Who's the fairest in the land?

 
Not the Queen in Snow White, as she looks like she could use a spa vacation and some Buddhist philosophy.

Bologna Children's Bookfair 2008...Wow!

This was an incredible (and sometimes edible) treat to meet people passionate about children's books from all corners of the world. It will take me some time to digest all that I learned there. (burp. excuse me!)
Illustrator's Cafe in the fair offered lectures by illustrators, publishers, award judges, and had a huge display of original artwork that was also published in the Bologna Annual, 2008 Illustrator's Catalog. The fair was housed in the Bologna Fiera in 4 huge buildings. It took days just to visit the exhibits. To summarize, I can only say, "WOW!" Where do I leave the gratuity for this feast with kindred spirits.

Praha stars

Praha stars is done in gouache and ink resist, copyright 2008, elizabeth blake.

"I think I'm Adopted" illustration

Celebrating the diversity of adoptive families. Link to children's shirts: http://www.cafepress.com/artsy4kidz

Illustrations Black & White

Momentum: illustration friday

For the love of books!

What is it about children's book writers and illustrators that makes us still want to read them as adults? Is it still knowing the magic of childhood, or still growing up? Some of my friends say that a good story with illustrations makes them want to inhabit the book, walk around the images and make friends with the characters. Whatever the reason, they captivate our imagination.

The photos are of my daughter who loved school so much she became a primary school teacher. I know she was one of my best teachers, in so many ways.