As we mentioned in a previous post, Let Me Help! / ¡Quiero ayudar! is our newest release for Spring, and we couldn't be more excited about it. So we're offering our loyal website visitors (i.e. YOU) the chance to be one of the first people to own it. Starting today, we are making the book available (in advance of its publication date) exclusively on our website! Go ahead, add it to your cart.

For those of you hungry to know more about the book, below is an interview with illustrator Angela Domínguez. Angela was born in Mexico City and raised in Texas. Growing up, she loved to read and to draw. In 2007, she received her MFA in illustration from the Academy of Art in San Francisco, where she is now teaching a class on children's book illustration. Below, Angela shares some of her thoughts on working on Let Me Help!, which is her first ever picture book and second children's book, as well as some sketches.

And lasty, we have to plug Angela's book signing at CABE next week on March 10th. Actually, author Alma Flor Ada will be there as well, so it will be double the fun.

So Angela, take it away!

What motivated your artwork in this book?

I was inspired by Mexican Movie Posters and Toulouse Lautrec. I began with very tight character sketches. It was important for me to depict a wide range of Mexican faces and body types. As a Mexican who immigrated to the United States and grew up in Texas, I felt it was my duty to try to show a variety.  Also, I always give my illustrations a sort of soundtrack. What inspired me this time was the James Bond theme music and Earth, Wind & Fire.

What would you like your artwork to communicate to children who read the story?

I’d like for children to understand that you never can predict what a person (or in this case a parrot) can do. I want the children to identify with Perico, who is good-natured, and has only the best intentions. Despite being told repeatedly that he is in the way, he remains true to himself and able to save the day. In addition, I want children to understand and enjoy the imagery associated with the Mexican American Holiday.

How did you create the illustrations for Let Me Help?

When I’m researching my characters, I spend a great deal of time at my local bookstores and libraries. I also spend countless hours drawing from life, and going outdoors for inspiration. I’m on the hunt trying to process what I think the character should look like. This stage can take quite awhile, but it is both necessary and exciting. When it came to the actual illustrations, I worked on a taupe surface and used acrylic, ink and watercolor. I did not use any specific models, but I did a ton of research. I have an older brother that still lives in Texas, and he took countless pictures of the San Antonio Riverwalk on my behalf.

What do you like about illustrating children’s books?

I love children’s books because you are presented with two challenges. First, you have to build an entire world where the characters and story are taking place. Second, you have to make the artwork look effortless. If you don’t address both challenges, the book does not look sincere and lacks that spark. Also, I love making artwork that is not pretentious, but instead approachable and enjoyable to everyone. There is nothing more rewarding than making someone laugh, smile, or feel inspired.

What would you say to children who like to draw and who are thinking about becoming an artist one day?

I recommend just to keep drawing everyday. If you can, try taking an after school course or attend a workshop. Learn as much as you can from museums, books, and classes. Be open to suggestions to your artwork, and understand that criticism is helpful.  Being a successful artist has less to do with talent, and more with passion, practice, and perseverance.

Submitted by Childrens Book Press on Tuesday, March 2, 2010 3:21pm

Congratulations to Malathi Michelle Iyengar and Jamel Akib, author and illustrator of Tan to Tamarind: Poems About the Color Brown.  It was named an Honor Book in the Picture Book Category of the 2009 Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature. (Read the press release here.) The award is given annualy by the Asian/Pacific American Librarians Association (APALA), an affiliate of the American Library Association. The awards promote Asian/Pacific American culture and heritage and are awarded based on literary and artistic merit. The winners will each receive an award plaque at the APALA Award Ceremony on Sunday, June 27 during the ALA Annual Conference in Washington, D.C. It's expected to be an exciting event because the APALA is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year.

Submitted by Childrens Book Press on Wednesday, February 24, 2010 9:48am

Our Executive Editor, Dana Goldberg, was recently interviewed by PaperTigers.org, the popular online resource for books for young readers, to discuss how The Storyteller's Candle came to be. As we mentioned in a previous post, The Storyteller's Candle was selected for the Spirit of PaperTigers project, which will be donating a set of books to schools and libraries around the world. In the interview, Dana discusses how the idea for the book came about, what it was like to work with the "dream team" of Lucía González and Lulu Delacre, and her thoughts on where multicultural children's publishing is today. You can read the entire interview here.

Submitted by Childrens Book Press on Tuesday, February 16, 2010 1:15pm

My Papa Diego and Me was included in another "best-of" list! This time, it's the 2010 CCBC Choices list, which is the annual best-of-the-year list of the Cooperative Children's Book Center at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. The complete list is available here.

Submitted by Childrens Book Press on Friday, February 12, 2010 2:41pm

Cheers for The Storyteller's Candle and the Spirit of PaperTigers Project!

PaperTigers.org, the popular online resource for books for young readers, just announced the launch of their Spirit of PaperTigers Project today. The initiative aims to "promote literacy while raising awareness of our common humanity," and will donate 100 books "to libraries and schools in areas of need across the globe." We're extremely honored and proud that The Storyteller's Candle was included in the 2010 book set. As you'll see, we are in excellent company.

