Behind the Scenes: Meeting Sara, Our New Illustrator

by Shelly Bowen on April 11, 2012

Sara Jane Franklin and Tracy Hopcus Jordan, photo by Shelly Bowen

Sara Jane Franklin and Tracy Hopcus Jordan

Sara and Tracy were sitting in the window of Olive & Thyme in Los Angeles, chatting intensely about Photoshop layers and Wacom tablets and art school when I blew in pretty frazzled from the long and intense drive from San Diego.

They were already half done with their tea and coffee, and I was too late for all the fun catchup chat, but I wouldn’t have missed meeting the talented illustrator Sara Jane Franklin in person to deliver her first illustrator contract with Red Piggy Press.

Tracy and I are so honored and thrilled she’s agreed to take on one of our first book apps!

With lunch ordered, we dove right into business — or rather, the creative process. Sara’s style is whimsical and layered, and she works that way too. She shared conceptual sketches, and talked about whether the characters should be animals or people. We showed her book app functionality we love, and she scribbled ideas and circled them with hearts. Or at least, that’s how I pictured it.

(If you’d like to get Sara’s perspective on illustrating, be sure to Like her on Facebook!)

Tracy and I also shared our marketing strategies with her — not something I’ve done with children’s book illustrators in the past. It just seemed to make sense, because she is the one who will truly bring this book to life, and marketing is just a vehicle to bring this story to you!

We for sure overstayed our welcome at this busy little restaurant, but they were very accommodating, and we snapped a couple photos outside to commemorate.

Are you as excited as we are? Please help us welcome Sara Jane Franklin to the Red Piggy Press family!

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People Watching with Kids

by Wendy Kwasny on April 3, 2012

My children are always watching, listening, and absorbing everything that going on around them. Even when I think my son is otherwise occupied, with his nose in an iPad book, like Jack and the Beanstalk, he’ll lift his head and ask a question or add to our conversation. It’s always a slightly shocking reality check for me that I must always watch what I say — and how I act.

Which makes me think, when we’re out and about in our neighborhood, am I friendly to the people we pass? All of them, or just some? What unspoken message am I sending to my children about people who appear different than us?

It’s such a balancing act to teach children manners, politeness, and safety.

When I was riding my bike into town yesterday, my 16 month old strapped in the bike seat directly behind me, we passed all kinds of people. I made a point to smile, attempt eye contact and nod at everyone. And somewhat surprisingly, almost everyone who noticed me, did the same. When we got into town we settled into sidewalk seating at a little gelato shop and watched the people go by. A toddler is a great ice breaker. We interacted with almost everyone.

When my children are a little older, I plan on volunteering with them. It’s a wonderful way to get into the community (often a different one than my own) and build some altruism in my children as well as help those in need. I’ve found many resources for volunteering: Volunteers of America is one.

I think my kids will pick up on these gestures as they learn to navigate their world without me.

What’s working for you to help your children learn about and accept other cultures, communities, and people? Do you have a favorite book or or children’s book app that speaks to this particular issue?

Sketch and photo by Wendy Kwasny, 2012.

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About Wendy Kwasny, Contributing Blogger

Wendy Kwasny, fine artist, mommy bloggerWendy Kwasny is a mom to a boy and a girl under 6 years old, a fine artist with 15+ years experience, and an advocate of attachment parenting, hands on learning, equality for all, arts and sciences in schools, organic gardening, and free play. Follow Wendy on Twitter @bendystar and all of us @RedPiggyPress.

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