I’ve had the pleasure of presenting the picture book illustrator’s craft at school visits and have more booked on the horizon--but Springfield Elementary in Midlothian, Illinois, knows how to do it right! I realized this as soon as I walked in and saw their Welcome Bulletin Showcase with a Rambling theme, to honor my latest illustrated picture book “One Day I Went Rambling” (author, Kelly Bennett, Bright Sky Press 2012).
I was doubly surprised to see their cute version of the story’s main character Zane with a wagon-full of found treasures and a “cowpoke’s twirling rope!”
Authors and illustrators are interested in the same thing, telling a good story! The children learned that a good picture book story leaves room for an illustrator's interpretation, and an author does not need to say everything in words. Kids were able to answer questions I asked like “How did I use color to show the character's emotion? Or “How does this character’s body language give hints as to what a viper is?"
Certainly the best part of the illustration presentation is the live demo. Here I show my black and white technique, an involved process some of which I create in the studio. I save the most magical part for the demo. The pre-prepped board is painted black, takes a bath, and a line-drawn image appears and is projected on the jumbo screen!
Demo for 3rd & 4th grades:
To the delight of many!
Finally, MY last delight was this sea of aqua shirts with the “Are You Ready to Ramble?” theme logo. I lunched with these dedicated teachers, heard how they inspire their students to read, write, problem solve and create, while making learning fun! Thank you Springfield Elementary staff. You are true ramblers...finding the strengths and passion in your students, and encouraging them to flower!
You can find out more about booking my picture book illustrator program here.