Author Jim Karn and I visited with Northridge Elementary fourth graders today about the process of writing and illustrating books. I had the opportunity to illustrate Karn’s book, Little Jimmy’s Life on the Farm Stories, and lately he’s been very active about sharing and promoting it. I’ve been fortunate to attend a few readings with Jim and talk to audiences about the creative process I used to create the illustrations.
Today’s visit was extra special, and really only happened because of a very insistent fourth grader – my youngest son, Chase. He’s been begging me to visit his class for months and has been boasting to all his friends about the work I do. Some days I really take for granted what I am blessed and able to do but on days like today I’m humbled at how proud he is of me. I thought it was fitting to show the students how proud I am of Chase and his love of reading by sharing prints of this illustration. Though I never once told the classes that the boy in the illustration was Chase, everyone assumed it was and he became quite the celebrity. Needless to say, it was quite the experience. I’m glad he encouraged me to do it.
2 replies on “Drawing on Reading”
I’m glad that you did it too. You are very talented! Thanks for sharing your talents with the Myhre kinders this past year.
I so wish Dad and I could have been a mouse in the corner today. I can almost imagine the excitement Chase experienced. Good for both of you!