Labracadabra Celebration Week
©2010 Deborah MelmonI know I've posted about Labracadabra before, the chapter book I did for Viking last year, but this week we are going to have a giveaway! It's an adorable book, beautifully printed with hardcover and a jacket, and written by the talented Jessie Nelson and Karen Leigh Hopkins. This week if you leave a comment on our posts, you will be entered into the drawing. The winner will be announced on Saturday and I will mail you your very own autographed copy!
It's funny how jobs come along. In this case, the art director at Viking had seen some of my recently mailed tear sheets (yes, old school...but it works!) that had some quirky, loose sketches of dogs. She emailed me and asked if I had any more art with dogs and boys. She had a story about a dog, with magic powers in it's tail, that she thought would be a good fit for me. "Of course!" I said, and madly set out creating a few more pieces.
©2010 Deborah Melmon
I created this piece and glad I kept it loose, because it turned out to be the exact style for the book. After a bit of back and forth, and weeks of waiting, she told me I had the job. And so I began creating "Larry" who is a mutt with about nine different breeds all mixed up together. I sketched and emailed, resketched and emailed, and resketched again. We finally came up with a version of Larry that everyone bought in to. I also had to create the human characters in the book and my favorite was cousin Seymour who is tormented by allergies, bee stings, sun burns and dogs....
© 2010 Deborah Melmon
I created the artwork with pen and ink and watercolor for the cover and then digitally enhanced it and created the "magic tail" in photoshop. The black and white interiors were done with line work which I scanned into the computer and digitally put in the half tone.
I will always remember the time I spent on this book as it was also the last months of my sweet little Airedale, Gracie, who passed away while I finished up the artwork. I dedicated the book to her.
Don't forget to leave a comment so you will be included in the giveaway!!
9 comments:
Awwwwwwwwwww! Such a super cute look. I love the loose style and it is always a treat to hear about the process. So sorry to hear about the loss of your own 'puppers.' I can't imagine how hard that must have been to work through while working on the project.
I love all of your books Deb but you know I am a softie for pups so can't wait to get my hands on this one! Congratulations!!
Adorable! Great inspirations from your sweet dog Gracie. What a wonderful dedication and memory!
Thanks for the chance to add this great book to my library at school.
Michelle
Aw! LOVE the art!
I've always been a big fan of your doggie drawings. I bet Gracie is wagging her tail in Heaven to see your book in print. :)
What a delightful book this looks! How fitting that you have dedicated it to your own beloved dog.
Deb, this book looks so adorable! And your artistic style is such a perfect match. I am sure your special bond with Gracie carried through into your artwork bringing depth, character and "doggie-love" to your illustrations that parents and kids will really relate to and greatly enjoy. I just lost my 16 yr old cat last week, they become such an integral part of the family. I'm looking forward to reading the new book:) Big congrats!!
Congrats, Deb. Your style was perfect for this book and many many MANY more to come!!
I forgot to add that I love that you have dedicated this to your sweet Gracie. I know she is missed. xo
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