Fun at the Lunch Table

©Lesley Breen Withrow

It's that time of year again...back to school! My daughter just started second grade so we are getting used to the new routines, new teacher and new classmates. She's loving it so far, which makes me so happy. I always remember the lunch table as being so much fun when I was a kid. Maybe it was because I got to see some of my friends who weren't in my class but I figure it was most likely because I new that recess was coming up soon. Gotta love recess! Here's to another great school year!

Library of the Early Mind available to purchase

(art by Jason May)

My husband, Steven Withrow, is co-producer of a film called Library of the Early Mind, which explores the world of children's books. Before now you could only see the film at designated screenings. It is now available to purchase! Yay!

If you would like to see the film, you have two options. You can purchase the hard copies which will be available on December 1st, or you can view the film as a digital download. To find out more about how to purchase/view the film click here: How to view/purchase Library of the Early Mind.

In this film you will see some children's book greats, like Chris Van Allsburg ('Polar Express'), Jerry Pinkney ('The Lion and the Mouse'), Daniel Handler (aka 'Lemony Snicket'), Lois Lowry ('The Giver'), R.L. Stine ('Goosebumps'), Jeff Kinney ('Diary of a Wimpy Kid'), Mo Willems (Knuffle Bunny'), Jane Yolen (author of more than 300 books), Norton Juster ('The Phantom Tollbooth'), Peter H. Reynolds ('Someday'), Brian Selznick ('Hugo Cabret'), Jack Gantos ('Rotton Ralph') and many, many more!

I am very proud of Steve for all the hard work he has put into this film. I was lucky to be able to help out with it here and there and to meet some of these wonderful children's book author's and illustrators. My daughter and I even got to be in the film! It's a true labor of love. So, if you love children's books, this is a must see!

Trip to NYC Stationary and Surtex Show

I went to the Stationary and Surtex show in New York City a couple of weeks ago and had a great time. I haven't been to the show in a quite a few years, so it was nice to go again. I really enjoyed looking at the booths, trends, and it was great to see some familiar faces too! I was happy to see my book, Tooth Fairy Tales - My record of each lost tooth at the Potter Style Booth, and it was also very cool to see my snail notecards at the Papyrus store on 5th Avenue! 

My Book is in the middle of the second shelf up from the bottom.

It was so fun to see my notecards there!

Nice review of or book!

Steve and I were happy to see this nice review that our publisher shared with us about our book "Illustrating Children's Picture Books ." The review was in the UK magazine 'Photoshop Creative.'

New Cover: Illustrating Children's Picture Books

Steven and I are very excited to share with you a fun new cover for our upcoming book, Illustrating Children's Picture Books , which will be published around the world this December. The cover features my art (the pouting girl), along with characters created by Polly Dunbar (the kneeling child) and Miriam Latimer  (the leaping tiger) -- both brilliant artists and storytellers from the UK. It's so wonderful to see the book come together and I can't wait to see a printed copy in December!