Illustration Friday: Wide

          I created these wide elephants several years ago when I was first figuring out my medium. It was an early digital experiment which accompanied my dummy, "Hyena Jo." I liked the direction, one friend called it "glowy," and it's how I've worked ever since.

TOT LOL - online videos for kids!

     This is cool - it's kind of like UTube but for the smaller set. No worries running across something inappropriate here. As they describe on their website (click the logo to visit):
     Totlol is a brand new community-moderated video website designed to be enjoyed by those between the ages of 6 months and 6 years.

Coloring Page Tuesday - Sandcastle

     I don't know about you guys, but I am just aching for some beach time!! Toes in the sand, tip-toeing in the surf, looking for shells, and building sandcastles. Ahhhhh. Well, at least I can draw it!
     Click the image to open a .jpg to print and color. Send me your colored version (less than 1mb) to coloringpages@dulemba.com and I'll post it to my blog!
     For more coloring pages, go here.

It's Children's Book Week!

     Yup! Hosted by the Children's Book Council, Children's Book Week has occurred annually since 1919. Learn all about it at their website.

Publisher Day after IRA

     My publisher for Paco and the Giant Chile Plant, Dawn from Raven Tree Press came to town for the International Reading Association (IRA) along with Dick, the owner of their parent company, Delta Systems. They treated me to dinner on Cinco de Mayo where we talked about fun project ideas. Then Thursday Dawn and another Raven Tree author/illustrator, Sheila Jarkins (check out her new book coming soon - Marco Flamingo), and I took a day to talk to some important people here in Atlanta.
     First were my friends at the Latin American Association, where I take my Spanish lessons. Since Delta Systems specializes in ESL materials for all ages, and Raven Tree specialized in bilingual picture books, they were a natural fit. Our meeting was enormously successful and we were able to enjoy lunch at the Cuban sandwich restaurant across the street afterwards.
     Our second stop was to a new bilingual bookstore and educational facility in Alpharetta, My Spanish Workshop. I was thrilled to find out about this local resource.
     Third was The Reading Tree, our latest independent children's bookstore in Alpharetta. There we talked to friends, Cindy and Martha about exciting happenings in the independent children's book business.
     And from there we headed to my extended home, Little Shop of Stories.
     Of course, we were also exhausted, so hung out at The Brick until Sheila's son picked her up and Dawn left on Marta for the airport. But we got some great time to sit and try to digest all the information from the day and talk the biz. (Here's Dawn squinting in a sudden wind gust, Sheila, and me.)
     Do all creators get opportunities like this? To show off the places where the magic happens in their cities to the people who make the magic happen with their books? I hope so, because it was a wonderful experience for me. And I loved putting faces with the people I email with. Bonus was they are wonderful people and we all got along so well (and had a lot of surprising things in common), I know I have new friends.

