Essential studio equipment.

Beats bluetooth headphones. Now more than ever.

RI Festival of Children's Books & Authors

What an incredible line up of authors and illustrators this year!

For a full schedule and description visit: https://www.lincolnschool.org/life-at-lincoln/rhode-island-festival-of-childrens-books-and-authors

Book signing at the Flying Pig!

Both Anika and I will be signing books at The Flying Pig Bookstore. I will be there signing copies of newly released (September 27th) Lucy's Lovey written by the one and only Betsy Devany. Anika will be there siging her awesome new book, Monster Trucks illustrated by Nate Wragg. Come by and see us! The Flying Pig Bookstore 5247 Shelburne Road, Suite 102 Shelburne, VT 05482 802-985-3999 http://www.flyingpigbooks.com/

Hey look-a trailer for Lucy's Lovey!

Lucy's Lovey

Lucy's Lovey is available today! Find Lucy, Smelly Baby, Grandma Nell, Stasher (the pug) and all the rest of Betsy Devany's endearing characters in this wonderful story of friends, family, and of course, dollies. Check indibound ( http://www.indiebound.org/search/book?searchfor=christopher%20denise) for copies at your favorite local independent or at amazon (https://www.amazon.com/Lucys-Lovey-Betsy-Devany/dp/1627791477/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1474982553&sr=1-1&keywords=lucy%27s+lovey)

Lucy's Lovey release date countdown!(final installment) Dolly #17: Smelly baby

And finally, I am proud to introduce you to our star dollie! Meet "Smelly Baby". Day 17 in the dollie countdown to the release of Lucy's Lovey by Betsy Devany published by Henry Holt and Co, Christy Ottaviano Books. Lucy's Lovey is available tomorrow (9/27) at your favorite independant bookstore or almost anywhere online! 

For anyone in Connecticut or Rhode Island, there will be a launch party on Thursday, available 29th at Bank Square Books, 53 West Main Street, Mystic, CT.

Here is the official bit from the bookstore:

"Join us for a launch party for Mystic author Betsy Devany's book Lucy's Lovey from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, September 29, featuring both the author and the book's illustrator, Christopher Denise. This is an open house book signing and launch party for kids and adults of all ages, and we will have crafts, snacks and wine for the adults! Kids are encouraged to bring their favorite lovey to this event"

Lucy's Lovey release date countdown! Dolly #16: Bubba Bea

Meet "Bubba Bea". Day 16 in the dollie countdown to the release of Lucy's Lovey by Betsy Devany published by Henry Holt and Co, Christy Ottaviano Books. (9/27/16)

Lucy's Lovey release date countdown! Dolly #14: Baby Oopsie

Meet "Filthy Franny". Day 14 in the dollie countdown to the release of Lucy's Lovey by Betsy Devany published by Henry Holt and Co, Christy Ottaviano Books. (9/27/16)

Lucy's Lovey release date countdown! Dolly #13: Baby Oopsie

Meet "Baby Oopsie". Day 13 in the dollie countdown to the release of Lucy's Lovey by Betsy Devany published by Henry Holt and Co, Christy Ottaviano Books. (9/27/16)

Lucy's Lovey release date countdown! Dolly #12: Pinkie

Meet "Pinkie". Day 12 in the dollie countdown to the release of Lucy's Lovey by Betsy Devany published by Henry Holt and Co, Christy Ottaviano Books. (9/27/16)

Lucy's Lovey release date countdown! Dolly #11: Wawa

Meet "Wawa". Day 11 in the dollie countdown to the release of Lucy's Lovey by Betsy Devany published by Henry Holt and Co, Christy Ottaviano Books. (9/27/16)

Lucy's Lovey release date countdown! Dolly #10: Minky

Meet "Minky". Day 10 in the dollie countdown to the release of Lucy's Lovey by Betsy Devany published by Henry Holt and Co, Christy Ottaviano Books. (9/27/16)

Lucy's Lovey release date countdown! Dolly #9: Doe

Meet "Doe". Day 9 in the dollie countdown to the release of Lucy's Lovey by Betsy Devany published by Henry Holt and Co, Christy Ottaviano Books. (9/27/16)

Lucy's Lovey release date countdown! Dolly #8: Burper Baby

Meet "Burper Baby." Day 8 in the dollie countdown to the release of Lucy's Lovey by Betsy Devany published by Henry Holt and Co, Christy OttavianoBooks. (9/27/16)

Lucy's Lovey release date countdown! Dolly #7: Flat Baby

Meet "Flat Baby." Day 7 in the dollie countdown to the release of Lucy's Lovey by Betsy Devany  published by Henry Holt and Co, Christy Ottaviano Books. (9/27/16)

