Finding Inspiration

“The world always seems brighter when you’ve just made something that wasn’t there before.” Neil Gaiman

Hello Dear Readers,

Hope everyone is enjoying July!  I’ve been missing in action with my monthly newsletter as I’ve been busy putting the final brushstrokes on the illustrations for my children’s book which will be released next month.  Here’s a sneak preview!  Quiet and creative, six year old Cecelia loves to draw beautiful pictures for her Mommy who is deployed overseas. When a classmate continues to ask for more of her drawings, Cecelia worries she won’t have anything left for Mommy.  If anyone is interested in a free advanced copy to review, please email me by July 23.

This month illoguild is discussing our favorite, inspiring things.  One of my greatest inspirations comes from my daily nature walks.  While I’ve shared about this in a prior newsletter, this month, I want to highlight three children’s books from my recent library visit. The creativity of these three authors and illustrators have greatly inspired me.

Neil Gaiman’s, picture book, CINNAMON, breaks some of the traditional rules for children’s picture books creating imaginative, provocative sentences that appear as long paragraphs and run on sentences. These provide the reader with vivid images and tension at precisely the right moments.  Gaiman is a master wordsmith and the illustrator, Divya Srinivasan enhances the story visually with her landscapes, forestry, and bold colors. Each page turn delves deeper into the relationship of the tiger and the princess leading to some unpredictable developments and a satisfying ending.

David Almond, author of THE WOMAN WHO TURNED CHILDREN INTO BIRDS transported me back to my  own childhood when my sister and I would use flashlights to stay up late at night and reading old folklore and tales.  The story features an old lady with a cane, that casts a spell onto the children turning them into birds! Tension builds when parents shout, “Get out of that sky this very minute!” Get back down here at once!” But the children, undeterred, invite their parents, teacher, and other townsfolk to join them up in the sky exclaiming, “The sky’s just lovely!”  Laura Carlin’s illustrations with their combination of warm and cool colors, shadows and light, diverse, intergenerational representation of townspeople create  an enchanting experience for readers of all ages.

Reading LITTLE FOX IN THE SNOW, authored by Jonathan London and illustrated by Daniel Miyares was a mesmerizing experience. Each page captures the outdoor habitat, colors of the forest and tension when the animals confront each other. The perfect union of words, colors and illustrations make each page turn captivating. All three books are sure to enchant children and the adults who read to them, creating a perfect opportunity for bonding and exploration together.   

A snapshot from CECELIA SAYS NO when friendship and boundaries collide

“Art is a memory of love. The most an artist can do through their work is say, let me show you what I have seen, what I have loved, and perhaps you will see it and love it too.” Amie Bevan

From the Homefront — The Chicago River

Celebrated Father's Day last month with my husband and two sons in Chicago

“Life . . . it’s about giving. It’s about family.” Walt Disney.

I would love to hear what inspires you dear Reader? Wishing you all the best until next month.

Be inspired,

Noreen Anne