Auri is unforgettable and special.

5. Historically inaccurate but laugh out loud

My Lady Jane by Cynthia Hand, Jodi Meadows, and Brodi Ashton is a recent addition to my favorites but inevitable.

6. Satire that makes you reconsider your whole world view

Beauty Queens by Libba Bray made me the feminist I am and also introduced me to satire, although I haven’t read much. I love rereading it and it aged really well.

7. Happy, happy, happy and sad, sad, sad

The Duff by Kody Keplinger is some quality commentary of being in high school and very sweet and it is under loved. Some Girls Are by Courtney made me cry I could barely think straight and this book is pretty unforgettable.

8. No, I’m not to old for kids’ books, what are you talking about???

House of Hades by Rick Riordan because my Percy Jackson phase is ongoing

9. I’m also not to old for picture books either and never will be

I Want My Hat Back by Jon Klassen (see icon XD)

10. Whoa, never expected that ending and to have that much fun!!!

The Spellman Files by Lisa Lutz, it’s just so funny, one of the first books that made me realize adult books could be good. Also, mysteries are Quality when done right.

11. Like I’m scared, but I’m happy about it

Hushed by Kelley York because who doesn’t love a serial killer book? And anti heroes for the win!!!

12. Classically favorite

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, what can I say, I’m basic. No regrets.

13. Party in your ears

Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor, I already loved this book, but Khristine Hvam made it THAT much better.

14. Boom!!! Pow!!! Wham!!!

The Squad by Jennifer Lynn Barnes (cheerleader who are CIA agents, what else do i need to say to get people to read these books???) (I over neglect adventure books in my reading)

15. Oh wow, that’s me!!

Tash Hearts Tolstoy by Kathryn Ormbsbee because I felt so seen while reading this book.

16. I can’t stop thinking about this book

The Storyteller by Antonia Michaelis (I suppose wmf is also on here but whatever) but anyways this book is just . . . so in depth and it’s so intense and . .. ughghhhghhghg, I cried. A lot.

17. A book you got from Tumblr that made it to your fave

I think Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo and Red, White, and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston are my two for these.

18. A book you had high expectations for and then the author OVER delivered

Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor. After Dosab, i had high expectations. She blew them out of the park.

Tagging: @logarithmicpanda @twostepsfromtemerant @heretherebebooks @quillbit-reads @mlledevoltaire @magic-in-every-book @coat-the-boneless @jorammiireads @brightbeautifulthings and literally anyone who wants to do this, please do, I’d love to see the responses!!!

#tag game #booklr game #six of crows #sarah rees brennan #laini taylor #jennifer lynn barnes #rick riordan #libba bray #i hope you guys like this???#it was orignally just like #favorite fantasy #and favorite mystery #but i tailored the questiosn to the repsonses

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lizziethereader · 5 years ago

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End of the Decade Favorite Book Tag

This took me forever to do because it’s a high-energy kind of tag, but it’s also a great idea so thank you @bookcub fro coming up with it and tagging me, and thanks to my other taggers @thelivebookproject and @anassarhenisch

Oh, and fair warning: I (almost) never keep to just one book

1. High fantasy books that are obsession worthy Okay, so definitely the Kingkiller chronicle by Patrick Rothfuss, but also the Strange the Dreamer series by Laini Taylor - and I’m not sure about Daughter of Smoke and Bone (also by Laini Taylor) because it kind of starts out as urban fantasy and then gets high fantasy? In any case, I recommend that as well

Also, is Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo high fantasy? I’m so bad at genres! But I recommend that duology as well.

Oh! And the Darker Shades of Magic series by V.E. Schwab!

2. Urban fantasy books filled with people you want as friends Again, the Daughter of Smoke and Bone trilogy, but also The Raven Cycle by Maggie Stiefvater (though I’m not so sure about wanting to be friends with them - I just think they’re neat characters). And I can’t forget the Percy Jackson series by Rick Riordan.

3. Portal fantasy you fall in love with multiple times The different novellas from Seanan McGuire’s Wayward Children series - I fell in love with the first one because ace!character!! but the other ones are also super intriguing and well-written.

4. Novella that just makes you sigh cause it’s so lovely I’m totally stealing @bookcub‘s answer and say The Slow Regard of Silent Things by Patrick Rothfuss Also great but in a very different way is Andrew Kaufman’s All my friends are superheroes

5. Historically inaccurate but laugh out loud I’m stealing that one as well: My Lady Jane by Cynthia Hand, Jodi Meadows, and Brodi Ashton

6. Satire that makes you reconsider your whole world view I wouldn’ say “reconsider my whole world view”, but I read a couple of Douglas Coupland books that provide quite the satirical social commentary. Also A Long Way Down by Nick Hornby, if that fits here?

7. Happy, happy, happy and sad, sad, sad The Wayfarer’s series by Becky Chambers, Aristotle and Dante discover the secrets of the universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz, The Fault in our Stars by John Green, The Anne of Green Gables series (as far as I read it) by L.M. Montgomery and The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer, Annie Barrows

8. No, I’m not to old for kids’ books, what are you talking about??? The Bartimaeus series by Jonathan Stroud, and A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness (which is shelved as Children’s Literature but is really for everyone)

9. I’m also not to old for picture books either and never will be We Found a hat by Jon Klassen - such a great book!!

10. Whoa, never expected that ending and to have that much fun!!! Skyward by Brandon Sanderson, The Maze Runner by James Dashner, Howl’s Moving Castle by Dianea Wynne Jones

11. Like I’m scared, but I’m happy about it I don’t think I’ve read anything that fits that prompt

12. Classically favorite So many but my top two are probably Les Misérables by Victor Hugo, and Far from the Madding Crowd by Thomas Hardy

13. Party in your ears I haven’t had one of those

14. Boom!!! Pow!!! Wham!!! Nimona by Noelle Stevenson, The Martian by Andy Weir, and Illuminae by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff

15. Oh wow, that’s me!! You know, I really haven’t found that ‘oh wow, that’s me’-character yet, though I’m happy about the books with ace representation I’ve read (and hope to read many more)

16. I can’t stop thinking about this book in addition to the books i already mentioned, Code Name Verity occupied my mind for a looong time, same goes for the Wool trilogy by Hugh Howey, but also Caitlin Doughty’s Smoke gets in your eyes and Between the world and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates

17. A book you got from Tumblr that made it to your fave Trick by Natalia Jaster, The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue by Mackenzi Lee, Girls will be Girls by Eme O’Toole and some of the books that I mentioned already

18. A book you had high expectations for and then the author OVER delivered If We Were Villains by M.L.Rio

So I have absolutely no overview of who has or hasn’t done this and who actually wants to do this, so feel free to ignore this, of course! I’m tagging: @whilereadingandwalking, @accidentalspaceexplorer, @booksnotbombs, @elfspectations, and anyone else who wants to

#End of the Decade Favorite Book Tag #tag thingy

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ramonaillustrationtwo · 5 years ago

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Exercise: Once upon a time

For some time I researched different folk tails and fairy stories as I didn’t want to do a tale that was very common especially in English story telling. I came across the story of ‘The Boy Who Drew Cats’ ( 猫を描いた少年).

