Children's Books in New York

The lion at NYPL, thanks to Wickipedia Commons

Last weekend, I took a magical trip to New York City. My thanks begin with Rose Mary Berlin, who contacted illustrators who had met at past Highlights for Children Illustrator's parties. She arranged for us to meet at the Society of Illustrator's on 63rd Street in New York City.

Fellow illustrator, Judith Moffatt and I bussed down to the city and stayed in the East Village with her friend Ellen. We had a terrific weekend of friends, food, sightseeing, and children's book exhibits.

We began at the New York Public library... the Schwartzman Building where the famous lion protects the front entrance at 42nd and 5th. An exhibit called

"The ABC of It: Why Children's Books Matter,"

curated by Leonard Marcus, was showing.

The stunning ceiling at the NYPLibrary

Goodnight Moon exhibit

Judith Moffat and me at the

The exhibit started with the oldest known copy of the New-England Primer, where children were taught about the Bible. ("In Adam's Fall, we Sinned All.")

It finished with comics and graphic novels, from Shaun Tan's

Arrival

to Art Spiegleman's

Maus

.

In between were original handwritten manuscripts from Frances Hodgson Burnett's

The Secret Garden

, an original edition of William Blake's

Songs of Innocence

, which he wrote, illustrated, and printed himself in 1789.

We saw original Pooh stuffed animals, and a Japanese woodblock- printed book from 1720 known as

Aka hon

, or "red books." These

kusa zosh

i were especially earmarked for children. Original John Tenniel drawings from "Alice in Wonderland" are also included.

Original Winnie the Pooh toys

I found this book of interest... perhaps an original "pop-up" book? It included a real example for teaching workhouse children how to sew.

Since the exhibit is in the city, a section focused on modern books about New York City, and by New York author/illustrators (of which there are many!) 

A docent leads a tour weekdays at 12:30 and 2:30, and there is no charge.  This fine show runs through March 23, 201.

An

excellent article from HornBook

explains the process of the curator, Leonard S. Marcus.

Soon, Judy and I were racing off to our brunch at the Society of Illustrators, and more adventures in our Phantom Tollbooth auto. More to come in my next post.

My friend Linda's new Book: When Rivers Burned

Last weekend, I attended a book launch for my friend and writing buddy's new book, "When River's Burned: The Earth Day Story."

Linda Crotta Brennan gave a fascinating presentation at the Audubon Society in Bristol, RI, and signed books with the illustrator and designer, Lisa Greenleaf.

While telling the story of how Earth Day began, this book reminds us that pollution had become a serious issue, and that we should remain vigilant about caring for the earth we inhabit. It is written for 8-12 year olds, although it's a fascinating read for adults as well.

Publisher Muriel Dubois was on hand for the event as well.

I had a surprise treat when I saw that the book that I contributed to, "Women of the Ocean State: 25 Rhode Island Women You Should Know," had just been shipped, and I got my advance copies. Hooray!

When Rivers Burned: The Earth Day Story, by Linda Crotta Brennan

Highlights of Fall

What is it about fall that brings human beings back to life? Is it the cool weather? The fear of winter? Years of "back to school" conditioning?

At any rate, I've been wildly busy, and wanting to share some of it here. I want to post about an interesting historical structure I recently visited, and toot my own horn about being interviewed for Illustration Saturday, a feature on Kathy Teaman's blog, Writing and Illustrating.

http://kathytemean.wordpress.com/2012/09/29/illustrator-saturday-cheryl-kirk-noll/

The logo I created for "Brush Master"

But I'll begin with the Highlights for Children Illustrator's party.

I've had the honor of getting together with wildly talented and creative folks in the mountains of the Poconos for fifteen years now. Begun by Kent Brown, the party invites Highlights illustrators and their families to gather for a weekend of "Fun with a Purpose" each fall. We are feted with food, seminars, family activities, a square dance, a themed costume party, and more food. Every year we get to reconnect with old friends, and meet new illustrators. What a blast!

