Los Angeles’ Central Library and a Favorite Illustrator

Downtown’s Central Library has had wonderful exhibits of the works of children’s book illustrators and hosted talks by children’s book authors and illustrators.  I’ve seen an exhibit there of Leo Politi’s wonderful paintings and fell in love with Fred Marcellino’s book covers and children’s illustrations.  Now his cover from Puss in Boots, (which has no title to distract from the exquisite close-up of the famous cat!), graces the computer screensaver I see every day.

The last library event I attended was a talk by one of my favorite illustrators, Patricia Polacco.  She told us wonderful stories about her family and childhood which have inspired her many, many lovely books.  She showed us the very quilt her grandmother made out of the blue dress and red babushka she had worn when she came through Ellis Island.  The quilt inspired one of the 77 books she’s created (one of my favorites!) The Keeping Quilt.

She also revealed that she has 2 dogs, 12 goats, 3 sheep and many, many cats!  She also raises horses.  No wonder the animals in her stories are so fabulously portrayed.  She has so many models on hand!

Siddie Joe Johnson – My First Librarian

My sister taught me to read before I went to school, and I was totally won over by the magic of books.
Then when I was eight she got a job in the children's department at the downtown Dallas library.  My other sister and I attended the Creative Writing Club Siddie Joe Johnson, the children’s head librarian, started there. I was thrilled to twice win story writing contests – the awards were books.  One of my prizes was The Innocent Wayfaring, by Marchette Chute (with decorations by the author, hand-colored by me!)  It’s still a favorite.

A published poet, Miss J also wrote little poems for the club members.  I still remember mine…

Diane, the gypsy princess

In whose eyes the dark light shines,

dances, flames and dies.

Diane, the laughing one

No lovelier than wise.

I was so impressed -- I fancied being a gypsy!  I also felt honored, because I was in awe of Miss J.

Before we left Dallas, Miss J took us three sisters to lunch and on a tour of the great new cavernous library just finished, and not yet open to the public.  It was sad, in a way, because we loved the old library, now gone, and we would not get to be part of the new one.  Miss J had arranged a job for my sister in the Los Angeles library, which we would come to know and love.  There would be many more libraries for us to fall in love with and more wonderful librarians to meet.  But we have remembered Miss Johnson fondly and with great respect, for her kindness, talent and wonderful work as a librarian.

Now, years later, I've learned Siddie Joe Johnson is legendary in Texas.

The Dallas Public Library has an impressive Siddie Joe Johnson Children's Literature Collection which includes original illustrations and rare first editions.  Miss J was an award-winning librarian and children's book author as well as a published poet, editor and teacher.  She worked to encourage children to read and love the telling of stories.  The Texas Library Association has established an award for children's librarians, as well as one for children's literature, in her honor.

She was also a lovely lady and a wonderful mentor and friend.  Miss J was a great influence in my life.  I already wanted to be an artist.  Due to her influence my world opened up even more.  Perhaps I could also be this wonderful thing – an author!

Dorothy Leon

I was so saddened by news of the loss of Dot Leon, one of SCBWI’s first members and long-time Board member.  For years I have seen and chatted with this kind, cheerful lady who was an encouraging presence at the many SCBWI summer conferences I’ve attended.  Her sweet and joyful spirit reminded me of my mother, also named Dorothy.  Now, for me, there are two dear “Dots” who are very much missed….

Seven Picture Books in Seven Days

Paula Yoo has announced the second annual National Picture Book Writing Week!  I wasn’t able to join in this ambitious event last year, but will be signing up this year.  I’ve been so busy with book editing, illustrating and promoting I haven’t been writing as much as I should and I hope this exercise will re-charge my batteries.  I’m already excited. Paula says we can think about and even research ideas for our picture book manuscripts, but no writing until May 1!

Let’s all put our picture book thinking caps on.

Paula is the first author I heard speak at Catherine Linka’s Writer to Writer.  She was so knowledgeable and helpful as she spoke on plot development and structure! I instantly became a fan of both Paula and W2W.  Thanks, Catherine and thanks, Paula – I’ll be writing my seven new picture books in May!