Taken this opportunity to post some scans from "The Skeleton in the Closet", a picture book written by the wonderful Alice Schertle that we did for Harper Collins US. Never got picked up as a co-edition with a UK publisher, which is a shame, as I'm often asked for a copy of it at book signings. The story follows a little boy who wakes in the night when he hears something knocking at the door. The first half of the book is quite creepy as the skeleton stalks up the stairs, saying his coming for "skeleton clothes" which the boy assumes means skin. By the time a goggle-eyed skeleton steps into the room, it's clear he's here to raid the closet, and sets about donning all manner of garment.
I loved illustrating this book as Alice's text was awesome, the most wonderful rhyme a child could wish for.
I mention this now as I'm doing a book signing this weekend at Borders Teesside Park, Stockton. I shall be in the store from lunchtime onwards on Saturday and will have copies of Skeleton with me for signature. Do come along if you're in the area.
Bada Bling!
19 comments:
See you there mister.
Will you sign my Herald and Post too?
You're right about that writing, nice stuff. Lovely pictures too, can't believe this didn't get picked up in the UK.
you are not on their website as an event!!
Hope to get there this time.
Wonderful illustrations!
:D You have such an awesome use of monochromatic colors.
And I really like how you do the character's feet.
I'll sign your Herald & Post, Nik, but if you get your bra out you've gone too far!
Paul, the script is great, a real rhythm to it. It may yet get picked up at a later date- I guess you can get it imported on Amazon.
Hopefully see you there Cass, didn't realise they even HAD a website!
Hey Seth, thanks man, and cheers for popping by!
The feet are stylised like the rest of the character, naturally. Publishers can get a little nervy sometimes if the characters in a picture book are too stylised. I've been asked to include extra digits before now.
Looks like allot of fun!
Always amazing work!!!
You are definitely an inspiration
Superb illustrations and great character designs! Your blog is awesome. Bookmarked!
"Gennelmen"
Good to hear from y'all!
Josh, thanks as always fella
Jimmy, still loving that habit my hairy sister!
Ghettofab, thanks for calling by mate and for the kind words. Please feel free to call back and put your feet up, anytime ;-)
Bada Bling!
Really nce blog! I dig the style you have. Thanks for the cool comments in my blog! Stop by anytime!
Great to meet you sorry we missed Mrs Bling & littleones. I know what we will be reading tonight for bedtime story. Got the Ornithocheirus, phew! & managed to fit in a stop at the butterfly farm. Have you been there really hot but great especially as they were just feeding the very very big snake some dead rats yummy. Butterflies were beautiful to.
Thanks for calling in, Roger & Brian, and for the triffic comments. Appreciate it!
Cassie - good to meet you today, hope I wasn't too intimidating a sight for little Anya, hairy ginger monkey that I am! Butterfly farm in Stockton, right? Not been there but know of it. As well as Cassie calling by today I also had Ian of Mountain Miniatures blog call in too :-) Fine day signing and chinwagging!
AARRRGGGHHHHHHH!!!!!CCCRRRAAAAPPPPP!!!
I only just saw this and missed you yet again! Worst thing was I was meant to be there today with my lubberly wifey but had to call it off!
CURSE THE FATES!!! I WILL CATCH THEE AT SOME POINT MR BLING!!!!
Alas my Herald and Post remains unsigned! Sorry I missed you Mr. Bling, conflict of interests.
I say we go see the man who designed Bob, my wee boy says we go see the real Bob who is appearing at the outdoor bargain village known as Dalton Park. I think we all know who won that round.
Think Wendy has gone a bit J-Lo however,as I was forcibly pushed aside by her security as she worked the crowd.
Ah, how soon she forgets the liitle people who put her there.
Gordon, would have been nice to meet ya there. I half expected Mr Bushnell to turn up to mock me but thankfully I was saved from that guilty pleasure.
Nik, no worries matey. As for Wendy, she always did have a bit of a 'tude. I swear it only started after we got her out of her skirt and into sensible slacks...
Charming work as always Mr. Bling.
You did a great job with a tricky subject. No doubt your handling of the story is what made the story work in a fun way, as opposed to the macabre.
Excellent work!
Cheers Marcello - it might have remained quite creepy if I hadn't given Mr Bones the goggly eyeballs. As such kids really warm to him when he turns up halfway through the book!
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