Hello there! I can not even try to describe my gratitude to my friend and illustrator Kelli. She is so talented and generous with her time. I received scanned copies of all of the illustrations. Yippee!!
Drumm rolls….how many are there? Can you guess? Most children’s books have around 32 pages, which includes pages with copyright information, title page and other info. In the book, we discover the illustrations as we read the book to our children. Some are full double page spreads and other pages might have a few smaller illustrations on them.
My book has 13 double pages of story text with illustrations. I received twenty-two illustrations from Kelli. Some will be large double page spreads. Every drawing is first done in pencil and then colored using watercolor paint.
Today I want to share one illustration with you to give you a taste of what the pages will look like. I couldn’t decide which one to share, there are so many wonderful ones. I picked this one which comes from the first third of the book, pages 10-11. This is after Maxwell Mouse has shown Bertie Bunny how to breathe mindfully to calm his worried mind. At this point, Bertie feels better, they are eating breakfast and are getting ready to go. Would you also like to hear how the text goes on this page? Yes, is probably your answer, so here it is:
They eat breakfast together and pack up to go.
A slight change in the air is beginning to show.
As they stroll with their poles on the path to the lake,
fearful Bertie starts thinking. He’s starting to shake.
The second stanza has another illustration that goes with it, of course. Bertie Bunny is then worried again because he is thinking about that which makes him anxious: fishing. So again, he will need help from his friend. I might share those images – or others – with you another time.
What do you think?
The original illustrations will soon be in my hands.
I look forward to sharing more with you soon!
Do you want to share your experience? I’d love to hear from you!
You can reach me at booksbyannika@gmail.com. I promise to answer! I love getting to know new people all over the world.
Do you know any teachers, daycare workers, parents, grandparents or others who care for young children? If you think they might also love to get the book when it comes out, please share all around!
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I’d be forever grateful for your support.