What did you do this summer?
I’ve had a good time traveling around the Midwest during the months of July and August visiting family and friends, and I also had the opportunity to give readings and book signings at libraries and bookstores. It was a ton of fun! I enjoyed meeting wonderful people all along the way and sharing my book Herby Gets a Life. Here are some highlights from my tour:
My first stop was Kennedy Library in Muncie, Indiana, where I enjoyed conducting a story time for the children.
After that, it was on to The Wild Bookstore in beautiful Noblesville, Indiana, near Indianapolis. It was a pleasure meeting the owner of this fabulous store full of great children’s books, games, toys!
I enjoyed my stop at The Fine Print Bookstore in beautiful, historic Lakeside Chautauqua on the shores of Lake Erie. Being from Ohio, my family and I vacationed a lot in this area while growing up, and I love going back.
At A Book Above children’s bookstore in Elmhurst, Indiana, parrots showed up to my book signing! They loved meeting Herby the Parrot!
I wrapped up my tour in Columbus, Ohio, where I grew up. The Book Loft in historic German Village in downtown Columbus was kind enough to host me. What an amazing bookstore (all 32 rooms of it)!
If you’re interested in scheduling a reading, presentation, or book signing event in your area, please contact me! I enjoy visiting schools, libraries, bookstores, and more. Be sure to follow me on Facebook (Like my page!), Twitter, and at www.JoeEckstein.com for the latest on what I’m up to.
And if you haven’t had the chance yet to pick up a copy of my book, Herby Gets a Life, please go visit your local bookstore and have them order it for you! It was a pleasure to visit some wonderful bookstores this summer that are owned and operated by some fantastic people, and I encourage you to support your local independent bookstore whenever you have the chance.
What did you do this summer? Tell me about it!
Here’s a 3D computer animation I created in college. The assignment was to animate balls—bouncing, stretching, squatting, etc. This is what my my imagination produced. Unfortunately, I had to remove the original soundtrack for copyright reasons, so imagine it with Bobby Darin’s song “Splish Splash” playing in the background. Enjoy!
Do you enjoy doing certain things so much you feel like you must do them—that it’s such an essential part of your being that doing it is almost as natural as breathing? That’s how I feel when I’m drawing and illustrating.
I’m currently busy illustrating a fun new children’s book. Here are some sketches of the main characters—a garden snail and the boy who lives in the house nearby—along with a few preliminary sketches of the illustrations. What do you think?
If you or someone you know is looking for an illustrator for a children’s book, I can help! I’m available for commissions and freelance illustration, graphic design, and other artwork and would love to help out with your project.
Like my Facebook page, visit my website at www.JoeEckstein.com, and contact me if you’re interested in my custom, professional art creation services.
Now take a deep breath and go out there and do what it is that’s as essential to you as breathing. We all need you to share your gift—we all need your “breath!”
Be blessed!
I’ll be appearing at an Author’s Breakfast on October 25th at the Archdale Public Library, 10433 South Main Street in Archdale, North Carolina. The event is being hosted by the Archdale Library Friends to give the public and library patrons the opportunity to connect with area authors. Breakfast is provided and will begin at 9 am, followed by presentations from the authors about their work and an opportunity to ask them questions. I will be presenting around 11:15 am, and the event will conclude with a book signing around noon.
Please come out if you can make it—I would love to see you there! Call the library at (336) 431-3811 to RSVP.
I’ve recently illustrated the third book in Vermont author Susie Caron’s “Between You and Me” children’s picture book series, Twee’ for Two. See my previous posts about the first two books, Twee’ and I Am Twee’, in this series about a little pine tree who grows up to discover big life lessons.
About Twee’ for Two:
“In this third picture book-allegory from Susie’s ‘Between You and Me’ series, Twee’ realizes she has no friends, except for Rock, who never talks with her. Twee’ can see children playing in the apple orchard, and she wishes for a friend who can play with her. Her wish comes true, but not in the way she anticipates. Join Twee’ as she learns the meaning of real friendship and discovers that new friends can be right around the corner.”
I created the illustrations for the book by sketching them first in pencil, then scanning and finishing them in the computer using Adobe Illustrator to simulate a soft, ink-and-wash technique.
Twee’ for Two is a fun tale about a tree and her feline friend that children are sure to enjoy. It’s available from online booksellers such as Amazon.com & BarnesandNoble.com, or you can order it through your local bookstore. For more information about Susie and her books, visit her website at SusieCaron.com.
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