Over the past several months I’ve had the pleasure of illustrating the first two books in the “Daniel the Dinosaur and Friends” children’s book series by California author Faydra Koenig, a mental health professional who helps clients deal with the life-changing issues of divorce. The idea for the books came as a result of the issues her own family has faced with divorce, and the characters in the books are based on her own children. The books help children with parents who may be divorced or remarried cope with the challenges of split and blended families.
Two Homes for Daniel was released in November, and Two Sisters for Daniel was released last month. In Two Homes for Daniel, Daniel the Dinosaur—a velociraptor—has a mommy and a daddy who are divorced and has to learn to live in two houses, apart from each of his parents. In Two Sisters for Daniel, Daniel’s dad remarries and Daniel faces the challenges of becoming a blending family with his new sisters Kelsey and Meg. In each book Daniel discovers that divorce doesn’t stop families from loving one another.
It was a lot of fun drawing the dinosaur characters for these books, and it was important to make the illustrations animated and engaging while conveying emotion. To create the illustrations, I first sketched them in pencil, then inked, colored, and shaded them using Adobe Illustrator on the computer. The bouncy, cartoon style is a lot of fun for me to draw, and though it may appear simple, the various layers of line work, color, shading, and lighting effects used to render and give the illustrations such life and depth make for meticulous work. However, the final results are worth the effort.
I’ve enjoyed illustrating these books and am busy working on illustrating more exciting books in the “Daniel the Dinosaur and Friends” series. I’m pleased to be a part of these books that are helping children cope with distressing life experiences beyond their control. As both a son and son-in-law of divorced parents, I feel children facing this difficult life challenge need all the help they can get, and especially to know they are still loved. No matter what, they are deeply loved by God and He has an amazing plan for their lives.
You may order Two Homes for Daniel and Two Sisters for Daniel on Amazon.com, other online retailers, or through your local bookstore. I recommend getting them for any child you know who may be dealing with this life situation. Also check out the post “Helping Children Deal with Divorce” on Faydra Koenig’s blog, where you can also find out more about her and her work.
I recently finished illustrating the second book of Vermont author Susie Caron’s “Between You and Me” series, I Am Twee’. Read my previous post here about illustrating the first book in the series, Twee’.
About I Am Twee’:
“In this second picture book-allegory from Susie’s ‘Between You And Me’ series, this young pine tree feels useless because she has nothing to share. Twee’ notices the apple trees in the valley offer many gifts, which draw children and adults to visit them. However, the people don’t even see Twee’, and she begins to wish she were an apple tree. After many seasons, Twee’ is ready to give up, when an unusual event changes her mind. Join Twee’ as she journeys to discover that by being herself and different she has something special to contribute.”
I created the illustrations for this book by first sketched them in pencil, then scanning and finishing them in the computer using Adobe Illustrator to simulate a soft, ink-and-wash technique.
I Am Twee’ is a delightful story about discovering and appreciating the special person each of us was created to be, and how we all have gifts to share with others. The book was released this past month and is available from online booksellers such as Amazon.com & BarnesandNoble.com, or may be ordered through your local bookstore.
Check out SusieCaronOnAmazon.com for all the books in the “Between You An Me” Series.
My latest illustration work can be seen in California author Bonnie Black’s children’s book, The Lost Locket. This is the first in a series of short chapter books called “The Adventures of KaLeigh Mae & Braxtin,” who are the two 10-year-old heroines of the books. The Lost Locket tells the story of a mystery involving the two girls along the California coast.
I drew the illustrations with pencil, then inked them using a Speedball Hunt Globe dip pen and India Ink on Bristol board. There are four interior illustrations spread throughout the book. I colored the cover illustration using watercolor pencils.
I enjoyed having the opportunity to illustrate the scenes and characters in this book and to work in pen and ink. You can find the book on Amazon.com.
I just finished revising the 9th illustration of my picture book. The colored pencil illustration features these delightful children, and you can see how I have transformed the original sketchy style into something much more rich and defined. I also tweaked their features and made some modifications to the girl’s hairdo—thank goodness! I’m continue to work toward completing the picture book I’ve written and am currently illustrating. On to the next illustration!
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.
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