Terrific Children's Book Illustration Exhibit at L.A. Public Library

A group of L.A. illustrators got together today at the Los Angeles Public Library to see the exhibit, "Children Should Be Seen: The Image of the Child in American Picture-Book Art." It contains an amazing group of original paintings and drawings from such classics as The Cat in the Hat, Flotsam, and The Mysteries of Harris Burdick. Altogether, art from more than 80 illustrators appears on the walls of this impressive exhibit. Check it out before it closes (Sept. 14).

Rita's Awesome SCBWI Photos and Nick's Best Kids GN Award

Two bits: my buddy Rita Crayon, a YA writer, has uploaded and captioned her huge stack of great photos from the last SCBWI conference. Check them out if you want to see how introverted artists lose it when they get together! And my favorite source of comics news, The Beat, announces that Nick Magazine has created awards for best children's graphic novels! Congrats to Chris Duffy and Dave Roman for this worthwhile initiative!

A Pulsar on the Wall of Comics

It starts as a thing. Lifeless. Meaningless. But when the "thing" reaches a person in a state of high emotion, the "thing" engulfs the essence of the moment and the intimate experience that surrounds it. The pulsars in our homes, pockets, or purses -- all these trinkets, souvenirs, keepsakes -- crystalize and cycle the energy of the highlights of our lives.

My latest "pulsar"? The cute sign designed by Aaron Hertzler and Brian Gerrity from the last SCBWI conference. When I look up at my shelves (my wall of comics) and see it, the friendship, laughter, and fun of those wonderful days twinkle again.

Another Incredible SCBWI Summer Conference Ends

I certainly wasn't going to disobey Lin's orders.

Each year, when the faculty marches across the stage and stops at the microphone to say their names, they must also offer one word to the audience. Last year, I had picked an obvious one for me: "comics." This year, I wanted "graphic novels," but it exceeded the one-word limit. With rumors that Lin Oliver has her finger on a giant glowing red "Eject" button that fires off disobeying faculty off the stage and into the hotel pool, I played it safe! So what was my word? "Tickle." It captured the spirit of this SCBWI Summer Conference, as awakening, stimulating, and plain ol'fun! And it didn't land me in the pool!

This year again, I got to meet some super people and catch up with some wonderful friends, from my reviewees (thanks for giving me a chance to tip-toe into your creative process and offer some feedback -- best luck again) to my favorite bunch of merry poets and artists! So many laughs! Too little sleep! To all the devoted organizers: HUGE THANKS!!! What an incredible four days! It will take as many to recover.