Sketch Graveyard

As I work on any book project, there are lots of sketches that never end up becoming final art.  These are just some of the sketches that didn’t make the cut for two of my upcoming picture books. 

My favorite book when I was a child was Barbapapa by Annette Tison and Talus Taylor.  

I got the book as a present on my third birthday, and it instantly became a common bedtime request. As a child, I loved how Barbapapa simply grew out of Frank’s garden, that Barbapapa could change shape, and that he was a hero!

Rereading the book today as a parent to my own children, I still love how without any explanation at all…Barbapapa appears.  The little boy who discovers him never questions Barbapapa’s existence, but accepts him instantly.  It is the adults in the book who ostracize and cage Barbapapa.  I love that this book reflects the way children are always open to new ideas, to magic, to accepting what is different.  

Rereading the book as an illustrator I can now appreciate all the visual storytelling in Barbapapa.  With minimal text, the book relies on the illustrations to complete the story…which is a trait I believe ALL the best picture books should have!

Find a copy of Barbapapa at your local library today or purchase it online…just make sure you order it in English! 

To celebrate Picture Book Month, I will be sharing posts about my journey and process as a picture book author/illustrator.  Today’s post features my book: Little Bunny Foo Foo The Real Story published by Dial Books for Young Readers.  

My first job out of college was taking care of toddlers at a local daycare center. One of my co-teachers (not pictured) sang the song “Little Bunny Foo Foo” to the kids.  Instead of a"goon", however, she always had Foo Foo turn into a monster. The kids always squealed with delight over the idea of Monster Foo Foo!  The experience inspired me to create my own illustrations for the classic song. Armed with a mighty mallet, Foo Foo bops mice until the good fairy puts an end to the fun.  

I sold this original version as a self-printed paper back for years at comic conventions around the country.  When an editor at Dial showed interest in the book, I was told the mallet was too violent. She asked if perhaps Foo Foo could bop the mice with something softer, like an oven mitt.  

It was this question that sparked the whole concept for Little Bunny Foo Foo The Real Story.  Sure, Foo Foo could bop mice with an oven mitt, but WHY an oven mitt?  Well cuz she just baked some cupcakes of course…and wouldn’t you know it–those pesky mice STOLE THEM ALL!

To see the entire story for yourself, pick up a copy of Little Bunny Foo Foo The Real Story today!