The story

The Japanese tale was about a boy who does nothing but draw cats. Sent away by his farming family to a temple to learn from a priest he continues to draw only cats. The priest tells the boy that he will not be a priest but on day may become a successful artist. The boy is asked to leave and given the advice ‘Avoid large places at night - Keep to the small’.

The boy decides he won't return home and seeks shelter in another large temple which unbeknownst to the boy was abandoned after an attack from a large rat goblin. Walking around the empty temple he decides to draw cats on the walls. Remembering the priest’s advice when night falls finds a cupboard to sleep in. Through the night he hears loud screeching.

When he wakes and leaves the cupboard he sees the rat goblin dead on the floor and his cat illustrations mouths filled with blood. The people of the town rejoice that the rat goblin has been killed and the boy becomes a successful artist as the priest had told.

Re-tellings in English

I accessed a scanned copy of a translation of the story by Lafcadio Hearn circa 1898. I also read a more modern retelling by Aaron Shepherd from 1998. Both these versions helped me get a good understanding of the story.

https://digitalcollections.nypl.org/items/510d47d9-49f8-a3d9-e040-e00a18064a99/book#page/1/mode/2up

http://www.aaronshep.com/stories/045.html

My partner, who is a creative writing student, kindly rewrote the story for me so that it was clear and flowed well.

Approaching the story

I felt the story could be broken down into key areas.

Setting

Farm

Temple

Large Temple

Cupboard (possibly?)

Characters

Boy

Family

Preist

Rat Goblin

I really wanted my illustrations to flow with the text, like many modern children books, not simply the text on one page and the illustration on the other. I wanted to use Japanese stylised elements to tie the setting of the story to the illustration. I researched Japanese architecture, pattern design and drawing motifs which helped influence my illustrations. (All are referenced at the end of this post) I asked my friends to send me photos of their cats for drawing reference.

Cat reference

Illustrations from ‘Treasury of Japanese Designs and Motifs’

Sketches and drawings

I really like rats, my first rat was too cute and I had to rethink the body shape to make him seem more scary.

Completed Story

I wanted the text and illustration to work together and enhance the rhythm of the reader.

I played with the text size to emphasis key points.

By exploiting the reading direction of left to right up to down, I staggered the text and illustration to cause the reader to explore the whole page. It also slows the reading speed and adds a pause between each point as the reader processes the illustration.

Although not strictly an illustration I couldn’t help but include this page. I wanted to convey the protagonists emotion by having no illustration, lots of negative space and the text central.

I chose not to depict the ‘fight’ to leave the reader to fill in the gaps in the story. It is a key part of the development of language and reasoning (blooms taxonomy) for children to be able to use the visual clues and written text to deduce what has happened within the narrative. I wanted to use this as a discussion point between young readers and their adult support. This is a strategy used in many chickens books, This is not my hat, Jon Klassen being the most recent that I have read.

youtube

I feel my illustrations interact with the text well, adding to the story but also having their own breathing space. Overall I think the exercise has been very successful and the protagonist is engaging and likeable.

References

2020. Farmer Clothing. [image] Available at: <https://realjapanesegardens.files.wordpress.com/2016/05/for-wordpress-post-11.jpg> [Accessed 6 April 2020].

2020. Japanese Scribe. [image] Available at: <https://www.gettyimages.co.uk/detail/illustration/japanese-scribe-royalty-free-illustration/482658975?language=fr> [Accessed 6 April 2020].

2020. Shinto Priest. [image] Available at: <https://www2.kokugakuin.ac.jp/ijcc/wp/bts/bts_s.html> [Accessed 6 April 2020].

2020. Tall Temple. [image] Available at: <https://www.sovereignman.com/trends/after-1428-years-heres-what-brought-down-the-worlds-oldest-business-18654/> [Accessed 6 April 2020].

2020. Temple. [image] Available at: <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Main_Hall_(Japanese_Buddhism)#/media/File:Tōdai-ji_Kon-dō.jpg> [Accessed 6 April 2020].

2020. Traditional Clothing. [image] Available at: <https://www.agefotostock.com/age/en/Stock-Images/Rights-Managed/IBR-2353348> [Accessed 6 April 2020].

2020. Traditional Farm House. [image] Available at: <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minka#/media/File:Shirakawago_Japanese_Old_Village_001.jpg> [Accessed 6 April 2020].

2020. Traditional Peasant Clothing. [image] Available at: <http://nariyuki-circus.com/kikaku/5323/> [Accessed 6 April 2020].

Duende by Madam ZoZo. 2020. Decoding The Meaning Of Wagara - Traditional Japanese Patterns. [online] Available at: <https://duendebymadamzozo.com/traditional-japanese-patterns/> [Accessed 6 April 2020].

General Research Division, The New York Public Library. "The boy who drew cats" New York Public Library Digital Collections. Accessed March 7, 2020. http://digitalcollections.nypl.org/items/510d47d9-49f8-a3d9-e040-e00a18064a99

Grafton, C., 1983. Treasury Of Japanese Designs And Motifs For Artists And Craftsmen. New York: Dover.

Historyinphotos.blogspot.com. 2020. Vintage Japan. [online] Available at: <http://historyinphotos.blogspot.com/2014/01/vintage-japan.html> [Accessed 6 April 2020].

Japan-guide.com. 2020. Kyoto Travel: Tenryuji Temple. [online] Available at: <https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3913.html> [Accessed 6 April 2020].

Klassen, J., 2012. This Is Not My Hat. Somerville, Mass.: Candlewick Press.

Kiriko Made. 2020. 和柄 : Japanese Patterns - Part 1. [online] Available at: <https://kirikomade.com/blogs/our-fabrics/japanese-patterns-1> [Accessed 6 April 2020].

Manila Bulletin News. 2020. With Sake And Shinto Rites, Japanese See In New Era. [online] Available at: <https://news.mb.com.ph/2019/05/01/with-sake-and-shinto-rites-japanese-see-in-new-era/> [Accessed 6 April 2020].

#time #part3

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lambentplume · 5 years ago

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golden, freckles, honey, paper!!

THANK U IRIS!

golden - favorite stationary product?

Whenever people give me journals or stickers my heart leaps :’) it’s automatic personality and instant sentimental value!!

freckles - most-worn article of clothing?

I have a navy/green/red flannel that I have worn with every other outfit I own, whether it matches or not. It’s from Savers! I’ve really grown to appreciate having an extra layer on hand and usually the flannel is the difference between a little too cold and just the right temp (also how else am I supposed to let the world know I’m bi.)

honey - favorite term of endearment?

Okay this is going to sound stupid but: “my guy,” “dude” “bro,” “legend,” or some variation on your standard dudebro things because I am just a jock reincarnated into an unathletic body of indeterminate gender. I think it’s all about the inflection and context lmfao. Or just “hello” *bashfully avoids eye contact*

Semi-related, but there’s this thing that some Filipinos do when they want to get someone’s attention from across the room. It’s a favorite of parents at parties and it’s an easy way to get all the kids to be quiet. You kinda make a short “PSSHT” sound (like a fuzzy radio signal) really loud, occasionally accompanied by a “HUY.” that’s not really a Term of Endearment per se but the implicit knowledge that those two non-verbal noises are a substitute for “hey, get over here I have to tell you something” is beautiful in an innate way that I cannot describe. So translate that into an endearment term somehow?

paper - favorite children’s book?