You can find out more about the Spirit of PaperTigers on their website, or read more about their selection process.
 

Submitted by Childrens Book Press on Tuesday, February 2, 2010 12:38pm

Children's Book Press' very own Mira Reisberg (Baby Rattlesnake, Uncle Nacho’s Hat, Where Fireflies Dance, Just Like Me, and Honoring Our Ancestors), will be teaching 2 classes in Sacramento.

Writing, Illustrating, and Publishing Children’s Picture Books
Saturdays from March 5th, 2010 to April 24th, 2010 (an 8 week course)
1pm-4pm
University Art, 2610 Marconi Ave., Sacramento, CA 95821

Many of Mira’s former students have gone on to rewarding careers in the field (including some who have published with us – Felicia Hoshino, Sara Kahn). Mira has taught this course at UC Berkeley and S.F. City College Extensions as well as at Northern Illinois University where she was recently an art education professor. Since this class is outside of a college setting, it's considerably cheaper than it would be in an institution.

Needle-Felted Totem Animals Class
February 13, 2010 1pm-4pm
University Art, 2610 Marconi Ave., Sacramento, CA 95821

Mira will be teaching a hip, new and practical art & crafts technique using soft eco-friendly wool and a special needle. Participants will learn to felt beautiful sculpted wool animals representing power animals that embody qualities you have or need to possess (e.g. courage, serenity, etc.) to keep, sell, or give as gifts. Animals can be real animals such as lions, dogs, zebras, etc. or imaginary animals like dragons or griffins. This class is ideal for teachers, artists, crafters, or parents wanting to do something special with their kids (10 and over).
Knowing Mira, these classes will be fun, informative, and helpful.

To register or for more information, contact Mira Reisberg at 916-483-4242, miraguy@gmail.com, www.mirareisberg.com, or www.MiraArt.etsy.com.

Submitted by Childrens Book Press on Wednesday, January 20, 2010 4:21pm

The Sun Gallery is Hayward, CA's longest standing nonprofit arts organization, and on January 13th, it is proud to present its 21st annual Children's Book Illustrators Exhibit. As in years past, some of the work in the exhibit was created by Children's Book Press illustrators including Maya Christina Gonzalez and Carl Angel.

The 2010 exhibit, called A Celebration of Excellence in Art and Literature, opens on January 13 and continues through April 3, 2010. A reception and book signing will take place at the gallery on Saturday, February 20, 2010. More information, including hours and location, can be found on the Sun Gallery website.

Submitted by Childrens Book Press on Wednesday, January 13, 2010 10:59am

This Spring, we are pleased to publish a new book by the amazing award-winning author, Alma Flor Ada. Let Me Help! / ¡Quiero ayudar! is a charming story of Perico, a pet parrot who desperately wants to help his family prepare for the Cinco de Mayo fiesta, but is constantly being shooed away. In the end, Perico finds his own special way to lend a hand (or wing).

Let Me Help! is our first book with the legendary Alma Flor Ada. Not only has she authored over 200 children's books, but she is also a leader in the field of multicultural and bilingual education.

Let Me Help! is brilliantly illustrated by Angela Domínguez, a rising star in the children's book world. Check out some of Angela's artwork from the book:

Submitted by Childrens Book Press on Monday, January 11, 2010 11:12am

In an earlier blog post, we wrote about the upcoming musical production based on Chachaji's Cup that is premiering this month. Now we'd like to highlight the organization that made it possible.

Making Books Sing is an independent nonprofit theater organization based in New York City. Their goal is to empower children to experience the performing arts and literature as vehicles for their imaginations, artistic expression, and learning. Children’s Book Press has partnered with Making Books Sing twice before, on musical adaptations of The Upside Down Boy (in 2004) and A Shelter in Our Car (in 2007). Following is an excerpt from an interview with Barbara Zinn Krieger, Making Books Sing's Artistic Director.

Submitted by Childrens Book Press on Friday, January 8, 2010 2:33pm

It's not everyday that we get to see one of our books turned into a full-blown musical, but later this month, one of our most beloved books will come to life on stage.

Making Books Sing is proud to present "Tea with Chachaji," based on the award-winning Children's Book Press book, Chachaji's Cup by Uma Krishnaswami. Great-uncle Chachaji sips chai as he shares Hindu myths with 10-year-old Neel and his Indian-born mother. But, the greatest story of all is found in Chachaji's teacup. This precious heirloom migrated with young Chachaji and his mother from Pakistan to India after the Partition of 1947. As they walked many miles, she swore to her son, "If this fragile cup can make it without breaking, so can we." This beautifully staged Off-Broadway production, featuring award-winning talent and live music played on authentic Indian instruments, is coming to a theatre near you! For children ages 8 and up. (Click here for performance schedule and ticket info.)

Submitted by Childrens Book Press on Monday, January 4, 2010 12:28pm