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It Started with a Turtle
Where Do Animals Go for Vacation? explores the humorous notion that animals, like humans, deserve a little downtime of their own. Where did the idea for this book come from?
The original idea came to me several years ago with just one animal, the
turtle. I decided turtles must lead rather uninteresting lives, with one very
low vantage point as they plodded slowly across the ground. So, I thought if they could go anywhere to change their situation, where would that be? Of course, it would have to be high on a mountain, standing up on skis, plummeting at breakneck speeds down the slopes. And their hard shells make them perfectly suited to survive any wipeout totally unscathed.
After I retired from my career as an advertising agency creative director, I decided to research other animals that might, for various reasons, need a break from their daily routine. I edited the list of animals down to the most “deserving.” Their individual stories and images were then created.
What is your background and experience in writing, and how did it help you write Where Do Animals Go for Vacation?
I studied journalism and design at Drake University. Both forms of creativity, words and images, interested me. As I worked my way through a career in advertising, from designer to associate creative director to creative director, I found that I was working more closely with copywriters and ultimately, doing a great deal of copywriting myself. Writing became a very satisfying and rewarding part of my career. I became very confident at putting my words on paper.
The artwork in this book is fantastic. Can you share with us a little bit about your illustration process?
Well, I appreciate the “fantastic” comment. I’ve enjoyed drawing ever since I can remember. It’s an interest I believe I got from my father, an electrical engineer who was a very good renderer.
In my first book, “A Very Chilling Mystery,” all the illustrations were done in watercolor, a medium I was quite familiar with. For “Where Do Animals Go for Vacation?” I decided it was time to try going completely digital.
Once I’d decided which animals to include, I looked for reference photos of each one. Then I did multiple small sketches of every animal until I was satisfied their locations and positions reflected the text properly. From there, I did a large pencil drawing of each one, modifying them as needed. When those were complete, I scanned them into Photoshop … redrew their outline … and applied color and textures in the appropriate watercolor brushes.
It was quite a lengthy learning process, but I loved the fact that I could quickly move or delete anything I didn’t like … and be able adjust colors, saturation, and sharpness. None of which is doable using standard watercolor on illustration board.
What is the next book you are working on, and when will it be available?
That’s a good question. I have seeds of ideas but nothing I’m ready to commit to yet. I do think any further books I write and illustrate will be in narrative form, with a beginning, middle, and conclusion. That will be another bit of uncharted territory for me.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website
If they did, where would they go?
Can you guess where a turtle would travel?
Or what a kangaroo might do?
Each animal would surely choose someplace perfect for them.
Let’s find out…and learn a surprising fact about each animal!
Where Do Animals Go For Vacation?
Where Do Animals Go For Vacation?, by Steve A. Erickson, is a delightful and imaginative book that promises to engage young readers with its whimsical premise. The book explores a playful question: If animals could take vacations, where would they go, and what would they do? Erickson takes readers on a humorous journey, showcasing various animals indulging in leisure time activities.
The narrative is filled with creative scenarios, such as a beaver swapping its construction endeavors for Lego-building, and an ostrich enjoying hang gliding. This approach not only entertains but also has the potential to ignite fun discussions between children and adults. The book’s illustrations are another highlight, characterized by their vibrant and eye-catching nature, making them a talking point in their own right. What I found particularly enjoyable was the way Erickson connects each animal’s natural behavior to their chosen vacation activities, adding an educational layer to the humor. This book was a surprising read in the best way and is a worthy addition to any young reader’s library.
Where Do Animals Go For Vacation? is an inventive and engaging book that strikes a perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Erickson’s unique take on animals’ vacation activities, coupled with the vivid illustrations, not only captivates but also educates young readers. It’s a book that can easily become a favorite for bedtime stories or classroom reading, sparking imagination and curiosity in children. Whether read alone or shared between adults and kids, this book is a charming addition to any young reader’s collection.
Pages: 40 | ASIN : B0CKM4685R
Life’s Most Important Words
You Are…Volume One is a collection of poems designed to help young children define and better understand some of life’s most meaningful concepts while providing parents with a tool for building connections through discussions. What inspired you to write this collection of poems?
After the birth of my first son, I realized the importance of speaking life into his life and reminding him of all the great things he can be and is in the world. I wanted to help him understand the meaning of these important words and believe the positive affirmations I was telling him. I developed the idea for the You Are series through these realizations and wanted to create the books to help myself and other parents and caregivers be able to share these inspiring words with the special children in their lives.
How did you decide on the unique title for this collection?
This title was derived from the “affirmations” in each virtue described in the books. Since each short poem within the books begins with “What does it mean when I say you are…?” It was only natural to name the stories “You Are…” Each volume of the series will have the same name with new virtues defined and described through poems and whimsical, watercolor illustrations.
