August 26 is National Dog Day.  According to its website, the honor was created to show appreciation of dogs "for their endearing patience, unquestioning loyalty, for their work, their capacity for love and their ability to impact our lives everyday in the most miraculous ways."  And no one shows that loyalty and spirit better than Charlotte whom I met recently.  The pittie/boxer mix was found in East St. Louis, Illinois, by Gateway Pet Guardians (GPG) volunteers on their daily rounds. Charlotte is on the road to recovery now and, despite her trials, is a loving, trusting girl that charms everyone she meets--including me.  You can read Charlotte's story here.  Her wonderful rescue organization now has the t-shirt I designed available through on-line sales.  100% of the proceeds go to GPG. 

The illustration above is of a Yorkie named Chance who found his second loving home through the Humane Society of Missouri.  Please don't forget rescue organizations or shelters when looking for your next pet. 
Happy National Dog Day!

 

I have been drawing a lot of hippopotamuses lately.  Becky Schantz's newest self-published book, "How to Grow a Hippo," should be available for the holidays.  This sweet story was inspired by a study out of Washington University-St. Louis on the connection between nurture and brain development in children.  It is a fun story that will make you love science even more.  Hippo-hurray!

The monkey is courtesy of my niece, N.

Gateway Pet Guardians is a dog rescue group that drives the streets of East St. Louis, Illinois, everyday to monitor the condition of homeless animals.  They provide food and, when the opportunity and resources are available, rescue.  The group also provides food to low income dog owners and offers spay/neuter clinics.  Late last year GPG held a t-shirt design contest.  My design won and I am very happy to see it used to generate support for this worthy organization.  At this time no on-line purchase is available for this design but I encourage you to check out the website of this hard working group.

The Missouri chapter of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators recently held a contest to design a banner for their upcoming Fall conference.  The winning banner will be featured on materials distributed throughout the event.  The theme for the 2013 MOSCBWI conference in November is "Follow Your Dream."  While my design did not win, it was fun to participate nonetheless.  You can see fellow MOSCBWI member Dayne Sislen's beautiful winning design on her website.

 

 

I am currently working on a new project with Becky Schantz, 

author of "Mommy, How Many Numbers Are There?"  

Here's a sneak preview...

To commemorate Spring, I took an old friend and made him new again.

 

Spring.  A new beginning...