This year, the theme was "Superheros" and we were encouraged to dress as people who were heros to us (teacher, famous artist, dad, firefighters) or a Superhero with our own unique skills. I went as "Brush Master"!

My totally goofy Brush Master costume, and hubby as Clark Kent.

It's SO much fun to meet with these folks in such a great atmosphere. The staff is warm and welcoming. Highlights really is a family business, and they really do care about children.

The illustrators convene from far-flung places like Arizona, California, Texas, and more, and I go green with envy when we share our portfolios. 

I love all the events, but I'm always in awe at the costume ideas folks come up with.  

David Helton as Super Vincent, and Lyn Martin as Super Frida.

David Galchutt as... you guessed it! (thanks to a Facebook contributor for photo)

Robert and Jessica Squire... The Pink Pearl rubs out Evil Doers, and Duct Tape Girl saves citizens from Sticky Situations!

My friends Ruth Flanigan as "Pantonia" and Judith Moffatt as Frieda Khalo.

The Valiant family, of course, with Graphite Girl!

Three powerful SUPER women. Terry Taylor, Rebecca Thornburg and Sharon Vargo.

Super Girl, StarMan and Pantonia 

Don't know who. Justice, I guess. Isn't this a great costume?

Let's not forget Anni Matsick as "Wonder where-I-put-that? Woman" and her hubby as "Retired Super Hero". (thanks to Annie for the picture, and the one of PBAA below.)

Below is a very small sampling of the artists who attended. This group belongs to a listserve with about 150 members, all of whom have illustrated three of more children's books. It's called Picture Book Artists Association, and displays art of all it's members, which changes quarterly.

http://www.picturebookartists.org/

Back row, l-r: Anni Matsick, Jennifer Emery, 

Judith Moffatt

, Terry Taylor, Laura

Jacques

, Cheryl Kirk Noll, Sharon Vargo.

Front row, l-r: Maggie Swanson, Sharon Holm, Sue Miller, Barry Gott, Laura Jacobsen, Sherry Neidigh, Layne Johnson, Paige Billin-Frye, Len Ebert.

The very Front:

Rebecca Thornburgh

 And here is the bucolic scene that awaited us each morning. Thanks to Highlights for Children, for caring about children, AND illustrators.

Children's Book Events in and Around Rhode Island and Southern New England thisFall 2012

There are several wonderful events happening in or near Rhode Island this fall that are geared towards those who love children's books, including teachers, parents, families, librarians, authors and illustrators, and young readers themselves.

Rhode Island Festival of Children's Books and Authors, Saturday, October 13, 2012

The Lincoln School is having it's (mostly) annual

Rhode Island Festival of Children's Books and Authors

on Saturday,

October 13,

2012 from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM.

This is an amazing celebration of children's books. It's perfect for kids. You will find music and activities, books to buy and authors and illustrators available to sign them. (It's a great place for families to get signed copies of books for holiday presents for kids, grandkids, nieces and nephews)

All of this costs $5.00! What a bargain!

World-famous authors and illustrators also give presentations, which run all day. It's always fascinating stuff. Speakers this year range from prolific illustrator

Lynn Munsinger

(Tacky the Penguin) to award-winning author

Pam Munoz Ryan

(Esperanza Rising)  to Newberry medalist young adult author

Gary Schmidt

. And don't forget, Polar Express author/illustrator

Chris Van Allsburg

, whose art graces the poster, will also be there. And MANY more!

For directions and a schedule of events,

click here

.

• Connecticut Children's Book Fair November 10-11, 2012 

I've never attended, but the

Connecticut Children's Book Fair

is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday,

November 10-11, 2012

, 10:00 am until 5:00 pm. It looks amazing, too!

Click here for more information.

• Children's Illustration Exhibit, November 11th, 2012 

The 23rd Annual

Children's Illustration Exhibit

is scheduled for Sunday,

November 11th

, 2012 from 4-6pm at R. Michelson Galleries in Northampton, MA. Mo Willems is the featured illustrator this year, with lots of other favorites.

