Joe Eckstein

herby_2013-12-25Merry Christmas to one and all!

Look for opportunities to give the gift of love to those around you, and may you and yours be blessed in the new year.

 

Don’t look now, but the holidays are upon us! If you need some ideas for those on your Christmas gift list, consider giving the gift of Herby the Parrot! My book Herby Gets a Life is a collection of Herby’s cartoons along with his thoughts and encouragements on life that teach positive character traits and life values. It’s perfect for children, but can be enjoyed by everyone. Click here to order my book on Amazon.com, or you can order it through any bookseller.

You can also find Herby in his own 12-month calendar! Click here to order the Herby the Parrot & Friends 2014 Wall Calendar and brighten up your space or the space of someone you know with Herby and his friends!

I wish you and yours a safe and blessed Thanksgiving. May we all take time to truly give thanks for the blessings in our lives.

 

 BOOK COVER Twee.indd

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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