Lucy's Lovey release date countdown! Dolly #6: Humongus Baby

Meet "Humongus Baby." Day 6 in the dollie countdown to the release of Lucy's Lovey by Betsy Devany  published by Henry Holt and Co, Christy Ottaviano Books. (9/27/16)

Lucy's Lovey release date countdown! Dolly #5: Sparkly Baby

Meet "Sparkly Baby." Day 5 in the dollie countdown to the release of Lucy's Lovey by Betsy Devany  published by Henry Holt and Co, Christy Ottaviano Books. (9/27/16)

Lucy's Lovey release date countdown! Dolly #4: Tiny Baby

Meet "Tiny Baby." Day 4 in the dollie countdown to the release of Lucy's Lovey by Betsy Devany published by Henry Holt and Co, Christy OttavianoBooks. (9/27/16)

Lucy's Lovey release date countdown! Dolly #3: Fancy Baby

Meet "Fancy Baby." Day 3 in the dollie countdown to the release of Lucy's Lovey by Betsy Devany  published by Henry Holt and Co, Christy Ottaviano Books. (9/27/16)

Lucy's Lovey release date countdown! Dolly #2: Cry Baby

Mark your calenders! September 27th is the official release date for Lucy's Lovey written by one and only Betsy Devany, published by Henry Holt and Co. (Christy Ottaviano Books);

Betsy starts her hilarious tale: "Lucy had seventeen doll babies".  So I thought it would be fun to countdown to the release date and meet some of the cast of this wonderful story.

Doll baby #2. Cry Baby.

Lucy's Lovey release date countdown! Dolly #1: Squeaky Baby

Mark your calenders! September 27th is the official release date for Lucy's Lovey written by one and only Betsy Devany. Here is the official bit about the book from our publisher, Henry Holt and Co. (Christy Ottaviano Books);

"Lucy's favorite lovey, Smelly Baby, is her most loyal companion. They are simply inseparable. Smelly Baby may be pretty rag-tag and, well, smelly, but her smell is very much a part of why Lucy loves her so much. Then disaster strikes as Smelly Baby accidentally flies out the car window and gets LOST! What will Lucy do without Smelly Baby in her life?

With artwork by the award-winning, New York Times-bestselling illustrator Christopher Denise, this winning picture book debut celebrates the irreplaceable bond between a little girl and her favorite doll."

Betsy starts her hilarious tale: "Lucy had seventeen doll babies"I thought it would be fun to countdown to the release date and meet some of the cast of this wonderful story.


Doll baby #1. Squeaky Baby

Happy Birthday Seven Impossible Things Before Breakfast!

Be sure to drop by Seven Impossible Things Before Breakfast and wish Jules a Happy Blog Birthday! She has been running this amazing blog about picture books and their creators for ten years this month.
If you are in the industry, a librarian, a teacher, a bookseller, or just into kids books and interested in the authors and illustrators that make them you MUST visit.

http://blaine.org/sevenimpossiblethings/

Just a little up date

I am deep in production on a wonderful book written by my friend Anne Marie Pace so there has not been much time for posting. Sorry! I have been trying and will continue to post some of the work in progress but for now I thought it might be nice to post a few things that have caught my eye recently.
Here is a little gem by a French artist named Cunio Amiet. He was a contemporary of Pierre Bonnard. I just love this piece.

WIP

WIP. ‪#‎groundhugday‬

Its all in the eyes.

Sometimes its all in the eyes, or in this case-eye.
‪#‎kidlitart‬

Technical difficulties

And we are back up and running. Screen is a tad smaller and I've been trying to catch up on ten years of programming in the last twenty four hours, but the new machine rocks! Many thanks to my friend Jon from Tiny Showcase for helping me save all the data that is my current book!

An apology

As a rule, neither Anika or I respond to reviews-positive or negative. But after she brought the following review to my attention I felt that an apology was in order. The review as it appears on a online book retailer
(5 stars) Kyle J "The reason why I don't like that book because it looks tough of how the bears can stand up. The book didn't seem like the best children's book I ordered so I've given it away to Good Will store"

An Apology.