This Is Not My Hat by Jon Klassen. It is the only book. Yes, there is only one book, and it is this one.

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thebookishaustin · 5 years ago

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2020 Picture Book Update!

Images from my Goodreads page

I don’t like to toot my own horn but I am doing VERY well with my picture book reading goal! I’m actually really ahead and proud of myself considering how busy life can be sometimes. I read some incredibly humorous books since my last update as well as some very heartwarming titles. Mac Barnett is a standout writer while Dan Santat is a favorite author/illustrator. If you want to check out a few of their respective titles that I love, click the links below!

Mac Barnett (all illustrated by Jon Klassen):

Triangle

Square

Circle

Dan Santat:

Oh No! Not Again!: (Or How I Built a Time Machine to Save History) (written by the aforementioned Mac Barnett)

Dude! (written by Aaron Reynolds)

After the Fall: How Humpty Dumpty Got Back Up Again (previously read this title)

Other than these two creators, I noticed that I’ve read a lot of books about hugs! Maybe I’m just needing one… But no matter the reason, they were all adorable as heck! Definitely check these ones out:

Hug Machine by Scott Campbell: A little boy wants to make sure everyone gets a hug!

Nobody Hugs a Cactus by Carter Goodrich: A grumpy cactus finds he’s lonely because of his own attitude.

I Need A Hug by Aaron Blabey: A porcupine keeps getting rejected, but maybe he just needs the right partner for a hug?

Please, please, PLEASE send me your picture book suggestions! I’m having so much exploring this world as an adult.

#mac barnett #Dan santat #hug machine #scott campbell #nobody hugs a cactus #carter goodrich #I Need a hug #Aaron Blabey #Aaron Reynolds #picture books #read #reading #art #the bookish austin

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oliviawhen · 7 years ago

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Artist Interviews (2011) - Jon Klassen

Recently I got a request to repost the student email interviews I did with some established artists back on my blogspot in 2011. They really did help me, and I’m even more amazed now, than I was then that they took the time to reply. This is part 3/3 with illustrator Jon Klassen:

[Jon Klassen] is an illustrator who trained as an animator (and still does animation.) I'm currently thoroughly looking forward reading “I want my hat back” as his other children’s books have been so lovely.

Interview

1) What sort of medium or programs to you use for your work?

It varies on the subject and how complex the final picture might end up being. these days i try and start with a messy media, like ink or charcoal, something that will give me accidents, and i make component parts of the picture with that. i either scan or photograph those pieces, then assemble them digitally. working on them digitally afterwards can get very involved if i wasn't very sure how they were going to be used or if something interesting happened while the pieces were getting made. i like this stage very much. it's kind of like film editing.

2) What are some of your favorite websites/magazines/books/publications for inspiration?

I like to look at photographs a lot instead of other illustrations. for illustrators this is better, i find, because you're not looking at somebody else's solutions to problems. unprofessional photos are best because they usually don't care so much about composition or anything as they do getting what it is they want in the picture, which is great for you because you start to think about how you would stage things in an interesting way. i like older photos mostly, cause the colors are always a little washed out and not so sharp. a good starting place for those kinds of pictures is squareamerica.com

3) What was your favorite professional assignment that you've ever done?

I am working on kids book illustration right now, and i don't know if it's just because it's a switch from what i was doing for many years (i worked at big animation studios before this) but i'm enjoying it the most. i like the simple ones best, even though the illustrations might not be as impressive to do. i wrote my very first one and illustrated it this year, and it's called 'i want my hat back' and it comes out in the fall. i don't know if it's my best work, but i enjoyed making it more than most of the things i've worked on in the past few years.

4) Your style is really distinctive and eye catching, has it always been that way?

Thank you! i don't think i'm in a great position to judge it, really - i still see a lot of inconsistencies when i look at my work altogether, but i'm glad you think it fits together somehow. i think style has to do mainly with what you're choosing to think about and what you don't want to think about (maybe that second one more importantly) - the more i do pictures for myself, the more i start to learn what an idea actually is to me. i think thats a big step - when you're learning all this stuff, it all seems so grandly conceptual and you feel like you're just learning the tools, but once you sort of figure out how a small idea that you like can be pulled apart and extrapolated and made to be a satisfying thing for yourself, you're sort of set free and you stop worrying about technique so much and you just want to make ideas that you like and follow them where they go. the great part about that is that you don't feel like it's ending anywhere - it goes as far as you want to follow it.

5) What sort of process do you have? Do you work on many pieces at once or one at a time?

I try to only work on one thing at a time, but it never seems to work out that way. maybe that's a luxury you work up to - but i'm not sure it's a totally harmful thing to put a project down midway and go do something else. i used to think it was hokey when people said they wanted to let an idea 'percolate' or whatever, but just by the necessity of getting work done, i've found it's actually a very real thing and it can improve your work quite a bit.

6) What do you do when you can't come up with ideas? How do you manage stress?

I'm learning more and more not to hold onto things so tightly - sometimes it's hard because you want to do good work but there isn't enough time or you don't like the subject, and i've certainly done things i don't like now - that still stresses me out. but i think it's important to not see any of your work as a 'legacy' or anything like that - the more you look at it like a local problem with a solution, the more you can focus on that rather than on yourself doing it or how good you might be at it that day. also i take very long showers.

7) How do you advertise yourself/get work? What have you found to work best for you?

i'm still finding out if this is as true in book illustration as it is for animation, but the best thing that's worked for me is to collaborate as much as you can, early on. you'll find out what parts of a project you like best, and the results will always be different than something you've done on your own. more interestingly, though, is that the people you work with, if you choose them for the right reasons, always end up having other things to do that you want to do too, and it becomes this really great organic thing. it sounds luxurious to say 'only work with people you like' because of course you can't always, but when you're starting out and stakes aren't as high as they might be later, if you have the choice between working with someone you like and who excites you or something you know is just to get on the record, go with the more interesting one. an interesting project will travel around and get you more work than a hundred boring ones for big places that you get paid for.

8) Do you have a time that you prefer to work? Night? Morning?

In school i was a night worker, but since then i sort of enjoy having daytime work hours and keeping the same schedule as people with jobs. of course if something needs to get done, all that scheduling falls apart and you just go until it's done, but that gets rarer, i think, as you get better at managing your time.

9) Is your personal work particularly different from your professional work?

No, not really. the work i do for books and commercials and things will vary based on the topic and the tone that's needed, and even though i think i'm switching it up, there always seems to be some common ingredients. i never really had a huge interest in personal work past things that i could only call 'assignments to myself' - i've always liked solving work problems that are brought to me rather than express anything i'm feeling that day. Although, i will say that more i do this work, the more i find that how you're feeling that day or that week or that month comes across in your professional work whether you want it to or not. I don't mind that when i see it happening, but i have a hard time using it as a starting point for making something.

10) What's the best advice you would give a student aspiring to work as an illustrator?

