Joe Eckstein
I recently finished illustrating the second book of Vermont author Susie Caron’s “Between You and Me” series, I Am Twee’. Read my previous post here about illustrating the first book in the series, Twee’.
About I Am Twee’:
“In this second picture book-allegory from Susie’s ‘Between You And Me’ series, this young pine tree feels useless because she has nothing to share. Twee’ notices the apple trees in the valley offer many gifts, which draw children and adults to visit them. However, the people don’t even see Twee’, and she begins to wish she were an apple tree. After many seasons, Twee’ is ready to give up, when an unusual event changes her mind. Join Twee’ as she journeys to discover that by being herself and different she has something special to contribute.”
I created the illustrations for this book by first sketched them in pencil, then scanning and finishing them in the computer using Adobe Illustrator to simulate a soft, ink-and-wash technique.
I Am Twee’ is a delightful story about discovering and appreciating the special person each of us was created to be, and how we all have gifts to share with others. The book was released this past month and is available from online booksellers such as Amazon.com & BarnesandNoble.com, or may be ordered through your local bookstore.
Check out SusieCaronOnAmazon.com for all the books in the “Between You An Me” Series.
Being a children’s book author and illustrator is the fulfillment of a lifelong dream of mine, and it certainly is an adventure!
I gave my first book signing and reading on August 24th at the Jamestown Public Library in Jamestown, North Carolina. I thoroughly enjoyed reading excerpts of my book Herby Gets a Life to the children and families present, who were engrossed in Herby the Parrot’s humorous antics and encouraging insights. There are few other pleasures as wonderful as seeing first-hand people enjoying and benefiting from the work you do.
Local residents will have another chance to catch me at the upcoming Bush Hill Heritage Festival in Archdale, North Carolina, on Saturday, September 14th. I will be taking part in the “Meet the Author” event from Noon to 2 P.M. at the historic Ragan House, located at 118 Trindale Road in downtown Archdale. This event is presented by Archdale Public Library, who you can call for more information at 336-431-3811. Come on out and enjoy the festivities!
It’s quite an adventure publishing a book and pursuing the profession of an author and illustrator. I’m certainly learning a lot and having fun sharing my work with the world. Feel free to contact me if you’re interested in having me conduct a book signing or reading at your location or if I can help you in any way.
Achieving anything in life is an adventure…you take one step, then another, and soon you find yourself well underway on your journey, having the time of your life and wondering how you got there. Sometimes it may be smooth sailing and other times you may face seemingly insurmountable obstacles you need to overcome, but the important thing about an adventure is that you go on one.
Word about my book Herby Gets a Life is spreading!
I will be conducting a reading and book signing of my book on Saturday, August 24th at 11:00 a.m. at Jamestown Public Library, 200 West Main Street, Jamestown, North Carolina.
I have also been invited to appear at the “Meet the Author” event hosted by the Archdale Public Library at the Bush Hill Heritage Festival in Archdale, North Carolina on Saturday, September 14th. Stay tuned for more information about this event!
I’m very excited to have these upcoming opportunities to share my work with the public (Herby’s excited too!) Come on out for these events if you live nearby and bring your friends and family! Contact me if you’re interested in having me conduct a book signing or reading at your location.
My latest illustration work can be seen in California author Bonnie Black’s children’s book, The Lost Locket. This is the first in a series of short chapter books called “The Adventures of KaLeigh Mae & Braxtin,” who are the two 10-year-old heroines of the books. The Lost Locket tells the story of a mystery involving the two girls along the California coast.
I drew the illustrations with pencil, then inked them using a Speedball Hunt Globe dip pen and India Ink on Bristol board. There are four interior illustrations spread throughout the book. I colored the cover illustration using watercolor pencils.
I enjoyed having the opportunity to illustrate the scenes and characters in this book and to work in pen and ink. You can find the book on Amazon.com.
The date was May 5th, 1992, a Tuesday. I was finishing up my seventh grade year of middle school in Ohio, and was riding home with my mom and siblings in our family van, most likely from one of my or my sibling’s many afterschool extracurricular activities. I proceeded to spend the long ride to our house out in the country my preferred way to pass the time—by drawing.
Pulling a sheet of notebook paper from my backpack, I grabbed a pencil and began to sketch out a most unlikely creation: a simple cartoon of a friendly, smiling parrot stretching out his wing, clinging to an umbrella, and exclaiming, “Okay—I’m Ready! Come Rain on My Parade!” I traced my pencil lines with a felt-tip marker and proudly signed and dated it, knowing I had just created something special.
This was the very first incarnation of Herby the Parrot, 21 years ago. Why a parrot? Well, I’m not really sure. I’ve always been fascinated by birds, and our family had a few parakeets as pets over the years, but from the beginning Herby has always had a life of his own. I continued to draw dozens of Herby cartoons over the next several years, even dabbling throughout my college years and beyond. I had always wanted to do something more with my cartoons, but never quite settled on exactly what.
Nearly 20 years later, I decided to finally give Herby the attention he deserves. Over the past year and a half, I’ve worked on developing a book of Herby’s cartoons, especially designed for children (particularly third- to fifth- graders), that entertains, encourages, and educates them with important life lessons and positive character values. If you haven’t had a chance yet, check out my book Herby Gets a Life and grab copies to share with the children and children-at-heart in your life!
At 21 years, Herby is finally coming of age. And he has so much further to go!
Have a good Memorial Day weekend remembering those who died defending our country and all those who have touched our lives and are no longer with us, whether we knew them personally or not. Many have gone before us and sacrificed much so that we can enjoy a better life.
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