starry nights

I illustrated this picture to accompany a poem called, "So Many Nights", by Margaret Wise Brown.  It will be included in a Simon & Schuster Poetry Anthology coming out this Fall, edited by the late, great author, Bill Martin, Jr.  

My son and I have read his lovely books so many times.  They were Henry's first favorite books, and "brown bear" were some of his first words.  For a child who has had much difficulty learning to speak, this was HUGE for us, and these books hold a special place in my heart.  Bill Martin didn't learn to read until he was in college, and there's a wonderful interview where he discusses his childhood here.  

It was an honor and a thrill to be asked to be a part of something with his name on it, his books have been a constant presence in our home.  I've already introduced them to baby J.