Publishing before the world ends

Crazy, I know, but I did think about the Mayan calendar when publication dates were discussed. I’m counting on a 2013, but will sneak in three book publications before the end of 2012, just in case the Mayans were on to something.

First up in spring is the first book on the first list of Philip Lee's new venture, Readers to Eaters: Our School Garden! by Rick Swann with illustrations by me shows fun ways to integrate the school garden into the curriculum all year long.











Fall title with Fiewel & Friends: The Forgiveness Garden by Lauren Thompson with illustrations by me is about a conflict that begins between two villages when stones are thrown across a stream. I love the message of this book. There is an actual “Garden of Forgiveness” in Beirut—the vision of Alexandra Asseily, humanitarian, activist, and psychotherapist, who has declared that “every act of revenge is a time bomb thrown into the future.” The dedication page is pictured here.

I’m most excited about my third title, also a fall publication—this one with Lee & Low. Dreaming Up: A Celebration of Building is my second book as both author and illustrator. I have been dreaming this up for years. The book is a combo of concrete poetry, nonfiction, illustration, and photography, and is meant to inspire young builders with examples of modern international architecture. Stay tuned on this one. I’m starting the finished art now.