Just for the fun of it!

I've been up to my eyeballs doing illustrations for First Fact Finder for Metz Press but took a little time out and dusted off my sketch book. Here are a couple of pen and inks that I did over the weekend.

scull 2

scull 1

I'm aiming to do at least 1 sketch, just for the fun of it, every week.

Baardskeerdersbos

For an inside look into the quirky village of Baardskeerdersbos, the Art Route, artists who live here and the genral goings on, visit my blog about BBos.

http://www.baardskeerdersbos.blogspot.com/

Getting our awards at Metz Press this morning.

Liezl (designer), Nikki (illustrator), Wilsia (publisher)  and Helen (author)

I love working with these woman!! On Monday I start illustrating "First Fact Finder"........ can't wait.

Water Fun

It's been soooo hot! Fortunately we have a farm dam 2 mins walk from my studio door. Loved this photo that I snapped at the dam today. Yoda loves the dam as much as we do! Total exuberance and joy.

I'm sure that's a smile on her face!

Helen Lewis writes about Fact Finder winning Book Chat award

A lovely write up by Helen Lewis on the Metz Press blog about being shortlisted for Book Chat, Book of the Year award.
 Follow the link.....

http://www.metzpress.co.za/blog/entry/fact-finder-wins-bookchat-award

Slimply Loved doing these illustrations

 

Fact finder on the Bookchat Top Children's books list for 2011

www.bookchat.co.za

 Press release – 3 February 2012

BOOKCHAT AWARDS for 2011

When “Bookchat” was a printed magazine, there used to be a “Books of the Year” commendation. This custom was revived to cover 2010. Here is my selected short-list from the English books submitted to the “Bookchat” website during the past year. Those concerned have received certificates.

Fiction

A WISH THIS BIG by Ingrid Mennen, illustrated by Katrin Coetzer (Tafelberg)

FINDING AUNT JOAN by Jenny Hatton, illustrated by Joan Rankin (Jacana)

MOVING HOUSE by Jenny Hatton, illustrated by Joan Rankin (Jacana)

SOLOMON’S STORY by Judy Froman (Macmillan)

STEPPING SOLO by Jayne Bauling (Maskew Miller Longman)

THE MAGIC FISH retold by Margie Orford, illustrated by Lizza Littlewort (Jacana)

Non-fiction

FACT FINDER by Helen Lewis, illustrated by Nikki Miles (Metz Press)

HELEN SUZMAN by Gillian Godsell (Maskew Miller Longman: “They Fought for Freedom”)

MY FIRST BOOK OF SOUTHERN AFRICAN OCEAN LIFE by Roberta Griffiths, illustrated by Judy Maré (Struik Nature)

A commendable year’s list, though hard to pick the top spot. Nothing in the younger categories which was fully satisfying in all aspects – writing and illustration and design. Some reassuring non-fiction publications, and my choice of winner is on the edge of this category, fiction based on fact. It wins by sheer impact.

The “Bookchat” Book of the Year 2011 is –

SOLOMON’S STORY

by Judy Froman

(Pan Macmillan)

Special Awards

Recognition is offered to three people (in alphabetical order) who have, in their different ways, given outstanding support to children’s literature.

Gorry Bowes Taylor

For allocating regular time/space on her “Book Choice” programme on Fine Music Radio for many years.

Lona Gericke

For services particularly to Afrikaans children’s literature; many years on the committee of the SACBF and IBBY SA; and a past reviewer for Bookchat magazine.

Jean Williams

For leading Biblionef for over ten years to the publishing and re-issuing of key South African titles in all eleven official languages of our country.

www.bookchat.co.za