Online Storytime

I only recently discovered Barnes & Noble's Online Storytime.
This is a monthly (every first Tuesday) program from the book store where authors and celebrities read picture books for children ages two through six. Each video features pan-and-scan fade transition filming of the picture book with the author or celebrity narrating.

This is a great way to discover new books and check out their story and illustrations before purchasing - and all in the comfort of your own home!

Also on the plus side, Rachel Jarrett, Director of Kids and Lifestyle Products for Barnes & Noble.com says, "Children exposed to read-aloud storytelling at a young age develop language and literacy skills sooner than those who are not. We’re excited to bring some of our nation’s bestselling children’s authors and celebrities-and their stories-into America’s homes and help children learn and grow."

All their past storytime books are also made available on their site.

Ready for next month's read out loud book? It's a very appropriate choice: The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg

Sketching Squirrely Squirrels

Back in late Summer of 2009, my friend Stephanie, a talented artist and writer, approached me about collaborating with her on a children's story she wrote. The simple message and heartwarming characters were so easy to fall in love with. After I read it, visions of Lily, the purple dragon and her squirrely friends danced in my head. For the next few weeks, I occupied my time experimenting with different mediums, drawing styles and techniques. Once I began sketching, I realized I had no idea how to draw squirrels! (They all looked like gray, pointy eared dogs with a racoon tail) While they were not the main characters of her story, they were so endearing that Stephanie and I wanted to amp up their role on each page. So I spent many hours watching, photographing, sketching and researching squirrels. Who knew squirrels were so much fun? I think their whole lives revolve around eating and playing!

I finally decided on oil pastels and linseed oil for my illustrations. Here are just a few fun excepts of my squirrels in Lily and Her Dragon Pie...and while I never witnessed any actual squirrels behaving in these manners, I'd like to think that they're certainly intelligent enough to pull it off.