Some sort of art challenge!

I was challenged by George O’Connor to post some art everyday for 5 days. I can do that with my eyes closed. In fact, the way I draw, people often ask me if I had my eyes closed! (Insert rim shot sound) Today’s art: Something I’m working on. Some tired scary people home after a long night’s work: Troll witch

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Ares Bringer of War! As is his way

George O’Connor’s latest graphic novel chronicling the Greek gods is out today! Rather, it was out yesterday! It’s called Ares, Bringer of War and I’m sure you can still find a copy on the news stands and in reputable books stores near you. To celebrate this, George asked people like me (people who can manipulate a pencil and or a pen) to illustrate our interpretation of the God of war.  Check out George’s blog and illustrations by other artists HERE.  See a preview and buy it HERE. War, what is it good for? Illustrations like this I guess.  ares 5

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Fantastic Friday: “Oh, The Places You’ll Go!” 25 years ago

According to the media, “Oh, The Places You’ll Go!” was published 25 years ago this year. It was Theodor Geisel’s last book. I was too old to be thrilled by this book at the time. My memories of Geisel revolve around Horton, Green Eggs and a Cat who wore a hat. Never the less, “Places” was as good a subject as any to warm up my drawing hands this morning.  places

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Funny Friday (Formerly Thrilling Thursday)

Terrible things seem to happen on Thursdays. At least that’s how 2015 is going so far. Thus I’ve decided to alter my blog post day to Fridays, and refer to it as “Funny Friday,” Sad to say there will no longer be a Thrilling Thursday. Check CNN for further details about this under the “Entertainment” banner. But enough about that. In my first post I just wanted to be slightly funny, and as you can see, I slightly succeeded. Why the Halloween theme? Who knows?! Well I do. You don’t. So I’m the one who knows.  Troll

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Thrilling Thursday (Or Throw Back Thursday)

I’ll give into the TBT craze for one week so I can show off my failed Halloween (safety tip) Children’s book pitch from Last week. Remember way back last week? It was Halloween! As you can see below, my book was going to be called: halloween after

Hilarious, right?! I was either going to call it that or “Look Witch way?” or “Being safe is all about the my ‘NEWT’ details” or “Always Ask Mummy For Help” or “Simply place the Furniture Over the Blood Stains On the Rug.” Oh well. back to the cutting board.

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Thrilling Pre-Halloween Thursday

My blog has sat unused and rusty for a few weeks as I’ve traveled to Kenosha WI and gave a talk to a gaggle of plucky middle school students, drank some micro brew at Public Craft Brewing Co. (716 58th St. Kenosha, WI- Give them a visit if ever in town!), sat on a panel with the ever interesting Dennis Kitchen, and signed about 300 copies of “Fahrenheit 451 the Graphic Novel.” While I plan to write about that and arriving at the airport only to find that air traffic control was down due to a fire, today I’m getting into the Halloween mood by sharing a peek at something I’m working on. As you can see, this peek gives away nothing as to whom that skeleton is, and no I can’t tell you. Also, I can’t seem to choose a side on this Oxford comma debate.

preview 5

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The September issue of School Library Journal reviews But!

After a few summer weeks off from posting, September arrives like a monkey and finds my new book reviewed in The School Library Journal! If you don’t subscribe to that magazine (or only read it for the pictures) you can read the review below. Or not. But…you’re already here and have invested THIS much time in my blog…

BUT! Cover

HAMILTON, Tim. But! illus. by Tim Hamilton. 32p. Holiday House. 2014. RTE $16.95. ISBN 9780823430468; ebk. $16.95. ISBN 9780823432172.

K-Gr 2–By the rickety, ramshackle houses of Halibut Bay, pelicans hug themselves for warmth. Actually, so do cats, mice, and all humans, for everyone in Halibut Bay has a cold head, as hats are hard to come by. Eddie and his dog Phil have been given the unenviable task of taking care of his Aunt Sue during her recovery from a broken leg, and the two sail forth with a strong headwind into the cold, keeping an eye out for pirates. Eddie first struggles with the loss of his fishing day, then gamely attempts to complete Aunt Sue’s extensive list of chores, highlighted in a background of zany perspective and detail—from the top of three stories looking down, inside a darkened room looking out, and as viewed through curved lens. Among the items on the scrolled to-do list are the instructions to throw a birthday party for Sue’s pirate friend, Captain Rugbeard—and “get him a good present.” Eddie’s initial choice appears to be a disaster until quick thinking not only gives the Captain what he needs but also appears to be a solution for a common problem of every hatless resident. This title has much to engage readers: frequent page-ending pauses of the title conjunction “but”; humorous plot twists; quirky, cartoon characterizations; and friendly, neighborhood pirates. An entertaining addition.–Mary Elam, Learning Media Services, Plano ISD, TX

 

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