My first children’s book . . .
. . . called The No Fun Day, is in the final editing stages. That means I have the book in the hands of a few trusted readers who are helping me with proofreading. Next, I’ll upload the book to my printer and wait to receive a proof copy in the mail. That begins the process of me looking over the printed book and making last-minute changes based on what I see when I’m holding the physical book in my hand. Never having created a book before where visuals were so important, I don’t know how difficult it will be to get every page looking like I want it to. Hopefully, the very first proof will be perfect, and I’ll be able to click the final print button and launch it to the world. But there is also a good possibility it will take several proof copies before I’m happy with everything. That’s why I can’t give a true launch date yet for my book. My best guess now is sometime in July.
I’m so proud of this book, I’m about to explode. I love the story, and I love every illustration. I can’t wait to share it with you all. There is, however, one thing that I can definitely share with you all right now, and that’s the cover. That’s the advantage of being not only the artist and the writer, but also the publisher. I don’t have to get permission because I’ve already decided I want to show it off.
Artwork for Jerry the Squirrel
The picture above is one of my three illustrations that appear in the new Jerry the Squirrel book by Shawn P.B. Robinson. Seeing my drawings in someone else’s book is quite a thrill, I must say. There is something really special about opening a book that I didn’t write and finding my drawings. When I originally drew the pictures, I had a very basic prompt to base my drawings on. But then when I read the story, I got the full context and had a better understanding of what was happening in the pictures that I drew. It’s almost like I was seeing them for the first time.
This is the first Jerry the Squirrel book to include artwork from fans. Most of the artwork in the book was drawn by kids. Judging by the kinds of things I like to draw and write about, it’s probably clear to everyone who knows me that in many ways I’m still a kid at heart. That’s actually something I’m quite proud of. And I’m definitely a fan of Shawn’s books.
I highly recommend the Jerry the Squirrel books for young readers. They are always a ton of laughs and quite exciting too. And all of the artwork is very impressive. The kids that submitted did a fantastic job.
Click this link to see Jerry the Squirrel: the Exile
I Recommend – Sketch
The movie Sketch is a rare find these days. It’s a very well-made monster movie that is appropriate for kids and adults alike. I know that almost makes no sense at all. How can it be a monster movie for kids? Well, think about classic movies like E.T. or Super 8 or Monster House. It fits in the same categories as those movies and others, except most kids’ horror movies include bad language. Sketch does not. Yet, it has plenty of suspense and frightening moments throughout. It also helps that the monsters in Sketch come from a young girl’s imagination, and they look exactly like she draws them in her sketch pad. That being said, several of the monsters are still very frightening-looking and have evil intent. However, I have to give credit to the makers of Sketch who found a way to prevent any real violence from happening throughout the film. Still, this is the kind of movie where kids are in constant danger, so it might not be appropriate for smaller kids. But if my kids were ten and up, I’d have no problem taking them to see Sketch. The story is fun, imaginative, and in many ways a breath of fresh air.
I found it streaming on the Angel Studios streaming app.
SCOTT CAHAN 