Here’s a worksheet on how to draw cartoon faces.
Available to download for non-commercial, educational purposes only.
Author: James Foley
James Foley makes children’s books for children who read books. If you’re a child and you’re eating his books, you’re doing it wrong. His books include the multi-award winning Stellarphant, Brobot, Chickensaurus, Bigfoot vs Yeti, Happy Barry Capybara and Oh No! James lives in Perth with his wife Renae Hayward (also an author), 2 kids (wannabe authors), and a labrador (not an author). He is a massive Marvel movie nerd and comes from a long line of queuing enthusiasts. Follow him on socials ( @jamesfoleybooks ) or at www.jamesfoley.com.au .
The picture book publication process
Here’s how the picture book publication process usually works.
It’s oversimplified, and it’s not true of every book- but should be useful as a guide.
1. A writer writes a picture book manuscript.
A picture book usually has 32 pages. Sometimes a writer keeps this in mind, and divides their text into sections for each double-page spread.
Tips for aspiring writers and illustrators
Many people want to have their work published. Making it happen is (usually) not easy. The challenge can seem overwhelming and insurmountable. But many people have done it before.
I’ve pulled together some links, books and tips to help you on your journey.
Continue reading “Tips for aspiring writers and illustrators”
Last Viking flying high
My first picture book The Last Viking (written by the great Norman Jorgensen) has won the 2012 Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators’ (SCBWI) Crystal Kite Award.
This is a members’ choice award. Writers and illustrators from each region voting on their favourite title for the past year.
Congratulations to all the other Crystal Kite winners around the world! And many many thanks to all the Australian and New Zealander SCWBIans for choosing our book; it’s very humbling to have your support.
Last Viking flying high
The Last Viking has won the 2012 Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators’ (SCBWI) Crystal Kite Award.
This is a members’ choice award. Writers and illustrators from each region voting on their favourite title for the past year.
Congratulations to all the other Crystal Kite winners around the world! And many many thanks to all the Australian and New Zealander SCWBIans for choosing our book; it’s very humbling to have your support.
Janet Shaw is a bit of a superhero
Here’s the cover of Janet Shaw’s new book, ‘Bit of a Super Hero‘. Janet is a Perth-based author, social worker, medal-winning ex-paralympian and motivational speaker. As well as these achievements, she has faced blindness and cancer. She is a definite hero.
I was very happy to get to work on the cover of Janet’s book, and to share the duties with two illustrator friends. I did the linework, Briony Stewart did the colour, then Shannon Melville did the layout and design.
‘Bit of a Super Hero’ is available online now.
[Addendum: Janet lost her battle with cancer in December 2012. It was a privilege to meet her; she was such a lovely person, such a strong character. Read her book to find out more about her extraordinary life, or read her wikipedia page.]
Interview on 95.3fm, Perth World Radio
Yesterday, Peter Jeffery from 95.3fm interviewed myself and talented fellow Fremantle Press author/illustrator Sean E Avery about making a living as children’s book illustrators. Click below to hear the interview.
Audio courtesy of The World of Art, 6EBA 95.3fm World Radio (Perth, Western Australia)
More awards
Brilliant brilliant news…
The Last Viking has been listed in the Children’s Book Council of Australia Awards 2012!
- Notable Book, Picture Book of the Year category, CBCA Awards 2012
- Shortlist, Early Childhood category, CBCA Awards 2012
The Last Viking has also been shortlisted in the 2011 Aurealis Awards for Australian fantasy, science fiction and horror creators.
Children’s Book Council of Australia Awards, 2012
Brilliant brilliant news…
My debut book The Last Viking, written by Norman Jorgensen, has been shortlisted in the Children’s Book Council of Australia Awards 2012!
We scored two mentions:
- Notable Book, Picture Book of the Year category
- Shortlisted Book, Early Childhood category
I’m very surprised and very chuffed. It’s one of those cliches… ever since I was a kid, I dreamed that one day one of my books would have the shiny CBCA sticker on the cover- and now it’s happened, hooray! It’s a great honour and a great affirmation. Congrats Norm! And thanks to the CBCA 🙂
Last Viking shortlisted for 4 awards
Norman Jorgensen and I received great news this year regarding our children’s book, The Last Viking. It has been shortlisted for 4 awards!
- the 2012 Western Australian Young Readers’ Book Awards
- the 2012 Adelaide Festival Awards for Literature
- the 2012 Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators’ Crystal Kite Awards
- the 2011 Aurealis Awards for Australian fantasy, science fiction and horror creators
It’s a great buzz to be nominated with Norman, and also to be nominated alongside illustrators that I look up to.