Click here for more info

.

Last years participants.

Whispering Pines Retreat

Whispering Pines conference center

I'm home from my second

Whispering Pines

event, a small and intimate writing retreat held at URI's Alton Jones campus conference center. The retreat is sponsored by SCBWI. With rambling paths and footbridges leading to rustic cabins tucked into piney woods by a lake, the setting could hardly be better.

URI's Alton Jones campus in West Greenwich, RI

The mentors included

illustrator Suzanne Bloom

, agent

Andrea Cascardi

, author

Jo Knowles

,  Delacorte editor

Michelle Poploff

, author and school-visit guru,

Alexis O'Neill

, and multi-talented Charlesbridge editor,

Yolanda Scott

. The mentors did individual critiques, gave presentations, ate meals with the participants, and critiqued anonymous first-page submissions in front of a big stone fireplace each evening.

Of course, I sketched while I took notes, as I do at all meetings. It's my way of paying attention.

(My apologies to the "sketchees" for all poor and less-than-flattering likenesses.)

Sketch by Cheryl Kirk Noll

Here's what the folks really look like.

Mentors Alexis, Michelle, Andrea(hidden), Yolanda, Jo and Suzanne

For more information about the individual presentations, you can check out author Jo Knowles'

journal post

. By the way, Jo's presentation was my favorite... so insightful and thought-provoking. That said, I enjoyed and learned something from each and every presenter.

It was a especially great to have Suzanne Bloom as a mentor. I've known her for years, thanks to the good folks at Highlights for Children, and it was a treat to spend time with her.

Suzanne did this pastel painting during the conference, and generously offered to donate it for fundraiser auction.

Just a few of Suzanne's books.

As if all of this wasn't enough, the participants make this retreat feel warm, caring and nurturing. About half of them are published (the rest pre-published!), and a handful of illustrators (and author/illustrators) attend.

Author-illustrators Barbara Johansen Newman and Carlyn Beccia, author Julia Boyce, and author-illustrator Liz Goulet Dubois.

Lynda Mullaly Hunt

leads the events with games and giveaways. Not only did I win a signed copy of a book by participant 

Anika Denise

, illustrated by her husband Christopher, but I also won a can of octopus!!!

After getting quite a laugh, I was informed that the octopus was accompanied by a 10 page critique by agent Andrea Cascardi. Now, that was quite a thrill.

Lynda was celebrating her debut middle-grade novel,

One for the Murphy's

, which is coming out this spring. 

 To add frosting to the cake, a fellow instructor and two students from the RISD-CE Children's Book Illustration certificate program attended. 

Brook Gideon, Cheryl Kirk Noll, instructor Marlo Garnsworthy, and Sue Fraser-Perotta.

To the mentors, to the warm and wonderful participants, to Lynda and Mary Pierce and all the folks who organize the event, to the cooks and staff at Alton Jones, to those who contribute baskets and books for the auction and give-aways, I offer a hearty word of thanks and appreciation. 

Jo Knowles worded it perfectly in her journal when she said, "I have never come across a group that was more consistently caring, supportive, friendly and, well, LOVING." 

Thanks and hugs to everyone. 

Whispering Pines Reunion Dinner

About fifteen prior participants from the writer's retreat,Whispering Pines, got together at Andrew's Bistro in Cumberland RI last night to network, catch up, and enjoy each others company. A special treat was to celebrate the ARC (advanced reading copy) of Lynda Mullaly Hunt's middle grade novel, One for the Murphy's, coming out from Nancy Paulsen Books (Penguin), in 2012.

It was an inspiring evening.

Lena Goldfinch, Sally Riley, Julia Boyce

Liz Goulet Dubois, Sue Fraser-Perotta, Marlo Garnsworthy, Mary Pierce, Lynda Mullaly Hunt

Licia Rando, Mary Pierce, Laurie Smith Murphy, Jenny Bagdigian

Sandy Budiansky, Betsy Devany

Cheryl Kirk Noll and Lena Goldfinch