Happy Halloween! This month got away from me!! I’ve done zero to engage in the Hallow’s Eve spirit, but this sort of pumpkin colored pair of winter booties could be part of an elfin costume, maybe?? Well, by the time my class for these cuties start on November 7th (next week!) Halloween will be a distant memory, but that’s okay. I’m super excited about this special virtual 3-session class that I’ll be teaching in collaboration with Tatter Blue Library. It’s a spin-off of the summer slip one ... Read more
Sashiko’s Stitches Pub Day and Giveaway!! {CLOSED}
Today is the day! My new book, Sashiko's Stitches (published by WorthyKids / HBG), is out in the wild!! What can I say that I haven't already about making books? It continues to be magical, continues to be a joy. With each book, I try to challenge myself in new ways, and with this one I wanted to see if I could create a traditional watercolor vibe with digital painting. I used Procreate (and even created my own brushes), and it was fun. My kids' books tend to be on the silly side, but this ... Read more
Summer!
From my book SUMO COLORS - I was thinking of my parents when painting Mt. Fuji, which is in the Shizuoka prefecture where they live A while ago I had mentioned that if all goes well, I will be traveling to Japan this summer. Unfortunately, all has not gone well and the trip won’t be happening. The reasons are innumerable, and I won’t bore you with the details. I’m disappointed, but we’re tentatively looking into going during winter break. Has anyone traveled to Japan during the holiday season? ... Read more
Queen Anne Book Company: A bibliophile’s haven
Hello, my friends! If you've been around here for any length of time, you know that Queen Anne Book Company has a very special nook in my heart. In March, the store will be celebrating its 10th year since becoming QABC under the purview of the current owners (the bookstore itself has been around for about two decades in the same location). My very first book deal (Little Kunoichi!) came about because of this wonderful store -- I wrote about it here (I go on and on about my thoughts on criticisms ... Read more
Sumo Colors + Sumo Shapes!
Banzai, banzai!! More darling sumos in the house — or in sumo parlance: more sumos in the heya! “Heya” or “beya” means “room” in Japanese and also refers to the sumo stable, which is sort of like a team. SUMO COLORS and SUMO SHAPES have officially flown from the printer’s coop and are flapping about in the world. I am deeply, deeply in love with these books (okay, I say that about every one of my books, but it’s always true). I’m thrilled that School Library Journal gave the latest ... Read more