What I've learned about speaking engagements

     Well, Paco has been properly celebrated with awesome kick-offs at the Alabama Book Festival, Cedar Valley Arts Festival, the Georgia Center for the Book, Mami y Yo, Barnes & Noble, The Reading Tree, and Little Shop of Stories. I finally get to sit back and relax (HA!). I tell you - with having to be at so many engagements, sometimes back to back, I have developed a system for creating a smooth presentation, so I thought I'd share my method.
     First is the bag. I use my SCBWI Southern Breeze tote to carry a copy of all my picture books, book marks, signing pens, a bottle of water, my camera, my drawing supplies (black pencils and pastels), publisher catalogues and postcards, and the folder. I keep it together so I can just grab it and go.
     The folder (which goes in the bag). I bought a bunch of yellow school folders and printed stickers with my name to adhere to the front. In the pockets I include a bio page with photo, a list of my books with a quick summary of each, information on school visists, master copies of my coloring pages and word find puzzles, bookmarks, and my invoice with a feedback form and a self addressed stamped envelope (if it applies). Most of these items are available for download beforehand on my Media Page (even how to pronounce my name), but I like to make sure I have a hard-copy with me. Loosely I include google maps if I'm driving to a destination which I'm not familiar with, and a print out of the contact information for all the key people I will be dealing with (including phone numbers in case I should become unexpectedly delayed). If I'm meeting with new people, media specialists or people who may be interested in inviting me to future engagements - I pull out the maps and info page, and give them the folder for future reference.
     Next, the illustration demonstration supplies. Having been to a few book signings early on where they didn't have an appropriate (or easy) easel, I finally bought my own. I converted a fold up chair nylon bag thingie with a handle into my over the shoulder easel carrier. I also have to carry a large drawing pad - again because I never know what they might supply me with and it's a variable better left figured out. I am probably going to reassign one of my big old portfolios to carry the drawing pad, as it's awkward and unruly (especially in wind or rain).
     In my purse I make sure my cell phone is fired up (but off during my presentation). I also keep book marks and signing pens in my purse at all times.
     The bod. It's ironic what you have to think about when you'll be in front of a crowd, but here you go. I dress casually, but ironed, clean and put together. I tend to dress a bit more colorfully than I do in my daily life. I also watch the neck lines - we tend to lean over a lot with kids - I don't need to make it a ride for the parents. And not that I wear short skirts anymore, but that could also cause trouble when your audience is at coffee table level (and I often end up on the floor with the kids). I have also figured out I have to have my hair held back in some manner, dangit. I have long hair, it falls in my face. Fine for every day, but not when a crowd is trying to fallow along with you and it's important you stay connected with them.
     Finally, the presentation. I end up speaking to all different age groups, so I have a library of activities in my head appropriate for each. The littlest ones are good with a reading, a demonstration, and coloring pages. A little older, and you can play some games too. The main thing is to keep them involved to hold their attention. For even older (4th grade and up) I have a slide show about what it's like to be an illustrator. Now I know a lot of people carry around projectors and laptops with power point and the like, but I'm not a good trouble-shooter and those things can have LOTS of problems at the last minute. What's worked for me lately is I have a slide show, created through my .mac account, hidden in my website. I share the link if I'm going to be using it, then I let the venue worry about getting it set up. They know what works best for them, so I let them handle it and they can get any kinks worked out long before I get there. So far, it's worked beautifully. (It does require they have internet access at the venue, but these days that is becoming more and more common and has not been an issue.)
     Giveaways - yup. Good idea. I've given away everything from coloring pages and bookmarks to maracas and sombreros (ordered from the Oriental Trading Company). The sombreros were a bit big and unruly, but when I saw the look in the eyes of the kids who won them (during a quick Spanish quiz after reading Paco) it made it worth it. Giveaways don't have to be expensive, so get creative!
     If books will be available for sale, I let the booksellers handle that end. (Hopefully we've been in touch beforehand and I've supplied them with all the ISBN #s and the title of the book I'll be featuring.) I just keep my pens handy. It does help if they supply sticky notes for people to write the names for the dedications. It's amazing how creative people can get with the spelling of some of the most common names and you don't want to get it wrong! I also have tag lines I use for signing each book. After a while, your hand will write it without a lot of thinking which is important because people always want to talk to you while you're signing - you need to be able to multi-task.
     And speaking of being in touch beforehand, most events are scheduled months in advance. I touch base as we get closer (in time for books to be ordered if necessary), and again a week before and the day before the event so I know they are expecting me and everything will be in order. It also helps to drum up excitement and get me focused on what's coming. It's also important to have one main contact person for this - this is often the same person I hand my camera to before I speak. I ask them to please try to include the audience in the pictures (as a picture of me alone is purty darned boring and doesn't share the feel of the venue). And I make sure to let everybody know I'll be blogging about the event and have free activities on my website.
     So that's it. This is my method for making sure my presentations go smoothly, that I have everything with me, and that I can leave fun things behind for the audience to remember me. But even with everything in place, it's important to remain flexible. You can't control the size of the crowd (which will vary wildly) or their moods (expect that you will sometimes have kids who misbehave). And you need to be creative on the fly. But that's part of what makes speaking engagements so enjoyable - they're a constant puzzle of how best to entertain the audience you have and they can be lots of fun to do!