Work on ideas you honestly like, that are valid to you. your responses to things, your way of receiving a problem and turning it over in your head, before you ever put anything down on paper, is the best currency you have. all your style and technique can come out of that, and should be secondary to that. that doesn't mean you can't have things that you use a lot - sometimes things last a very long time in your head before you're done exploring in there. but try always to start with something in the topic you genuinely have a crush on.

If you haven’t, consider reading all of his books! They’re thrilling. You can find him on Twitter, Instagram, and Tumblr.

#long post #text post #artist interview #illustration #jon klassen #may be dated as this was from 6 years ago

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kidlit · 7 years ago

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(Some of) the best picture books of 2017

Not Quite Narwhal (written and illustrated by Jessie Sima)

Growing up in the ocean, Kelp has always assumed that he was a narwhal like the rest of his family. Sure, he’s always been a little bit different—his tusk isn’t as long, he’s not as good of a swimmer, and he really doesn’t enjoy the cuisine.

Then one night, an extra strong current sweeps Kelp to the surface, where he spots a mysterious creature that looks just like him! Kelp discovers that he and the creature are actually unicorns. The revelation leaves him torn: is he a land narwhal or a sea unicorn?

Dragons Love Tacos 2 (written by Adam Rubin, illustrated by Daniel Salmieri)

News alert! It has just been discovered that there are NO MORE TACOS left anywhere in the world. This is a huge problem because, as you know, dragons love tacos. If only there was a way for the dragons to travel back in time, to before tacos went extinct. Then they could grab lots of tacos and bring them back! It’s the perfect plan, as long as there’s no spicy salsa!

You remember what happened last time....

A Different Pond (written by Bao Phi, illustrated by Thi Bui)

An unforgettable story about a long-ago fishing trip. As a young boy, Bao Phi awoke early, hours before his father's long workday began, to fish on the shores of a small pond in Minneapolis. Unlike many other anglers, Bao and his father fished for food, not recreation. A successful catch meant a fed family. Between hope-filled casts, Bao's father told him about a different pond in their homeland of Vietnam.

Acclaimed poet Bao Phi delivers a powerful, honest glimpse into a relationship between father and son, and between cultures old and new.

How to Make Friends With a Ghost (written and illustrated by Rebecca Green)

What do you do when you meet a ghost? One: Provide the ghost with some of its favourite snacks, like mud tarts and earwax truffles. Two: Tell your ghost bedtime stories (ghosts love to be read to). Three: Make sure no one mistakes your ghost for whipped cream or a marshmallow when you aren't looking! A whimsical "guide” to ghost care, Rebecca Green's debut picture book is a perfect combination of offbeat humour, quirky and sweet illustrations, and the timeless theme of friendship.

The Wolf, The Duck, and the Mouse (written by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Jon Klassen)

When a woeful mouse is swallowed by a wolf, he quickly learns he is not alone: a duck has already set up digs, and, boy, has that duck got it figured out! Turns out it's pretty nice in there, with delicious food and elegant table settings, courtesy of the wolf's unchecked gluttony. “I may have been swallowed, but I will not be eaten!”

And there's something even better: no more fear of being eaten by a wolf! In fact, life is pretty good, until a hunter shows up....

A Perfect Day (written and illustrated by Lane Smith)

Today is a perfect day for Cat, Dog, Chickadee, and Squirrel: Cat is lounging among the daffodils. Dog is sitting in the wading pool, deep in the cool water. Chickadee is eating fresh seed from the birdfeeder. Squirrel is munching on his very own corncob. Today is a perfect day in Bert's backyard. That is, until Bear comes along. Bear crushes the daffodils, drinks the pool water, and happily gobbles up the birdseed and corncob.

Today was a perfect day for Cat, Dog, Chickadee, and Squirrel. Now it's just a perfect day for Bear. A gorgeous lesson in empathy and seeing things from an alternative point of view.

Town is by the Sea (written by Joanne Schwartz, illustrated by Sydney Smith)

A young boy wakes up to the sound of the sea, visits his grandfather's grave after lunch, and comes home to a simple family dinner with his family. But all the while his mind strays to his father digging for coal deep down under the sea.

The stunning contrast between the sparkling day and dark mine shaft brings a piece of Canadian history to life. The ever-present ocean and inevitable pattern of life in a Cape Breton mining town will enthrall children and move adult readers.

#kidlit #best picture books of 2017 #new picture books #2017 #roundup #jon klassen #sydney smith #Dan Santat #adam rubin #reading #kids books #popular #books #bookish #booklr #lane smith #bao phi

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tttwbs · 7 years ago

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RULES: Answer 30 questions and tag 10 people, I was mentioned in @smowkie ‘s so I decided to do this and I tag nobody it’s just open invite to this party.

# following: 2,471

# of followers: 165

Average hours of sleep: 5

Lucky number: 4

Instruments: none musical. I love 9mm mechanical pencils and I’m marrying my .035 copic ink pen

What are you wearing: Hokusai Jaws T-shirt, black pants

Dream job: FORENSIC SCIENTIST. If only I had known as a teen that was a thing my god.

Dream trip: Venice, Italy and to Paris, France for the Louvre

Significant other: Aroace no no thx but I have a BFF and she is quite significant

Birthday: September 17

Height: 5’10”

Gender/pronouns: woman, she/her

Other blogs: @d2cm @just-d2cm @halefamilyfic @ttecbs @thebigeyeff

Nicknames: Nope

Star sign: virgo

Time: 12:17am eastern US time

Favorite bands: They Might Be Giants, OKgo, Reel Big Fish, The Offspring, The Heavy, Los Straitjackets, Man or Astroman?, Hello Goodbye, Blaqk Audio, and on and on.

Favorite artist: So many so I’ll list who I have prints or originals by— Daniel Danger, Mike Mignola, Kevin Dart, Kelly Smith aka @beatfist , Koyamori, Brianne Drouhard, Pam Wishbow, Marina Terauds, Chris Turnham, Lorenzo Etherington, Guy Burwell, Joey Chou, Richard Sala, Matt Nava, Scott C, Jon Klassen, Jorge Gutierrez, and on and on....

Favorite tumblr artist: Random selection of ones I follow. @beerwolves , @ullathynell , @ntamarit , @mayakern , @cy-lindric , @sleeprealms , @mindyleedoodles , @duckhymn , @beatfist , tbh just go to @ttecbs and browse

Song stuck in your head: funny, I was just whining about it to my friend, that Love Me Like You Do crap they’ve stuck on that 50 shades fking trailer that they play ALL. THE. TIME. L-L-LOVE ME LIKE YOU DOOOOOOO enjoy that earworm.

Last movie you watched: 2008’s Outlander starring Jim Caviezel, the one before that one is a personal fav- Princess Cariboo

Last show you watched: Project Runway Allstars (missing Tim Gunn the whole time)

Why did you make your blog: d2cm was supposed to be for my webcomic but it became reblog central and so much was TW so I tried to weed it out to no avail by making tttwbs— I eventually just made @just-d2cm

What do you post: Sterek, TW stuff I like, werewolf stuff, sobbing pleas for everyone who can to watch Dirk Gently on Netflix....

Last thing you googled: The name of the movie Outlander. Had to get there by actor who played Mr. Reese in Person of Interest and voila!

