Another LA Times kidlit illustration!

This illustration was published earlier this year in the L.A. Times in what was a pleasantly challenging assignment.  

 

It was challenging because the story was all about the insecurity of a boy being called on in school and so much of the storytelling was just his thoughts.  That meant that I had to exhibit his own thoughts and feelings all through acting.  A lot of sketchbook time was spent getting him and the two other chief characters displaying their characters by posture and expressions.  I think the final on this was successful in both inviting readers into the story and building on an already solid story.  Details on this were fun, too.  I loved the chance to put a PeeChee folder on one kid's desk and to show the green Converse sneakers poking out from under the hero's desk.  

 

Comments

[Sara W.E.]

I have green converses just like that! I'm glad the hero is wearing them and not the villain! Really wonderful illustration!