Coloring Page Tuesday - Sun

     I've been seeing a lot more of this guy around lately and it just feels so good. Color him up and spread some sunshine of your own!
     Click the image to open a .jpg to print and color. Send me your colored version (less than 1mb) to coloringpages@dulemba.com and I'll post it to my blog!
     For more coloring pages, go here.

Feliz Cinco de Mayo!

     Despite what most people think, Cinco de Mayo is not a celebration of Mexico's independance from Spain. That's September 16th. Cinco de Mayo is instead a celebration of the victory of the Mexican militia over the technologically advanced French army. It's also not celebrated as strongly in Mexico as it is in the US where Cinco de Mayo has become a day to embrace Mexican culture. I know I plan to over some kickin' enchiladas tonight!
     Read more about the history of Cinco de Mayo here.

Kick off Fiesta for Paco at Little Shop of Stories!

     Wowsa, I'm still trying to recover. Yesterday was just over the top wonderful! All my favorite people showed up and lots more that I didn't know. We had the kick off party for Paco and the Giant Chile Plant in Little Shop of Stories's shiny new events space which has a lovely balcony overlooking the store. It was truly the first time they used it, so a great test. And wow did it work out well. We set up a table for food (see Liz and Ami in the background?), another for giveaways, and another for me to sign books. (I signed a LOT!) We set up my easel at the end of the space and everybody sprawled on the floor and leaned against the walls. There was plenty of room, but we filled it UP! And I was just having a ball. We handed out sparkly chile stickers and moustaches and gave awaysombreros during the Spanish quiz . . . the kids were thoroughly decked out!!
We played telephone, and limbo! (Kids can get really low!)

     Thanks so much to my good friends at Little Shop of Stories for hosting the party and being so supportive of my career. I moved to Atlanta almost the same weekend they opened, and they have had my back from the start. (Here's Diane with her daughter. The mustachio'd amigas!)
     Thanks so much to my family and good friends who came to support me. I am a lucky, lucky girl to have such fun and beautiful people in my life. I was feeling way loved - you guys ROCK!!

     Here I am with Mark and Raquel, friends from Spanish class, and Rosebud the vaca who turned out orange this time!
     So, Paco and the Giant Chile Plant has been properly introduced to the world. The story is a blast to read (thank you author Keith Polette!) and a wonderful teaching tool as well. It's also been a project that finally gave me an excuse to learn Spanish which has tied me in with the Latin community here in Atlanta in a way which I will forever appreciate.
     I know being published is an enormous milestone in itself, but sometimes a particular book can change your life too. Paco has done that for me and I am exceedingly proud of it and thankful for the opportunities it has opened to me. Thanks to Raven Tree Press for asking me to illustrate such a special, special book. (Could I smile any bigger?)

     So Paco, meet the world! Let's see how you do!

The Reading Tree loves Paco!

     My second visit today was to the new independent children's bookstore in Alpharetta, The Reading Tree. You have stopped by, right? It looks straight out of "You've Got Mail" - warm fuzzies all over.
     And I got a bonus, Stacey Kaye, the author of the ParentSmart series (which I illustrated and which comes out in June) stopped by with her entire family - that's her standing to the left in the background. (Watch a great TV interview with Stacey as she talks about the new books - click here.) Her daughters sat in front, and what cuties - they made great side-kicks!
     Turns out the slightly older kids love helping me draw the shapes just as much as the younger ones. And with the older kids, we get to play telephone.
     The kids chose green for Rosebud this time, so truly, she has become a cow of a different color . . . many different colors. And I remembered her ears this time.
     Thanks to my friends Cindy and Martha (feel better soon!) for inviting me for my first book signing in your wonderful new store!!

Barnes & Noble - Northpoint and Paco!

