And we have a winner!

This morning I wrote 45 names on a piece of paper..

I cut them into little pieces,

folded them

and made it snow on the little village on top of my piano..

little papers fell everywhere..

One of them caught my eye because it fell on the

bench beside Beth and her grandmother,

They were resting from shopping around that day.

and we have a winner...

Laura Zarrin!

Congrats Laura! :o)

Thank you everyone for visiting and for your lovely comments,

and a special thanks to my PBjunkies for throwing me a fantastic Christmas Book Party!

Christmas Book Week Celebration - Day Five

You know what three things really thrill me?



#1 ... Details.

I love the musical notes! I love the little boy's expression!
There are SO many lovely little details in this book...
And all done in Alicia's signature soft, sweet style.

#2... Die cuts!

Okay... so any excuse for a die cut is good enough for me.
But you know what's really special and meaningful?
When it's done with thoughtfulness, purpose, and a design
specifically intended for its audience. Functional fun!

#3... Spot gloss!

Spot gloss is so great when used effectively. When it's not, you wonder
why it is there art all (at least I do). No worries about that here!
The cover spot gloss is used sparingly but very effectively. The book
cover is a soft, velvety matte finish, which works perfectly with the
spot-glossed title and angels. It's just the little "extra something" that elevates
the cover art and design to the next level of awesome.

Please comment for a chance to win a copy of Alicia's beautiful new book, Ladybird First Favorite Christmas Book! You have until saturday to comment, and then Ali will be randomly picking a winner on Sunday. So stay tuned! :)

Christmas Book Celebration Week: Day 4

I'm picking this final spread in Ali's book to focus on. My 3yo son seems most captivated by this spread. It's the first story of Jesus that we've read. Each time, he wants to know what is in the boxes. I explain the gifts of the Magi in a very simple way.
Today he decided he wanted what was in this box (Myrrh). I don't blame him. Look how sweetly Ali has rendered the king (and his camel!). I think the nativity story can feel a little scary but Ali has brought her warmth and heart to every element and it really shows.
The book overall is a great addition to our library. I love the combination of hymns, songs, and Nativity story. It's made so well, it will surely last for many Christmases to come.
Be sure and leave a comment so you can have a chance to win this beautiful book!

Christmas Book Celebration Week- day 3

© copyright Alicia Padrón

I was very excited when Ladybird contacted me offering to illustrate one of their books. They had a Fairy Tale book in mind that they thought would work very well with my illustrations. They asked me to whip up a full spread paid sample first with my choice of the Fairy Tale characters in it.

I came up with the illustration you see above. I always thought Little Red Riding Hood set in the winter instead of spring would be so much lovelier, so I placed all the characters in a snowy forest.

After seeing this, Ladybird decided they wanted me to illustrate a Christmas title instead. I was thrilled because I am a Christmas nut. It's my favorite time of the year. I just love the magic in the air. People seem happier and it's all about the kids. So of course, I said yes. :o)

© copyright Alicia Padrón

This is one of my favorite spreads in the book. When I was a little girl, I always imagined how thrilling it would be to see Santa. I think all kids wish this at one point or another. So I gave them that in this illustration.

© copyright Alicia Padrón

Thank you all for your lovely comments and for participating in the giveaway! I wish I could give copies to all of you but of course I can't. The good news is anyone, anywhere in the world can participate. I will purchase the book and it will ship to the lucky winner.

You have until Saturday to comment. I will announce the winner on Sunday.

Good luck! :o)

Christmas Book celebration week- Day 2

(Comment on this post to be entered in the book giveaway!)

Anyone that is familiar with Alicia's work knows that it embodies warmth and charm. Always. And this delightful book is no exception. Her illustrations marry so perfectly with this fun collection of carols and Christmas stories, giving this book a comfy cozy feel.

I adore how Alicia adds a little something extra to her illustrations for children to discover. Like her cute doggie's that always seem to find a way into the mix!

Ladybird publishing has added yet another fun layer by hiding a ladybird (ladybug) to each page for reader's to find. See if you can spot the one on this interior:

Find it?

Too Fun!

Alicia, congratulations on a beautiful book that I'm sure will be a part of many family's Christmas collection.

It's a Christmas Book Celebration!

Today we are kicking off our celebration week of Alicia Padron's latest book for Ladybird. And it couldn't come at a more perfect time if you are looking for a super cute gift for the young ones this holiday season. The book is filled with Ali's beautiful watercolors with all her whimsy and charm. There is such a sweetness and innocence to her work and I can see why the publisher picked her for this project.

I love the layout of the book, with big sturdy pages and tabs. At the end of the book is the Christmas Story. But this book is really all about her artwork. I just love how she lets loose with her watercolor technique. Such freedom.

Be sure to leave a comment to be entered into our giveaway of this book.

You have until Saturday!