The Society of Illustrators: Original Art Show

Hello Hello! Word on the street is that The Original Art Show is already open for viewing at the Society of Illustrators. I am thrilled that World Rat Day was chosen one of the best illustrated children’s books of the year, and that my rats lineup will be representing. If you’ve never seen the show, it’s an amazing event, and one of few chances to see the actual art from these great books in person. On top of that, if you’re in New York City tomorrow evening (October 24th), the opening reception will give you the added opportunity to meet the artists.

A big shout out goes to the terrific folks at Candlewick—Art Directors Anne Moore and Kristen Nobles made this a really fun project for me, from beginning to end. World Rat Day was written by U.S. Children’s Poet Laureate J. Patrick Lewis, and is a collection of hilarious “Poems About Real Holidays You’ve Never Heard Of.”

The Original Art Show runs from October 23 through December 21 at The Society of Illustrators, 128 East 63rd Street, between Park and Lexington. For more information, click here.

new book news and some nice reviews

It’s been difficult keeping this page current of late, and now somehow it’s already the first day of autumn. Which reminds me...time to go balance an egg!

Okay, now that’s out of the way...

I should have shared this a while back, but some great reviews have been coming in for Things That Float and Things That Don’t by David A. Adler. Both Booklist and Publishers Weekly gave it starred reviews. Here’s a quick quote from the former:

“Raff's jaunty, imaginative illustrations feature two curious children and their dog playing around with objects and water. It’s rare to find a picture book that uses simple, hands-on activities so successfully, leading young children to a fuller understanding of a scientific concept.”

And to top things off, about a week ago, I received news from Holiday House that the book has been awarded a “Junior Library Guild Selection.”  This designation comes with its own accessory...

Now for new book news: I’ve signed on with G. P. Putnam’s Sons to illustrate a new picture book by Lisa M. Bakos called The Wrong Side of the Bed. I for one, have been thoroughly entertained during the sketching phase, which is nearly complete. Of course, I look forward to sharing some visuals when the time comes. To tide you over, here’s an early sketch of one of the book’s many characters...

And on the heels of that, I’ll be illustrating another non-fiction picture book for Holiday House by David A. Adler. So it looks like it’s going to be another busy year.

By now your eggs have rolled over...so back to it then...Happy Fall!

some very nice things about rats

I’m not going to lie about it...I did do a little dance around my apartment last week upon hearing that World Rat Day had been selected for The Original Art Show at the Society of Illustrators. Established in 1979 and juried by an esteemed group of art directors, editors and illustrators, the exhibition showcases the year’s best in children’s book illustration. So in other words—I’m thrilled.

The show will be on view from October 23 through December 21, with an opening reception on Thursday, October 24, from 6–9pm. 

And as if that weren’t enough good news about World Rat Day, four images from the book were also selected for 3x3 Magazine’s annual picture book competition. Hoozah!

All in all, it’s been a pretty good summer for the rats. As for being a Raff, that’s not too bad either. I’ve just agreed to illustrate two picture books over the next year. But more on those another time.

Trailer for Things That Float and Things That Don’t

Not getting your fill of the seaside this summer? Never fear, my book trailer for Things That Float and Things That Don’t by David A. Adler just went live. How about taking a quick 1:21 minute break to cool off?

★ things that float my boat ★

It’s been a sweltering July in New York City thus far, but a few cool things have been happening that I’d like to share.

A big stack of Things That Float and Things That Don’t arrived in the mail today—a bit earlier than expected, since the book isn’t officially due out until September. Written by David A. Adler and published by Holiday House, it received a starred review from Publishers Weekly. 

So if you’re looking for an excuse to beat the heat while learning about buoyancy, this one is for you. For a peek at some of the illustrations, visit my portfolio site. In the meantime, stay cool!

The 600 (with apologies to Lord Tennyson)

The 600 followers of my bird blog Ornithoblogical might have noticed a big milestone approaching — I was about to paint my 600th bird! And then there was a long pause....

My apologies for the delay; brainstorming takes time, and so does execution, but I’m hoping I’ve come up with something worthy of the occasion. 

Speaking of execution, if you’re not familiar with the refrain from Lord Tennyson’s epic poem, “The Charge of the Light Brigade,” here’s some historical background and a link to the poem. Perhaps it’s not the most uplifting subject matter, but it certainly is epic. And at the very least, a challenge for my mostly minimalist illustration style on the blog.

A BIG THANK YOU for all the support to my 600! In celebration, I’m hoping to get my etsy shop back up an running this week, with offerings of prints and other stuff. And there are more birds to come. Meanwhile, below are some details from The 600—Charge of the Egg Brigade.

When can their glory fade?
O the wild charge they made!
    All the world wondered.
Honor the charge they made,
Honor the Light Brigade,
    Noble six hundred.

some birds of paradise

If you haven’t visited Ornithoblogical this week, stop by for my take on a few birds of paradise. I’ve been saving up these crazies for when I had time to do them justice. And I’m fast approaching bird #600, with plenty of ridiculous ideas to go.