I’m excited to announce the release of another children’s book I recently illustrated! The Max Stories was published at the end of 2016 by Harmonic Press.
Written by Florida author Julie Miller, this is a series of amusing tales about a mischievous boxer puppy named Max, who’s adopted by a family in order to bring more excitement into their lives—and ends up giving them much more than they bargained for! Based on the true story of a real-life family the author’s parents knew when growing up and their unforgettable dog, and written in verse and rhyme, the book is enjoyable to read to young children and also a wonderful book for early readers.
As the book’s back cover heralds,
Max is a puppy who loves to run free, but trouble will follow like fish to the sea. Here is his story, and everything’s true. You’ll smile and laugh—all the way through!
This book was an absolute joy to illustrate. After determining the look of the characters and developing pencil sketches, I created the illustrations using pen and ink line work finished with washes of acrylic paint. It was both fun and challenging to depict Max’s crazy antics along with the book’s various settings, from the family’s “quiet abode” to Slingerlands Elementary School and beyond.
If you’re interested in purchasing this book, visit www.JoeEckstein.com/books/the-max-stories
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Don’t look now, but the holidays are upon us! If you need some ideas for those on your Christmas gift list, consider giving the gift of Herby the Parrot! My book Herby Gets a Life is a collection of Herby’s cartoons along with his thoughts and encouragements on life that teach positive character traits and life values. It’s perfect for children, but can be enjoyed by everyone. Click here to order my book on Amazon.com, or you can order it through any bookseller.
You can also find Herby in his own 12-month calendar! Click here to order the Herby the Parrot & Friends 2014 Wall Calendar and brighten up your space or the space of someone you know with Herby and his friends!
I wish you and yours a safe and blessed Thanksgiving. May we all take time to truly give thanks for the blessings in our lives.
Word about my book Herby Gets a Life is spreading!
I will be conducting a reading and book signing of my book on Saturday, August 24th at 11:00 a.m. at Jamestown Public Library, 200 West Main Street, Jamestown, North Carolina.
I have also been invited to appear at the “Meet the Author” event hosted by the Archdale Public Library at the Bush Hill Heritage Festival in Archdale, North Carolina on Saturday, September 14th. Stay tuned for more information about this event!
I’m very excited to have these upcoming opportunities to share my work with the public (Herby’s excited too!) Come on out for these events if you live nearby and bring your friends and family! Contact me if you’re interested in having me conduct a book signing or reading at your location.
I recently illustrated a wonderful children’s book written by Vermont author Susie E. Caron entitled Twee’. From the book’s cover: “Twee’ is an adorable character in the first allegorical picture book from Susie’s ‘Between You And Me Series.’ She is a little pine tree who believes everything belongs to her – including the right to complain. When a boulder drops down unexpectedly in front of her and blocks her view, she is more than frustrated – she is stuck! Later a violent storm alters her thinking and her feelings begin to change. Join Twee’ as she makes this inward journey to learn about herself and how to relate to another who is different and separate but who has purpose, no matter how humble.”
To create the illustrations, I first sketched them in pencil, then scanned and finished them in the computer using Adobe Illustrator to simulate a soft, ink-and-wash technique.
I enjoyed illustrating this book and believe you and your children will enjoy both reading the story together and the endearing character of Twee’. The book has been released and is now available to order from booksellers. Click here to order the book from Amazon.com and click here to learn more about the book and its author.
My new book, Herby Gets a Life, has been released and is now available to order! This book is a collection of Herby’s cartoons along with his thoughts and encouragements on life and positive life values. It is perfect for third- to fifth- graders, but can be enjoyed by everyone. Click here to order my book on Amazon.com and then tell your friends!
And if you haven’t already, “Like” Herby on Facebook! Herby also has his own brand-new website, HerbyTheParrot.com, which is under construction but will be expanded as time goes on.
Thank you for joining in on this adventure with me. Please forward and share this news with your friends. I hope you and your loved ones enjoy the work I’ve done in creating this book and are encouraged by the powerful messages it contains.
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