Dear Kyle,

I would like to apologize for any distress that viewing this particular title or the images may have caused you. Rest assured that no bears (or bear like mammals) were harmed in the creation of the pictures that appear in this book. While it is true that I normally work from life, after a brief and somewhat chaotic experiment with the bear known as “Buster” from Wild Bill’s Piccadelliys Circus entertainment (LTD) we thought it best to work from reference photos. Many of which I might send to you. They do in fact show bears standing more fully erect than most teenagers I have encountered in the past six months.
I should also like to take this opportunity to apologize to the several neighbors of our studio who’s flower beds were compromised in “Busters” untimely departure from the work session.
I would also like to apologize to our handers assistant, Lenny, who's left leg mistakenly fell into Busters jaws while in the mist of attempting to secure an apron around the bears waist. Lenny our thoughts are you and your family tonight.
I would also like to apologize to the current and past residents of Piccadelliys Circus for the clearly unauthorized use of the name of your venerated enclave.
My most sincere apologies go of course to “Buster” and his many cousins of ursa major. I very clearly depicted the bears in my book dancing to something resembling an early form of swing dance with clear references to “In the Mood” by Glenn Miller ©1939 Bluebird records. Any misunderstanding this might have caused pains me.
Lastly, I would like to give thanks to our local police, fire, SWAT, and animal control departments for helping us to ensure that “Buster” was returned to Wild Bill and his associates in a timely and efficient manner.
Most of all, Kyle, I would like to thank you for your Philanthropy and generosity.
Do not forget that such donations are 100% deductible.
Please sign up for our mailing list I will make sure that you receive a copy of our next book!

Best wishes,

Christopher Denise

Instagram

I have some traveling coming up and I thought it would be fun to share some images from the road.
Instagram is so convenient so I will probably be using it quite a bit.  If you are not already a follower of my account, be sure to check my profile. There are images and process shots that I do not always have a chance to post on this blog or my public facebook page.

Cheers,

Chris

https://www.instagram.com/christopherdenise/?hl=en&_suid=1461849442796004706580704078078

Lucy's Lovey

As you can see, I work quite quickly. Any given piece usually takes about 30 seconds. From "Lucy's Lovey" by Betsey Devany. From Henry Holt this September.

Unexpected

Interesting little aside. A few months ago the folks over at Netflix asked for the rights to use Firefly Hollow (text and images) in an episode of House of Cards. Never sure how these things go, scenes are cut ect. But if any of you binge watchers catch it, be sure to let me know!

One of my earliest influences...

I loved my view master-still fascinated by these mini environments!

Always an inspiration.

This drawing by Ernest H. Shepard inspires every single time I see it.

Channeling my inner Seinfeld.

Redwall fan? Original, one of a kind, Redwall art for sale.

A detail from the Redwall art listed in my ETSY shop.
https://www.etsy.com/listing/267553700/the-creatures-of-redwall-sleep?ref=listing-shop-header-2

Thank you Blue Willow Bookshop!

http://bluewillowbookshop.tumblr.com/post/133594602183/blue-willow-bookshops-friday-high-five?is_related_post=1

Cover Reveal!

LUCY'S LOVEY by Betsy Devany Macleod, illustrated by Christopher Denise, Christy OttavianoBooks, 2016

Wait for it.....see it now?

Love this piece by Franco Matticchio, courtesy of Animalarium, https://www.facebook.com/theanimalarium/photos/a.410289862356601.108026.160629087322681/1018788688173379/?type=3&theater

New book beginning....

New book. #kidlitart #childrensbooks #picturebook— with Anne Marie Pace.

Incredible details of Titian drawings.

So great. Think Sendak was a Titian fan?-yup.

http://linesandcolors.com/…/eye-candy-for-today-titian-pen…/

Wow!

This is a great cause and an amazing auction. The items up for bid range from top tier editorial reviews to vacation digs in Scotland. Please take a moment to click through and share with friends. P.S. I have a thing or two in there as well!
https://www.32auctions.com/KidLitMacLeod

Interview with the wonderful Alison McGhee

From MPR news:

"Firefly Hollow": The children's book that began with a painting
In the publishing process, children's books typically begin with a story — then the illustrations follow. But that's not how "Firefly Hollow" came to be.

Writer Alison McGhee, who has published several books for both children and adults, received a package on her doorstop six years ago. Inside were full-color paintings of entrancing creatures: A mouse-like character in a sailor's outfit and a cricket curled up with a cup of tea. The illustrated companions were adrift in a small boat, sailing down the river....

listen to the full interview here

http://www.mprnews.org/story/2015/12/28/books-firefly-hollow-alison-mcghee

Catching up!

I just realized that I have not updated my posts from my professional Facebook Page, Christopher Denise Illustrator. So, for those of you that do not use Facebook, I will, over the next few days, post a few of the highlights.
This post from December 5th was to mark the completion of the art for my next picture book, Lucy's Lovey,written by Betsey Devany. This is probably the funniest manuscript I have ever had the pleasure of working on!