AO3: FreakHour

Do you ever get asks: Yes! But not on this one really.

How did you get the idea for your url: my initials TT+TW+BS[BestStuff]

Favourite food: Salad because you put anything in/on a bowl of lettuce it’s a salad. Steak, chicken, taco beef, French fries, a sandwich, hot wings, pizza, NACHOS...

Last book you read: The Initiate by Louise Cooper and that was a long long time ty Sterek writers for your prolific creativity

Top 3 fictional universes: JFC this is way hard... Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency - the recent series (plz watch on Netflix) and books!, Stargate: Atlantis, and The Elemental Masters series by Mercedes Lackey because idk it’s just candy.

#yup

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pikaland · 7 years ago

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How to promote yourself when you’re shy

One of my friends recently asked me: how was I not on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook more often spreading the word about my blog, classes and zines? I just told her that I was a very low-key person, and that posting about myself and my work wasn’t something I was comfortable doing. I have all the respect in the world for people who choose to do so, but personally for me, it would make me exhausted, because in reality, I’m a little shy.

I chose to be quiet

I was lucky that when Pikaland first started 9 years ago, I just hopped onto the bandwagon because these apps were shiny and new. I registered an account at Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest just to see what the fuss was all about, and to connect with blogging buddies and online friends. I never thought that when I first signed up that these channels would become the social media behemoth they are today. I’m lucky – I’ve skipped so many others – Snapchat, Periscope, Vine, etc., because keeping up with what little social media channels I had on hand was frankly, already more than I could handle. I didn’t find the need to go into apps that I didn’t have an interest in (and most of them are long gone by now as well). Yes, there were the occasional pangs of FOMO (fear of missing out), but whatever urges I had to register for a new account for the new app of the day was overtaken by the need to keep myself sane, first and foremost.

Do all the things!

If you’re an artist/illustrator/designer/maker, there’s so much pressure from everyone to do everything you can for your work. Start up a blog! Email marketing! SEO! Master flat lay for Instagram! Share process videos! Pin, pin, pin! Again, if that’s what you want to do, that’s perfectly fine too. I can understand how marketing can be seen as an evil necessity; it’s the job that you have to do to get out there to get people to notice you (unless you really like it, of course!) But from my personal experience, I can tell you that it doesn’t have to be the only way, especially if like me, you’re uncomfortable with bombarding your readers, fans and family with updates about your work. I mainly promote what I’m doing through email, and only then will it trickle down to social media by way of auto-pilot. Pikaland is like a secret club where my readers get first dibs on everything.

“I’m not just doing this for you”

I suppose one can say that I’m selfish. Everything I did was to further my self-education into the realm of illustration: I started up this blog to keep track of amazing artists and illustrators. I dug deep to learn about their thinking process and trained my eye to recognise what worked and what could be improved on. I enjoyed going to illustration conferences, learning from generous teachers and meeting like-minded friends. I discovered I love teaching more than being an illustrator. Heck, even my online classes were selfish endeavours – they were based on topics that I was curious about, and were summaries of what I’ve learnt throughout the years. Putting the class together in a cohesive fashion was a way for me to remember what I’ve learnt along the way so that I wouldn’t forget them myself.

I haven’t gone down the whole social media route because (selfishly) I want what I do to speak for itself. I am of sound mind – of course I know that having this mindset will keep me from growing. But here’s the catch – I don’t want to grow big. Not yet anyway. I like being small. I like interacting with my readers one-on-one. I love teaching in a small group. I don’t want to oversell and overestimate myself. I’m not in search of “likes”, and I don’t keep score. I want my students to walk away from my class with a clear purpose and a plan they’re excited about. And if that doesn’t happen, I’m happy to go back to the drawing board to do it all over again until I get it right.

It has to be a bit of a balance, I suppose.

Everyone’s different

If you like being on social media, good for you. For others, it’s okay if it’s not your cup of tea. Some people like sharing stuff. Others just like to see what others are sharing. And there are those who use social media as a self-promotion tool. Yes, there are people who were discovered through social media, but let’s not discount the fact that there are also others who get discovered the old fashioned way: blogs, newspapers, magazines, competitions, word of mouth, etc. There isn’t a one-route-fits-all solution.

Personally, I’m a very private person, and I like to process a lot of what I’m doing on my own. I find that I rarely talk to Mr. T about my work, and instead I talk to my friends who have the same interests, or my community. I prefer to keep things private and close to my heart, so it’s not hard to understand why I usually prefer doing my communications via email. This is then followed by Facebook, and trailing far behind is Instagram and Twitter.

However you feel about self-promotion through social media, I’ve listed down 3 recommendations on how you can choose what works for you:

Be consistent. Take some time to think about what you’ll be comfortable doing for the long run. Spreading yourself thin trying to be everywhere at once will knock the wind out of your sails before you even get going. Be selfish. Do what you want to do, not what people expect of you. That way, you can have some fun, colour outside the lines, play a little and let people see the real you, and what you stand for. Do great work. I cannot overemphasis this enough – if people put in more effort into doing great work as opposed to the time they spend on social media, then perhaps they wouldn’t need to use it so much. I may be wrong, and some people may genuinely love being on social media – but hey, there’s no harm in doing great work too, is there?

There are no hard and fast rules about using outlets like Instagram, Facebook or Twitter. Sure, there’s lots of things you can do to help it along – hash tagging, commenting, posting at a certain time of day, etc – among hundreds of tips out there that will hopefully help bring you the fame you’re looking for.

Just don’t forget to do the work first and foremost – you’ll realise that it’s the one thing that won’t go away ever, even if those platforms disappear one day.

A guide to email pitches (for shy artists)

This topic has made me think a lot in terms of how differently people approach self-promotion these days. But I’m also keenly aware of how a lot of things still stay the same. In spite of the popularity of social media, I think that emailing is still a very important form of self-promotion. I deal with email a lot, even before I started this blog. I used to work in publishing, and as an editor you get a lot of emails and letters, pitching an event, new work, or a launch. I know that even with the rise of social media, email itself has not changed much.

It’s a pity that this form of communication hasn’t gotten a lot of attention because it’s one of the best ways to get your work out there. When done right, it can open doors, make people notice you and bring you opportunities you might not even know of. So it would stand to reason that emailing blogs, magazines, news portals, etc., should be a piece of cake right? Turns out, not really. I’ve met many artists who were uncertain about the best ways to write an email, and it’s a nail biting affair. When’s the best time to write? How should I sound? What should I do if they don’t reply? ARGH! I’d roll up my sleeves and listen so that I can help them formulate a plan.

A friend came to me about this problem recently, and I’ve come to realise that my advice is pretty much the same each time, and that I should probably start to just compile my thoughts in a proper manner. So if you’re shy, introverted and unsure of how to write in a way that will allow your personality (and work) to shine, I’ll be writing a guide that on how to pitch yourself via email. It’ll be ready within the next couple of weeks, but if you’re interested to know when it comes out, just click the button below and enter your details when prompted so that I can send you a note to let you know when it’s ready!

