Wednesday, October 26, 2011

A good day


© copyright Alicia Padrón


I'm so happy. A book that I thought would never come to be, will actually get to be. Kids will be able to hold it in their hands, blow out the candles and enjoy it!

I worked on this title at the beginning of last year. As soon as the book was done the publisher suddenly closed its doors. It happens. Not frequently thank God.. but it happens. I was left with this awful mixture of feelings, mostly sadness.

When you work on a book you put so much into it. Some people think they are just pretty pictures but they really are not.

You create characters that didn't exist before and you make them live in a world the author created. You think of the kids reading the book first and make the art for them. You know how important it is for kids to enjoy seeing the details and to "read" your images.

The rest is blah, unimportant business stuff. Of course work and pay matters but honestly, the most wonderful reward is knowing a kid will be in bed at night, eyes fixed on the book, dying to turn the page and see what comes next.

It's a good day today. :o)




8 comments:

Lisa M Griffin said...

Very true! And how wonderful that this turned around and will come to fruition. :)
Sweet & charming composition too.

roz said...

I am sooo happy about this. Yes, what a good day!!
I so wish Kevvy could have had a chance to experience this book. He would have LOVED it so much. Birthday themed and blowing out the candles. =o)

Happy happy joy joy - a book is born! =oD

Phyllis Harris said...

Congratulations, Ali!!! Thanks for sharing this encouraging news. I think most of us as illustrators have lost a project to either the economy or for many other reasons...so it's always good to hear that some of these stories end happily after all! :)

Di said...

Congratulations! This is a very good day for you! The illo looks adorable!

Silvia LGD (Little Green Doll) said...

Congratulations!! Glad to know that it will be published!! :)

June said...

A happy ending :o)
So glad this is going to live on after all and give lots of pleasure to children.

It is true what you say... we do make worlds happen (if we are fortunate), and it hurts if something goes wrong and we cannot share them as intended.

Alicia Padrón said...

Thanks Lisa! Composition was tricky for this book. It's hard to tell on that spread but the book has many die cuts from the candles (those light up) and those tend to get in the way when you turn the page. Glad you liked it!

Thank you my sweet Rozzita. I know.. you know how I feel about this.. Thank you for being happy with me. xo


H Phyllis! Yes, it is nice when some of those stories do have a happy ending. Thank you so much! :o)

Aww thanks Di!


Muchas gracias Little Green Doll!


Thank you June! Yes, that's it exactly. We get sentimental about our work but I guess its in our nature right? :o)

Kathy said...

That is the happiest news and blog post! You have a way with words and how you tell us about this experience! Thanks so much for sharing, Ali!! YAY!!!!!!