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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
LITERARY TITAN 