Posts Tagged ‘picture book art project’

“Power Down, Little Robot” and draw a robot in 11 steps

"Power Down, Little Robot"

“Power Down, Little Robot” by Anna Staniszewski and illustrated by Tim Zeltner

 

I spied this at Target and after I read it- I just had to have it for me and my girls! The text is super clever with play on techie words which is why this book will entertain an older picture book kid as well as a super young one! Usually, “going to bed” books seem a little young for my almost 5-year-old these days, but this was right on!

The little robot activates his stalling program when he doesn’t want to go to bed. All kids and parents can relate, and this is a really fun way to talk about it!

Inside "Power down, Little Robot"

Mom scanning for rust monsters.

Now, try you hand at drawing a robot yourself…

-Shanda and HJ

A Picture Book & A Project: “I’m Bored” and how NOT to be bored with a potato!

"I'm Bored" by Michael Ian Black, Illustrated by Debbie Ridpath Ohi Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2012

“I’m Bored” by Michael Ian Black, Illustrated by Debbie Ridpath Ohi
Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2012

This kid is so bored she starts talking to a potato that thinks SHE is boring! So, she has to set the record straight: Potatoes are boring and kids can do ANYTHING!

SHANDA: I am taken with these cute, yet wild illustrations! And I love the illustrator’s success story. She really thought she was more of a writer, but was discovered big time at an SCBWI portfolio showcase!

HJ: (She likes to say “I’m bored” in a potatoey voice). If you can imagine that.

Now, grab a potato, a parent, a knife, paint, and paper! The best way NOT to be bored with a potato is to make potato stamps! Have fun!

potato1

Here’s a great link to show parents how to cut a potato stamp!

potato2

potato3

potato5

potato6

We made a gift bag with our stamps… but kids can think of lots of cool stuff to decorate! What can you come up with?

 

A Picture Book & A Project: “Little Mouse” and drawing a mouse!

Sometimes your mommy might call you her little mouse, but that’s silly because you’re probably nothing like a mouse at all!

"Little Mouse" by Alison Murray DISNEY HYPERION BOOKS, 2013

“Little Mouse” by Alison Murray
DISNEY HYPERION BOOKS, 2013

SHANDA: I have been hungry for a new book! So, I let myself walk into a bookstore and judge the books by their covers, literally! I didn’t read this before I bought it. I just loved the art, and took it home :) Lucky for me, the writing is lovely too. It’s really a book of comparisons and what animals you might be similar to. I am drawn to the color palette, lines, and shapes this illustrator uses. My favorite page is the precious hug at the end. The simplicity isn’t too simple for me. This is the sweet spot I’d like to find in my own work.

HJ: I like this book because I’m not like a mouse either!

 Final mouse drawing :)

Here’s the project… Learn to draw a mouse on your own! Watch the video below…

 

How to draw a mouse: tutorial by a 3-year-old from Shanda on Vimeo.

A Picture Book & A Project: A Sick Day For Amos McGee and Feel Better Balloons

A Picture Book & A Project: A Sick Day for Amos McGee (written by Philip C. Stead, Illustrated by Erin E. Stead) and making Feel Better Balloons!

A Picture Book & A Project: A Sick Day for Amos McGee (written by Philip C. Stead, Illustrated by Erin E. Stead) and making Feel Better Balloons!

Amos McGee was a very reliable and busy zookeeper, but he always made time for his friends: the elephant, tortoise, penguin, rhinoceros, and owl. One day, Amos did not feel well and stayed home, but don’t worry- his friends made time to help him feel better!

A Sick Day for Amos McGee written by Philip C. Stead and illustrated by Erin E. Stead. ROARING BROOK PRESS, 2010

A Sick Day for Amos McGee written by Philip C. Stead and illustrated by Erin E. Stead.
ROARING BROOK PRESS, 2010

SHANDA: I noticed this book in a bookstore several years ago, because the beautiful illustrations caught my eye! Then I noticed it was a Caldecott winner! The pictures are realistic, yet cute, sweet, and expressive with simple backgrounds. The printed textures and colors are lovely. I picked it up and read it. It touched my heart and made me all warm inside.

This is another husband and wife author-illustrator combo! I love that! They now have a few more books out together since this one.

This is a nice bedtime book as it is calm and comfy. Let your little one look for the bird, mouse, and red balloon throughout the book! We have probably read this book together 100 times :)

HJ: I like the elephant on the bus. And Amos McGee!

Now, on to the Project! Let’s make time (like Amos’s friends did) for someone feeling under the weather… We can take or send a Feel Better Balloon to them!

What you'll need to make a Feel Better Balloon

Ballon Step 1

Balloon Step 2

Balloon Step 3

Balloon Step 4Balloon Step 5

We hope you’ll help somebody feel better this week :) Also, I’d love to see the art you create from this post- email me if you like, and I’ll show it on the blog!

Love, Shanda & HJ!

Shanda McCloskey, Children's Illustrator & Author