Tim Zeltner for Henry Holt's Power Down Little Robot

  Power Down Little Robot, is a very special children's picture book lovingly illustrated by Tim Zeltner and written by Anna Staniszewski.  When it's time to power down for the night, Little Robot is not ready and he quickly opens his stalling program.  From there, the story is very familiar to avoidance experts everywhere (mombots and dadbots), and told with one fun twist after another.  In the end Mom Unit knows how to get him tucked in to his module as he finally powers down.

Sally Doherty, Executive Editor for Henry Holt Books for Young Readers, fell in love with Tim Zeltner's art.  Power Down, Little Robot is the second picture book she has commissioned him to illustrate.  Upon receiving Tim's final art for the book Sally's reaction was, "Wow!  You've done it again--you've really knocked us out with your extraordinary vision for this story.  I just love everything about what you've done:  the colors, the style, the expressions.  Fantastic!"  Well deserved praise for Tim Zeltner's beautiful hand painted illustrations on wood.

"Now hurry and clean your cogs.", says Mom Unit.  The Little Robot says to himself, "I try to brush them at half my normal rate, but nothing gets past Mom Unit's sharp eye."

"But I'm not tired!  Look.  My power level is still at yellow."

"But I need to tell you a secret!...Did you know that a hummingbot flaps its wings a million times a second?"

"The sleep module is soft and warm.  Maybe I could close my eyes for a millisecond..."

"Dream sequence initiated."

Check out Tim Zeltner's entire portfolio.

Digging Clare Owen, self-confessed cat lover and fabulous illustrator

Recently we shared some of Clare Owen's new work and the response was fantastic!  We didn't want anyone to miss out on her sublime illustrations. Check out Clare Owen's portfolio and get inspired to commission an illustration by this fabulous illustrator!

Margaret Lee: Being A Writer

  Working with talented art director Roberta Morris, Margaret Lee created these fun book covers for the Being A Writer Program.  With a combination of actual student writing and hand created collage elements Margaret brings her clean and graphic layered treatment to these age-appropriate illustrations.  To see more of Margaret's inspiring collage style art visit here.

Happy Chinese New Year!

Wishing prosperity for all in true Year of the Snake style!

This beautiful image was created by Harvey Chan.

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Rémy Simard Illustrates Graphic Novel 'Robbers!'

After much praise for his illustrations in Duped!, Rémy Simard was asked by Colleen MacMillan, Associate Publisher at Annick Press, to illustrate their next book entitled Robbers!.  Robbers!, the second book in the graphic novel series for young adults, was art directed by Antonia Banyard. Author Andreas Schroeder, the “resident Scam-meister” on the former popular CBC Radio show Basic Black, spent twelve years reporting on ingenious frauds, swindles, and hoaxes committed around the world.  He continues this fascination with a series of books.

Annick says: "Each story (in 'Robbers!') offers a glimpse into the high-octane underworld of the boldest of robbers. The writer’s fascination with criminal masterminds and the illustrator’s action-packed graphic depictions of real-life thievery make this a compelling read for fans of mischief, mayhem, and bad guys on the run."

'Robbers!' hit book stores this month, but why leave the comfort of your computer? - click here to pick up your copy today!

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Mystery Series illustrated by Doug Martin

Doug Martin has been creating the covers for the "Seaside Knitters Mystery Series" by Sally Goldenbaum, published by Penguin. Sally Goldenbaum recently passed on a compliment she received from reader Suzanne Barton, "...I've already bought Moon Spinners and can't wait to start it. Please pass my sincere compliments on to the cover artist. Cover art is definitely something that draws me to a book and, frankly, keeps me from purchasing an e-reader. I saw the other cover on your blog, and love that one too." Thanks Sally and Suzanne! Keep writing and reading, I'm sure Doug is up for another project. Keep your eyes open for  the next in the series, due out in November:  A Holiday Yarn .

Countdown to new mystery illustrated by Doug Martin

Doug Martin provided the cover art for Three Bedrooms, Two Baths, One Very Dead Corpse by David James and published by Kensington Publishing. The book  will be available September 28, 2010 in hardcover or e-book.

Alanna Cavanagh Lends Her Line to UK Cover of "Hello Heartbreak"

Alanna Cavanagh worked with Art Director Justinia Baird-Murray to create this fun, whimsical new cover for the  Penguin UK paperback edition of of Hello Heartbreak by actress and author Amy Huberman. Alanna says this was a fabulous project as it combined two things she loves to draw: cropped figures and hand lettering. If you're considering adding this to your summer reading list, please note this cover is unfortunately only available in the UK. Maybe the new cover will be picked up in North America as the cover itself is receiving rave reviews, as noted by Leah at  Chick Lit Reviews .

What to Wear for the Rest of Your Life - illustrated by Alanna Cavanagh

In bookstores now -Kim Johnson Gross's newest fashion advice book, What to Wear for the Rest of Your Life: Ageless Secrets of Style.

Alanna has provided her own fabulous fashion sense and love of pattern to the interior illustrations.

patterned hose

wrap dress

sweat pants

Alanna even provided a fabulous "interior" for the author's photo.

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Hear Kim Johnson Gross speaking about her new book

Doug Martin illustrates for St.Martin's Press Mystery Series

Some more options for the summer reading list: Doug Martin recently illustrated the covers of two of Elizabeth J. Duncan's mystery novels, published by St.Martin's Press. Doug Martin illustrated the paperback release of The Cold Light of Mourning, the debut novel where we first meet Penny Brannigan, a Canadian manicurist living and working in North Wales who investigates the murder of a friend. The second novel, A Brush with Death, is the follow up novel in which Penny inherits a cottage and mystery in Llanelen, North Wales.

A Great Summer Read for Tweens

Just in time for the summer of the 2010 (Year of the Tiger), Anne Horst has illustrated the cover of  Alison Lloyd's debut novel, Year of the Tiger, published by Holiday House. The story takes place during the Year of the Tiger in ancient China during the Han Dynasty. Two boys, Hu and Ren,  develop a friendship across class divisions while practicing for an archery tournament- their skills and friendship aid them when their city is invaded by Barbarians.

Girl in the Know - new book illustrated by Monika Melnychuk

Illustrated by Monika Melnychuk written by Anne Katz, published by Kids Can Press

Monika's latest tween book for Kids Can Press, just released.  Girl in the Know is a straight-talking little manual packed with everything a girl should know about the many changes she can expect in puberty.  Girls will find advice on everything from sexuality, mood swings, crushes, health and much more!  I wish there was a manual for menopause!

Elaine Black writes in the School Library Journal (May 1, 2010):  " This well-done primer will help guide irls through the physical and emotional changes that come with growing up.  Using straightforward language and a no-nonsense approach.  Katz's text explains puberty in a relaxed tone.  The comprehensive section on nutrition, or "fueling up" is particularly good.  Melnychuk's wonderful multicultural illustrations stand out as well.  They are beautifully global and strike a great balance between cartoon and realistic art.  These renderings combined with Kat's reassuring tone make this basic guide one of the better additions to the genre."