     And the festivities continue! Today I had two book signings - the first at the Barnes & Noble in Alpharetta. Can I tell you how happy it makes me to walk in and see stacks and stacks of my books? I'm suddenly feeling prolific or something!
     And they had a stack of my first picture The Prince's Diary on the main display wall . . . without coaxing. They didn't realize that was my book too! (Obviously it's selling well - woohoo!)
     Of course, it's all about the kids - and there was a gang of 'em! The little ones love to help me draw the shapes we'll use to draw Rosebud the vaca. (Who ended up purple this time . . . oh, and sans ears - oops!)
     Thanks to Suzanne and Michelle for the warm welcome and for taking this great picture - can you find me buried in all those tater tots?

Illustration Friday: Seed

     Just under the wire this week as I have speaking engagements out the wazoo to celebrate Paco and the Giant Chile Plant. (I did Mami y Yo yesterday which I'll share in more detail soon - with pictures!)
     Well that chile plant comes from magic semillas de chile - magic chile seeds. So the book is all about the power of a seed! Here, Paco's papa explains a mystery (which you have to read the book to learn more about...).

El dia de los ninos ~ el dia de los libros

     Today is El dia de los ninos ~ el dia de los libros! What's that? The Association for Library Service to Children names it as such:

     Celebrate!
     El día de los niños/El día de los libros (Children's Day/Book Day), known as Día, is a celebration EVERY DAY of children, families, and reading that culminates every year on April 30. The celebration emphasizes the importance of advocating literacy for children of all linguistic and cultural backgrounds.

or more appropriately:

     Celebremos!
     El 30 de abril es una fecha muy significativa para los niños. Se celebra el día de los niños y de los libros. Esta celebración se conoce como El día de los niños/ El día de los libros, y celebra la alegría y las maravillas de la infancia y la importancia de los libros en nuestra vida.

     In celebration I'm reading Paco and the Giant Chile Plant ~ Paco y la planta de chile gigante at the Decatur Library today along with a Mariachi Band - can't wait! ¡Si, Celebremos!

Update:
We had a muy divertido time yesterday. The auditorium was decorated to the hilt thanks to the efforts of the Decatur librarians and Joe of the Georgia Center for the Book. Patricia took tons of pictures for me to choose from, although I must admit I make a lot of silly faces when I'm talking to kids. She was good, she got every one of 'em! (And no, I'm not going to share - you'll just have to catch me in person one day!) I really do love sharing stories with kids - they ask great questions and offer hilarious input. So even though this first picture is blurry, I love the joy in it. I let the kids come up on stage with me, so they were all over the stairs and we had a great time. Rosebud the vaca ended up being yellow this time (she's turned into a cow of a different color). Here are some of the brilliant gals who answered my Spanish quiz questions correctly at the end - they all got sombreros! Yo y mis tres amigas!

Great review for Paco!!

     Wowsa! What a great review - I'm thrilled! Click the logo to read the whole thing, but here's the round-up:

     What a wonderful story. The author did a fabulous job taking what most of us assume is just a Spanish-added version of a classic story and truly making it her own. She did a masterful job blending Spanish into the story, offering repetition in English and Spanish together. As good as the story is, I could turn the pages just to look at the illustrations, too. On one page, el gigante terrible is reaching out to the reader!
     Everyone will enjoy this new ending to a classic story. The illustrations, combined with well integrated Spanish, make this a must-read for elementary-aged children.
     Buy. This is a wonderful book and a nice twist on a classic tale. The illustrations are exceptional and children (especially young boys) will see themselves in Paco: curious, drawn to magic, and a hero.
          - The Reading Tub

Coloring Page Tuesday - Latino Book Month!

