When I’m working on picture book dummies but I can never remember how many spreads I can have! I usually use Debbie Ohi’s templates. Although lately I’ve been marking down tiny boxes in my sketchbook that are literally thumbnail sized to help me explore pacing and page turns as I work through revisions. As illustrators we do have a number of options for using those pages. Most of the hardcover books in my own collection are 40 page self-ended. I asked around various kidlit groups and have been reassured that the vast majority of picture books are 32 pages. A browse through one of my local libraries revealed very few 32 page self-ended books but many 32 page separate-ended books but 40 page picture books were definitely not a rarity. If you’re not sure what I mean by self-ended, separated-ended, or endpapers there are links at the bottom of Debbie’s post that explain. I also found this endpaper Q&A with Cecelia Yung by Robin Rosenthal over at PenandOink very helpful. My conclusion: when writing, write with 32 pages in mind. When illustrating, focus on variety, pacing, and strong page turns. I thought I’d share what I’ve dubbed my Picture Book Layout Cheat Sheet – a handy little reminder of the possible options with examples that I can refer back to. If you’ve found other unique or interesting layouts I’d love to hear about them.

I haven’t blogged since February but that doesn’t mean I haven’t been busy. My tag-line for the year 2018 has been Get It Done or Make It Happen. Which means I’ve been very, very, busy.

Besides working away on my writing & illustration projects, I’ve been hard at work upping my art game as well. In the spring I was commissioned to paint a mural to promote kindness at Gesner Street School. I hear the kids were thrilled to see their “Gesner Rock” in the mural.

I  participated in my first Plein Air Festival – Paint the Past at Kingslanding. It was really refreshing to get outside and spend an entire weekend painting. Meeting & chatting with the other painters was the icing on the cake. I plan to add the paintings to my Art Page soon. Here’s a look at my look from the first day. Stay Tuned for the final works!

I spent some time teaching art. Several classes to young kids and two sketching workshops for adults. Here’s a sample for one of the kids classes.

All this in addition to attending the SCBWI Canada East conference, a trip to visit the inlaws, summer camp (I love camp nursing!), & a family vacation/road trip. It’s no surprise that I’ve been feeling a little too busy!

I spent a few hours last night making these ornaments at an Art Sale. Drawing faces is my default, no thought mode & I’ve also taken a liking to drawing pets. Plus, I prefer to draw tiny so this really is the perfect product for me. Sketching people live (in front of the recipients or gift-giver) is very rewarding. The kids always light up as they watch your scrawls and scratches turn into them. Adults are impressed too. I’m brave & dive right in with a permanent marker – no pencil planning – and the sketches are done in less than 3 min. All those years of doodling faces in the margins of my school notes are finally paying off!