[Illustration: Jon Klassen]

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momkiddies-blog · 6 years ago

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Latest Post On https://momandkids.fun/2019/03/06/15-fun-childrens-books-about-shapes/

15 Fun Children’s Books About Shapes

These board books and picture books will help your preschool child learn about shapes including circles, squares, triangles, and other geometric figures. Plus, these math children’s books are tons of fun to read. Sometimes are even hilarious or heartwarming.

Understanding shapes is a foundational math skill as well as an important visual identification skill.

As children begin to learn, you can look for shapes in your environment. Talk about what you notice. Then compare what how objects are the same or different. Additionally, it’s beneficial to sort shapes into groups — you can even do this with your food! The more hands-on you can be when teaching your kids about geometric objects, the better. Also, this includes ideas like making your own shapes out of toothpicks, straws, or sticks. Finally, it helps preschoolers to learn sing songs and rhymes like these from Childhood 101.

15 Fun Children’s Books About Shapes

Stanley’s Shapes by Williambee The bright, graphic illustrations capture readers attention immediately. Each two-page spread contains many geometric objects to find. Very cute!

Circle, Triangle, Elephant by Kenji Oikawa and Mayuko Takeuchi Both instructive and silly, you’ll see three objects on a page. First, you’ll see geometric figures like a circle, rectangle, triangle. But it gets very silly when the author adds in a boat, an elephant, or even a lemon to the narrative.

Picture This Shapes by Judith Nouvion See the dots on the ladybug wings or the triangle of the green moth. Next, look at the diamond made by a devil ray. Although it’s a short board book, it’s a beautiful natural tribute to what you can discover in nature.

Help Fox and Ox find Fox’s missing sock. First, Fox tries to describe his sock exactly — it’s blue, it has dots, big dots. Then, Ox gets carried away looking for the sock. Help the friends sort and match in this fun, light-hearted story about patterns, shapes, comparing & contrasting, and object identification. And you’ll never guess where Fox finds his sock!

Round Is a Tortilla: A Book of Shapes by Roseanne Greenfield Thong illustrated by John Parra I absolutely love this book. I’m so glad to see a book of shapes that stands out from the crowd and celebrates Latin culture. “Stars for parties, stars for light, lining streets with colors bright. There are so many shapes wherever you go. How many more shapes do you know?”

Crescent Moons and Pointed Minarets: A Muslim Book of Shapes by Hen Khan, illustrated by Mehrdokht Amini I can not get over how amazing the art is in this book. Lavish, richly colored illustrations immediately drew me into this beautiful book from a Muslim perspective. “Hexagon is a tile, / bold and bright, / painted with an ayah / I love to recite.” Learn about the geometric figures like circles, squares, and octagons from the daily life and architecture.

Mouse Shapes by Ellen Stoll Walsh My kids loved the Mouse books including this story about the mice running away from the cat. They decide to hide amidst a bunch of shapes then need to use the geometric figures to trick the sneaky cat. How will they do that?

Colors versus Shapes by Mike Boldt The Colors show the Shapes how talented they are by mixing yellow and blue to make green. Then the Shapes show the Colors how two triangles make a square. They argue until . . . an octagon and the color red collide. Whoa! Maybe they’re better together? Silly fun about the power of cooperation!

Circle, Square, Moose by Kelly Bingham, illustrated by Paul O. Zelinsky Moose is up to his usual antics because Zebra, the narrator, can’t get Moose to get out of the book!! But Zebra will find a solution and they will always be good friends no matter what. It’s HILARIOUS and one of our favorite shape books. (Added to my BIG LIST OF FUNNY PICTURE BOOKS FOR KIDS.)

City Shapes by Diana Murray, illustrated by Bryan Collier A little girl finds different shapes around the city including a square, rectangle, triangle, circle, oval, diamond, and star. Use this book to inspire your own environmental shape hunt. Gorgeous watercolor and collage illustrations.

Walter’s Wonderful Web by Tim Hopgood Water weave his web into shapes in an attempt to make a sturdy, wind-proof web. Can you predict which shapes will withstand the wind’s strength?

The Picnic Problem by Jonathan Litton, illustrated by Magali Mansilla Max and Suzy go to the park to solve a math-related treasure hunt of clues. For example, “Which kite has the longest tail? Ignore the strings, so you don’t fail.” First, Max and Suzy compare tails of the differently shaped kites. The circle kite ends up being the winner and having their next clue. Ultimately, there’s a ton of fun math problems that kids can solve along with the main characters.

Circle and Square are different but really the best of friends. Until Triangle arrives. Circle and Square’s friendship is suddenly filled with jealousy and hurt feelings. They get so mad that they pull Triangle into a line. Now, what can they do? Clearly, they’ll need to put Triangle back together. Tongue in cheek humor throughout gives this familiar message a fun punny math twist.

When circle rolls, he pops on triangle’s point, exploding into tiny bits. This sets off a chain reaction of shapes colliding until Octagon stops them all. Once they learn to work together, they can put the bits of circle back together. Fortunately, Circle rolls again! Ultimately, I love the (no pun intended) circular ending.

Triangle by Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen Quirky humor! Triangle leaves his house to go play a sneaky trick on Square. Square chases Triangle back to Triangle’s house where Square gets stuck in the triangular doorway. But, don’t worry. You’ll see that Square’s a quick thinker…

You Might Also Like:

Welcome!

Download my “Can’t Put ‘Em Down” book lists for your kids ages 3 – 13.

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#board books #Books #Books & Toys #Education #Elementary #Imagination Soup #Math #Math & Science #Picture Books #Preschool #shapes #STEM #Child Development

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manthakinz · 8 years ago

Note

all the even numbers!!

2. What would you name your future kids?

When I was 11-13, I was really fond of the names, Dawson, Joshua, and Eden, so I always thought that I would name my future kids these names. If only 11 to 13-year-old me knew that she only liked those names and would grow up to not want kids at all, lmao. But if I ever, for some odd reason, change my mind and/or do happen to have kids, I like those names and these names: Aidan, Chandler, Evangeline, and Adelaide. (I like the name “Charlotte”, too, but I already know a Charlotte, so I wouldn’t name a kid after somebody I know in person.)

4. What are you looking forward to?

My vacation to North Carolina in June!

6. Is it hard for you to get over someone?

I haven’t really had to get over many people. Friendships just kind of fade away, and it’s sad, but I deal… There was this one time with this guy that I don’t like to talk about because it makes me feel bad if I do. I hate that guy. I was really upset at first, but I rarely think about him now, but if I do, I always hope that he’s having a bad day.

8. Have you ever cried because you were so annoyed?

No??? I don’t think I have.

10. Are you good at hiding your feelings?

It depends on the feelings, but people can usually tell what my emotions are because I act different or am vocal, but it’s usually when I’m pissed off or irritated. I’m usually open about certain feelings, but I guess I’m good at hiding others.

12. What is something you want right now?

I would love all of Bill Gates’ money. That’d be nice. But also, I would love to meet my best friend in person and take a trip to Disney World together! ( ♪A dream is a wish your heart makes…♪ [waves lighter through the sky and cries])

14. When was the last time someone of the opposite sex hugged you?

“Opposite”…

Anyway, I know what this is asking. I don’t know. The other day? My cousin tends to hug me, but not, like, “hug” hug. A side hug. I’m not an affectionate person, so I always push people off of me if they try to hug me, or I just awkwardly let them hug me before they leave, lol.