     Did you know that May is Latino Book Month? Yup. It kicks off with El dia de los niños ~ El dia de los libros on April 30th. And of course Cinco de Mayo is May 5th. It's a great month for all my events with my new picture book Paco and the Giant Chile Plant, and it's a great month to celebrate all things Latino!
     So enjoy this serape, sombrero and maracas - add color and make them picante!
     Click the image to open a .jpg to print and color. Send me your colored version (less than 1mb) to coloringpages@dulemba.com and I'll post it to my blog!
     For more coloring pages, go here.

Paco Fiestas (Parties) - Woohoo!

     I am going to be way busy this week with LOTS of speaking engagements and parties (rough life, I know). But add these to my regular work, and I'm gonna be one busy gal!
     What's going on? Glad you asked! *ahem*
     May kicks off Latino Book Month and there are lots of ways to celebrate all things Latino!!

Wednesday, April 30th, 4:00pm: Celebrate El dia de los niños ~ el dia de los libros at the Dekalb Public library with me, Paco, and a Mariachi Band!

Thursday, May 1st, 10:00am: Mami y Yo at the Latin American Association.

Saturday, May 3rd, 10:00am: Barnes & Noble Northpoint (Alpharetta, Georgia) - a pre-Cinco de Mayo Party with Paco!

Saturday, May 3rd, 1:00pm: The Reading Tree (Alpharetta, Georgia) - storytime with Paco!

and the biggie...
Sunday, May 4th, 3:00pm: Kick Off Fiesta for Paco!! at Little Shop of Stories NEW location, still on the Decatur Square just east of Atlanta, Georgia, now to the right of Starbucks. We'll have Latino music, food, games and giveaways, so it will be a great segue into Cinco de Mayo! View the full invitation HERE.

If you're nearby, I hope you'll drop by!

Cedar Valley Arts Festival

     I've just returned from what I've added to my top ten list of speaking engagements. If you are an author or illustrator and you are ever asked to speak at the Cedar Valley Arts Festival in Cedartown, Georgia in Polk County - GO. But look up two words in the dictionary first: family and community. Cedartown is included in both their definitions. A wrong turn ended up taking me right down the entire length of main street, and I couldn't have imagined a more perfect little town - pure Americana.
     The Arts Festival was set up in a lovely, recently renovated, and well maintained park filled with tall trees, cool shade, and a winding walking path that led me in a circle through just enough booths filled with interesting things for everybody to enjoy. Families were everywhere, some playing catch in the central area, others supporting their children in the chorus or dance routines. And all the support was overlapping because this is a small town where everybody knows everybody – the comeraderie and casual ease which exists in an atmosphere like that was obvious. There is a saying that it takes a village to raise a child, and Cedartown definitely has that village feel.
     The stage was set in the middle of the new water fountain (turned off for the occassion) and surrounded by ampitheater-like seating. The pictures don't do it or the crowd justice - there were tons of people standing under trees all around the stage. And as my presentation went on, the crowd increased exponentially. I wore the sombrero for shade - although I don't know why hats are thought to keep you cool! I read Paco with all its fun voices. We played telephone, which worked this time! (Paco is an adaptation of Jack and the Beanstalk, and I talk about how stories change as they are handed down from teller to teller.) I quizzed the children on the Spanish words introduced in Paco and gave away sombreros and maracas. And then we drew Rosebud, pink this time, in all her vaca glory.
     I loved sharing Paco with this crowd, especially since 47% of the town's population is now Latino. And they have been embraced by their community. The schools are eagerly rising to meet the needs of their Latino students and gushed about what a perfect fit Paco was for their students.
     Smiles were everywhere and everybody was so gracious. It was such an enjoyable day, I didn't want to leave. But home was an hour and a half away and my doggies awaited. I wish I could have stayed much, much longer.
     Thanks to Ahren Lee for inviting me, Kris of the Rome Barnes & Noble who so generously ordered a ton of my books, and to all the volunteers of which there were many, especially those from the Cedartown Junior Service League. Any time you want me back - I'm there with bells on.

Illustration Friday: Wrinkles

I love witches with all their wrinkles and warts. They're so much fun to draw!
This is a snippet from my dummy "Lula's Brew."