Wednesday, October 07, 2009

A Marla Frazee Giveaway!

Caldecott Winner Marla Frazee spoke at Flintridge Bookstore in La Canada, California last weekend, and even though I had a very hectic schedule, I made sure to attend. Not only because she is a highly regarded children's book author and illustrator, but because I happen to be a big fan.

The Clementine series (written by Sara Pennypacker, illustrated by Marla Frazee) is one of my favorite chapter book series.



The characters jump off the page with realism, the storylines are funny and offer clever twists, and the illustrations so endearing that I want to reach down and give little Clementine a big mom-like hug!

Marla was kind enough to answer my question, something I'd been dying to know about the author/illustrator relationship: who decides which scenes and elements to illustrate?

She told me that she does. That first she reads the whole manuscript through, then analyzes the story to see what she could contribute to the project. She mentioned illustrations being like a movie soundtrack that supports the story, and how like music, she looks to make the story "swell."

Wow, huh?

Afterwards, I bought a copy of Clementine's Letter, which she signed for me:


I am giving away another copy of Clementine's Letter, unsigned and hardcover, so that others can share in this wonderful series. All you have to do to be entered is leave a comment naming either a picture or chapter book with illustrations you admire...or an children's book illustrator's name.

Good luck! And this contest will run through the weekend, with the winner named on Monday.

13 fresh comments:

Kelly (Lynn) Parra said...

Tina, this is so awesome! I have been interested in illustration for many years and that is so cool you were able to attend the chat!!

Jonnie (JB) said...

have always liked Tasha Tudors work, especially The Night Before Christmas.
dftrew(at)gmail(dot)com

Janie Emaus said...

Hi,
Marla was fabulous. I agree. Another wonderful illustrator is David Shannon.

PS. I wish I could draw!

NR Marcus said...

I love those illustrations by Marla Frazie too. I also love Mem Fox (I think that's spelled right).
Natasha

Nancye said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Nancye said...

I LOVE Marc Brown and Tana Hoban. Of course, there's also Leo Lionni, and many many others. I love children's book--really I love ALL books! Thanks for this giveaway!

nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net

Weezie's Mom said...

Roald Dahl's the BFG, with illustrations by Quentin Blake. The best!

Llehn said...

I love Lane Smith!

GirlforChrist said...

I like a book called 'the Princess and the Pea'. It's such a great book! : )

~Girlforchrist

Celise said...

Maurice Sendak, "Where the Wild Things Are'. I cannot WAIT to see that movie. I remember reading that book when I was younger and knowing that it's going to be a movie now, I want to go out and buy the book.

Unknown said...

I'm a HUGE fan of Dr. Seuss's illustrations :) I have tons of cat in the hat, grinch, and such stuff :)

babygirlG said...

Ian Falconer

tehashley(at)yahoo(dot)com

TinaFerraro said...

The contest is closed--thanks to all who entered!