What's On My Desk? PBJ Postcards!

What's heading out my door to publishers everywhere? These oversized postcards featuring work from all five of the Picture Book Junkies! I'm excited to roll these out along with our new branding. I'm lucky to know Roz Fulcher, Alicia Padrón, Kathy Weller and Deb Melmon. You'd be lucky to work with any of them. OK, me (Gina Perry) too. This is a self-promo after all!

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!

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!

Sneak Peak

Be sure to check in with the PBJ's next week for a super fun celebration week

and book giveaway. We will be reviewing Ladybird's First Favourite Christmas Book, illustrated by our own Alicia Padron! And beginning on Monday you can leave a comment to be entered to win a copy of this adorable book. It's big and beautiful!

ilove my iPad

Hello there!

This is the first post I do from my iPad2. Hubby and kids gave it to me as a birthday gift and I am loving it! We all have to wait and take turns for using it though.. he he. ;)

Truth is I've been dying to get once ever since the iPad came out but I honestly thought that while having an iPhone and a MacBook, an iPad wouldn't be necessary. Fun of course, but not really necessary. Now I am totally in love with it and feel I can't live without it.

I followed Deb's great advice from her post on what sketch/paint program to get and bought a bamboo stylus from wacom. So far it has been great. I like that Artrage feels very natural sort of like Coral Paint and that it has layers like Photoshop too. Its amazing how instinctive and easy to use the iPad and these programs are and how kids "get it" so easily. My 9 year old daughter grabbed the ipad for a second and made the illustration above without me explaining anything to her. Isn't it great?! I know... proud mommy ;)

How about you? Any great or favorite iPad apps you can recommend? I love to hear about them.