What is one thing you would like both children and adults to take away from your book?
The mission of the You Are… series is to teach children (and adults) the meaning of some of life’s most important words. They are meant to help adults share these important truths with children to help them comprehend and believe all the wonderful things they are in life. It is a great way to build connection with your children, spend quality time, and have important, meaningful conversations. Through the descriptions and definitions, my hope is children and families can re-read these selections over and over and remember all the wonderful things they are through life with a deeper understanding of their significant meaning.
Can you tell us a little bit about what readers can expect in Volume 2?
Volume Two follows the same themes and formatting as Volume One, with new words and characters described and defined. Volume Two’s highlighted words are: Strong, Important, Courageous, and Creative. With the orange, yellow cover depicting the “strong” elephant walking in the savannah sunset, brown bears representing important, courageous lions, and creative dolphins. Each story also includes discussions questions for each word, as well as journal pages to reflect on what the words mean to the readers.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Through the use of poems and discussions, it gives adults a tool to speak life into children, while building a connection, and increasing a child’s understanding of the world’s most meaningful words.
You Are…Volume One
In You Are…Volume One, Lauren Brownrigg embarks on a beautiful journey, artistically intertwining gentle illustrations and melodious rhymes to convey integral messages of love, self-worth, kindness, and remembrance to readers. The book tenderly starts its thematic exploration by delineating that love transcends mere emotion; it encapsulates the very essence of protective, caring, and unconditional gestures, affirming that to bestow love upon another is a treasured gift.
Brownrigg elegantly threads other themes in a harmonious fashion, each illustrated and described with equal tenderness and depth. Notably, the inclusion of journal pages provides a space where readers—whether they be children or adults—can write down their cherished memories and reflections pertinent to each theme. The delicate watercolor illustrations of animal mothers and their offspring illuminate the initial themes, while the theme of remembrance is poignantly symbolized by a solitary, ethereal butterfly.
A boundary-blurring narrative, You Are…Volume One serves as a heartfelt tapestry, equally captivating for both children and adults. The illustrations and poetic eloquence unravel each subject in a manner that is both comprehensible and relatable to children, while the journal sections offer a canvas for introspection. The dialogic nature of the narrative—emulating a parent speaking to their child—is particularly enchanting. A striking example from the book encapsulates this: “My love will remain as sure as the setting sun, And I will remind you each time the day is done…”
The illustrations are executed with a sublime and gentle sophistication, both interesting and uncomplicated, while the small poems punctuate the book with well-crafted and emotive prose. Brownrigg has cultivated a nurturing ground to foster emotional intelligence and confidence within young minds. It presents numerous avenues for parents and guardians to embolden and convey their love and care.
You Are…Volume One unfurls as a uniquely crafted and heartwarmingly resonant book. This comes as a heartfelt recommendation to any parent or guardian who wants to embark upon a literary journey that is as emotive as it is insightful, gently steering through the essential teachings of love, kindness, and memory.
Pages: 46 | ISBN : 978-1957262383
The Adventures of Bentley Hippo: Inspiring Children to Be Patient
There is something exciting happening in the town where Bentley the Hippo lives. His monkey friend Jaxon knocked on his door and was so excited he could hardly talk. Together they race down the path, following the arrows to where the rest of their friends stand in line waiting. The line is really long, and they can not see the end. All they can hear over the loudspeakers is an announcement saying, “Ride the Big Blue Rocket!”
Jaxon is too excited to wait and tries to cut in line. After being sent back, he bounces all over the place, ruining the rest of his friends’ ice cream they were trying to eat. Realizing Jaxon needs help to settle down and wait patiently, all his friends look for shapes in the clouds. Soon they are at the front of the line and are about to see what the excitement is all about!
The Adventures of Bentley Hippo: Inspiring Children to be Patient by children’s author, Argyro Graphy, is a well-written picture book that teaches children important lessons. Being kind and patient is something that children are told to do all the time, but they can be complex concepts for young kids to understand. Bently and his friends model good manners and show kindness to Jaxon even when he cannot remain calm and patient. They do not yell at him or get mad; instead, they accept this is who he is and find ways to distract him to make the waiting bearable for him.
Illustrator Michael Reyes has created memorable and entertaining artwork for this picture book. Jaxon’s energy is visible, and the excitement he shows is contagious. Also, the concern Bentley has as he tries to help his friend settle down can be felt through the pages. The bright colors and welcoming characters will make children want to settle down and listen to the important message of the story.
The characters in this children’s story are relatable and fun to read about. This picture book would make an excellent addition to preschool and kindergarten libraries as teachers and caregivers work to instill good manners in children in an age-appropriate way.
Pages: 33 | ASIN : B0B8ZQRBY6
LITERARY TITAN 