16. Have you ever wanted to tell someone something but you didn’t?

All the time.

18. Do you miss how things were a year ago?

I don’t even remember what my life was like a year ago. I just keep moving forward. I miss certain moments, but I’d rather just keep going.

20. What is your favorite song at the moment?

I don’t think I have one at the moment, but I’ve been listening to this a lot lately because it’s a jam, and I love Donna Summer.

22. Description of crush:

[see #58]

24. Height:

5′7″.

26. Idol(s):

I don’t really idolize anyone. I just like certain people, but I don’t idolize anyone.

28. I’ll love you if…

you get me tickets to Disney World!

30. Favorite TV show(s):

(I’m not counting animated TV shows in this.)

Friends, That ‘70s Show, Modern Family, Reba, Full House, American Pickers, Pawn Stars, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, George Lopez, The Nanny, The Golden Girls, The Middle, I Love Lucy, and so many more because my life is consumed by shows.

32. Are your friends mainly girls or guys?

More girls and non-binary peeps than guys.

34. Most embarrassing moment:

I don’t think this is my most embarrassing moment, but it’s the first one that popped into my head.

One time, I was trying to go into a gas station, but I didn’t realize that the door I’d gone to had stuff blocking it on the inside because you couldn’t use that door, apparently. I tried to open it, and the people on the inside were pointing to the other door. I wanted to die.

36. 3 dreams you want to fulfill:

become an accomplished author or writer

go to Disney World

meet my best friend in person

38. Favorite comedian(s):

I like a lot of comedians in shows or movies, but I don’t tend to go deeper than that unless it’s to watch interviews or read their Wikipedia pages. But I really, really love Robin Williams, and I still miss him, and he’ll always be one of my favorites! I’m a big fan of Lucille Ball, too!

40. Favorite memory:

I don’t have the best memory, so I probably couldn’t say what my favorite one is, but I once saw a dolphin for the first time when I went to the beach, and I don’t think I’ve ever acted as excited as I did when that’d happened. I was so not myself because I was bouncing around and pointing and nearly screaming because OH, MY GOD. A DOLPHIN! OH, MY GOD. OH, MY GOD. OH, MY GOD. I LOVE DOLPHINS!!!!! LOOK! A DOLPHIN! OMGGGGGGG.

42. Favorite book(s):

I love these books series:

Percy Jackson & the Olympians by Rick Riordan

The Heroes of Olympus by Rick Riordan

Warriors by Erin Hunter

Maximum Ride by James Patterson

The Samantha and Felicity American Girl book series by various authors

And I’m also a big fan of Dr. Seuss books. My favorite book is I Want My Hat Back by Jon Klassen though! I’m using it to teach my little sister how to read better because she’s having trouble reading.

44. Age you get mistaken for:

I’ve always gotten mistaken as being three years older than my actual age.

46. What my last text message says:

“Nevermind. I found it.”

Story behind this: the father of my little sister and brother got some Dr Pepper gum, and my mom brought me a piece because Dr Pepper is the best drink ever. I’d wanted more, so I’d asked her where he’d gotten the gum. She kept forgetting to ask him, so my grandpa and I went out to Walmart and then, to two gas stations to try and find some because my mom was never going to remember to ask him. I finally found some at the second gas station. I’m chewing it now!

48. Turn-offs:

I always assume this question is asking about sexual turn-offs. I can’t answer this because I’m not sexual and don’t experience that attraction, so I don’t really know what mine are???

50. Favorite picture of your idol:

I’m kidding! Like I said, I don’t really have any idols, but I do love Jeff Goldblum and this picture of him…

52. Something I’m talented at:

Apparently, I’m really good at rhyming. Would you say that’s a talent, @the-art-of-red?

54. Something that’s worrying me at the moment:

My cat. He’s clumsy and keeps getting hurt because my grandparents won’t let animals live inside, so he’s worrying me because he’s hurt his leg and is limping…

But he’s always been this way. When we found him, he was really beat up, but we nursed him back to health. Then, as he grew older, he kept messing with the bees and would get stung, so his paws would swell. He got over that. Then, he hurt his head, and I had to heal him. Now, he’s done something to his leg, and I just wish my grandparents would let him live inside. He doesn’t always want to stay at home, so he keeps getting hurt!!!

This cat is going to be the death of me 😩

56. Favorite food(s):

pizza

pasta

nuts

cheese

watermelon

chicken wings

sesame chicken

macaroni

corn

burgers

chicken nuggets

French fries

chili cheese fries

And a bunch of other junk, lmao.

58. Description of my best friend:

The most beautiful person I’ve ever met 😍

She’s gorgeous! She has such breathtaking eyes. She looks like a deer! It’s so cute, omg.

And she’s such a talented artist! I want every one of her drawings to place around my bedroom! Her drawings aren’t always the same, and I love to see how she improves and how her style evolves. I’m so fortunate to see it.

She’s weird in the best way possible, too, and I love it! Her sense of humor is something I adore, just like how I adore everything about her. She loves the strangest stuff, but I find it interesting, and she’s my biggest fan, just like I’m hers! We’re supportive of each other, and she’s the only person that I can tell just about anything to without feeling weird or like I’m going to die from nerves waiting for a response. She’s helped me build my confidence up and has been there to support me through things in my life.She’s my favorite person, and I’m so lucky to have her in my life 😭❤️️

She’s brilliant, smart, funny, beautiful, and I love her so much!!! ❤️️❤️️❤️️

I could literally go on forever, but she knows how much she means to me because I tell her all the time!

60. (Ask me anything you want.) What kind of world would you like to live in?

Send me a question, Tobi!

Edit: I could say that I’d like to live in a world that’s pure and good and peaceful and was hardly anything like the one we live in now, but I’ll answer with a fantasy point of view.

I’d love to live in a world that’s made of ice and water. Or maybe a world that has areas made of ice and water. I love the concept of being able to live in an underwater world, too, so there’d be areas that have places like Atlantis that are underwater or partially underwater. And some areas of this world would be tropical-looking or rainforest-like but still have lots of waterfalls or some type of water around it or near it. I just like the thought of a world that’s a combination of all of these: (x), (x), (x), (x), (x), (x), (x), (x), (x), (x),(x), (x), (x), (x), (x),(x), (x), (x), (x), and (x)

Please send me numbers!

#THANK YOU TOBI!!!#SORRY IT TOOK FOREVER OMG #Ask #About me #whalechild

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dulwichdiverter · 8 years ago

Text

Read all about it

Alastair Kenward tells us about the colourful career path that led him to open his buzzing bookshop Rye Books on Upland Road

By Katie Allen; Photos by Lima Charlie

A charming photobook of cheerful women perching on branches would make an unlikely Amazon bestseller – which might be why Women in Trees, edited by German photography collector Jochen Raiss, has been one of Rye Books’ recent, heartwarming hits.

“It is a great thing to be able to introduce people to books they might not think of. You’re not getting fed an algorithm, it’s a random choice,” says owner Alastair Kenward, who cites Alistair Gibbs’ photos of esoteric Peckham signage as another popular buy.

Bitten by Witch Fever, about the Victorians’ toxic love of arsenic-dyed wallpaper – as well as the spoof Ladybird books which you probably received in your Christmas stocking – have also been sought-after by customers.

“Rye Books doesn’t have a top 50,” says Alastair. “We’re probably very different to the rest of the country. We stock a little bit of everything. It’s the more unique books that we tend to gravitate towards. We try to be very diverse.”

Based on Upland Road and perfectly placed for wanderers from Peckham Rye Park to East Dulwich – as well as bibliophiles venturing up from North Cross Road market – Rye Books recently celebrated its fifth birthday as one of the area’s best-loved bookshops. They marked the occasion with a party that included mulled cider and performances from local folkies The Relatives and the Nunhead Folk Circle.

Alastair opened the shop in 2011 just in time for Christmas. He and his wife Hatty had moved to Nunhead in 2009 and immediately began looking for a good site for the shop. He remembers: “Of all the empty shops, this one had the most soul. Even the mice had soul.”

The site was formerly a run-down old junk shop, where previous star stock included a rather covetable-sounding mint-green 1960s Pakistani washing machine. But it was situated on a street that had once been lively with shops including a haberdashery, a toy shop and a baker.

“We were like, ‘Let’s save this one,’” Alastair says. He admits that the route between Nunhead and East Dulwich was “a risk in terms of footfall, but we thought, ‘Let’s take that risk,’ and luckily it worked out.”

Alastair has worked in bookselling for 12 years, which has included stints as a partner at Clapham Books and Herne Hill Books. But running a bookshop is the culmination of a colourful career path that has seen him work – in no particular order – as a teacher, in a pub, in a tropical fish warehouse and briefly at Sainsbury’s.

He also worked for the RSPCA, where he remembers helping a cormorant escape from the toilets of a primary school and rescuing a family from a monitor lizard which had grown too big and was dominating their bedroom. “They were opening the door and throwing food in – they were terrified of it!”

He also spent three years as a gravedigger at Morden Cemetery. “All those jobs – they help to push you towards a passion,” he says. “You tend to gravitate towards what thrills you.”

Alastair’s love of books comes across strongly the moment you step through the door of Rye Books, which is cosy yet packed with shelves and tables displaying the sort of intriguingly chosen titles that ask to be picked up for a gander.

The tempting selection of stock almost guarantees that anyone dashing in for a birthday card or a gift will probably leave with something for themselves too.

Their most recent catalogue handpicked a variety of titles, including Artemis Cooper’s biography of Elizabeth Jane Howard, Carol Ann Duffy and Gillian Clarke’s poetry collection The Map and the Clock and the rather less highbrow Pornburger, for lovers of the ultimate fast food.

A recent unusual favourite has been London in Fragments: A Mudlark’s Treasures by Ted Sandling. London and locally themed titles always do well, Alastair reveals, but this book particularly excited him because of its sideways look at the city.

Sandling recently came in to host a popular event at the shop, revealing secrets about the items he had found while digging around in the mud of the Thames. They included an original RAF button, which contained a compass in case a marooned pilot needed to find his way back home.

Why did Alastair want to open a bookshop? “We wanted to raise books up, to make them something special again,” he says. “The internet has devalued many things, like vinyl, journalism and books. It has changed them for everyone, it devalues things for everyone.

“The internet can be a hollow experience: you order something online and you get it. There is a general trend towards wanting experience – a chance to meet authors, a nice place to buy a book. We want to inspire thinking and creativity and books are a perfect way to do that.”

The shop is known for working with community groups and schools as well as running a packed series of events. In the past year they’ve had Bridget Hargreave discussing her book about postnatal depression Fine (Not Fine) with Dr Helena Belgrave.

They’ve also welcomed Hester Vaizey, author of Born in the GDR, and Jon Magidsohn discussing his memoir Immortal Highway, about going on the road with his baby son after the death of his wife.

There’s also a programme of one-off events and regular classes for children, such as author readings, story time and baby bop. Local parents will know the diverse spread of children’s books too, from classics to contemporary favourites like Jon Klassen to more unusual picture and pop-up books. “There’s so much out there that lies undiscovered and that should be celebrated. We want to showcase books that don’t normally get seen,” says Alastair.

He cites bookshop favourite Coralie Bickford-Smith, whose award-winning illustrated book The Fox and the Star took over the bookshop window as a beautiful paper forest.

Of course few modern bookshops exist without selling an array of other products. Rye Books stocks wrapping paper and cards, some illustrated by local talent, book-related knick-knacks and tea, coffee from local social enterprise Old Spike Roastery, and cakes.

“Another passion of mine is eating,” admits Alastair, who for the past two years has also been selling colourful little Prakti stoves from the shop. Designed to help women in the developing world – because they funnel smoke out of a dwelling – and to run economically, they are ideal for campers and those who like to feast outdoors. “I love being outside and cooking – it’s a marriage of that.”

Speaking of keeping cosy, one of Alastair’s plans for 2017 is to install a wood burner in the shop. His second plan will please dog lovers, especially those who were fond of Kenward family dog Bert, who has sadly passed away.

The family recently acquired George, a six-week-old Lab-cross puppy. “If he’s anything like Bert, he’ll enjoy chewing all the stock,” Alastair laughs. “I’ve missed having a bookshop dog.”

He’s planning to continue hosting events for his customers, although nothing is in the diary as yet. “At the beginning of the year I have no idea what we are going to have,” he says. “The thrill of it is that people organically come along. It always amazes me – we get to the end of the year and somehow we’ve done it.”

He is positive about the future of the bookselling industry, which has been rocked by the closures of bookshops large and small due to the threat of Amazon and online shopping as well as rising rents and the lure of e-books.

“More bookshops have opened than in previous years, that’s an encouraging sign,” he says. “People have seen a balance in favour of printed books and sales are coming back. People don’t want to look at screens all the time, and books are a comfort.”

He points to the popularity of titles such as Elena Ferrante’s blockbuster Neapolitan series, which is essentially about the friendship between two women over the years. “There is a trend towards escapist books because of the horrible place we’re in [politically].

“A book is a place for people to lose themselves – they will serve an even greater role in helping people get though the times we are living in. That’s what I have always loved about books – they can transport you and enrich your life.

“There’s nothing wrong with books that give you a hug – you don’t always have to read literary books. Whatever you are feeling, there will be a book to fit it. In the shop, we’ve listened as hard as we can to the people coming in here. They have shaped how it looks and what we sell.”

He discusses Rye Books’ mixed clientele, which includes parents and children in particular during the week and “everyone else” at the weekend. Then there are the customers who buy from the bookshop’s striped van, which turns up everywhere from North Cross Road market on Saturdays to book fairs across London.

With almost stage-managed timing, while we are chatting a woman passing knocks on the door and pokes her head in to thank Alastair for a recent event she enjoyed. Other passersby wave and smile.

“The best thing about running the shop is the friends we have made,” Alastair says. “The community, the sense of trust. I’m pleased we’ve managed to do five years – we couldn’t have done it without all the people who live around here and for that we’re grateful.

“No day is ever the same, and that’s down to the people really. That’s why we keep on doing it – every day is different because of the customers. We’ve had a good year and we hope to have another one.”

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