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SARATOGA FAMILY | FALL 2020
Ballston Spa illustrator donates work to local bookstore Original art included with online orders of children’s books
O
riginal artwork by local children’s book illustrator Jody Wheeler will soon be on its way – for free – to twenty lucky customers buying children’s books online from independent bookstore, Battenkill Books in Cambridge, NY (battenkillbooks.com). As part of an initiative known as Kid Lit Art Surprise, more than 50 of the nation’s top illustrators are sending packages of their original art for free to independent bookstores throughout the country. The small pieces of art are being included as an added “surprise” when customers place online orders for children’s books. Wheeler was paired by the project coordinators to share her work with Battenkill Books in Cambridge, NY and Books are Magic in Brooklyn, NY. “I am so excited to be a part of this volunteer project that gets original art in the hands of people who are actively supporting independent book sellers during the COVID-19 crisis,” said Wheeler. “These local bookstores do so much to promote great books for kids, it is nice that the illustrators can do something to assist them when shopping in stores has been restricted.” Toby Cox – owner of Three Lives & Company bookstore in Greenwich Village, NY came up with the idea and mentioned it to Caldecott Honor artist Elisha Cooper. In two months, Cooper and fellow author-illustrator Ruth Chan started Kid Lit Art Surprise, based on Cox’s idea.
According to Battenkill Books owner Connie Brooks, “The Kid Lit Art Surprise program has been a shining light in a dark time. The generosity of our illustrator colleagues has overwhelmed us, and we look forward to sharing these “surprises” with our customers. We think they will be as delighted as we have been,” she said. Wheeler, a children’s book illustrator from Ballston Spa with studios in New York City and in Saratoga County, has created the artwork for more than 75 books, including the Corduroy the Bear and Nate the Great series, as well as Madeline, ET: The Extra-Terrestrial, the Little House on the Prairie picture book series, and other illustrated books. For more information, visit wheelerillustration.com.
Northshire Bookstore Saratoga is also a participant in Kid Lit Art Surprise and has received custom art from several illustrators. While supplies last, these pieces of art are available to customers who purchase a picture book in the store.
The Northshire Book Report Picture Book:
“Bedtime for Sweet Creatures” by Nikki Grimes, illustrated by Elizabeth Zunon
One of our favorite local illustrators has teamed up with award winning author Nikki Grimes to create this absolutely perfect bedtime book. This has the makings of a classic.
Young Adult (Grades 7 & up) Middle Grade Chapter Book (Grades 4-6) “The Blackbird Girls” by Ann Blankman This is riveting historical fiction set in the aftermath of the Chernobyl disaster. Kids (and even some adults) will be swept away by this story.
“Clap When You Land” by Elizabeth Acevedo An absolutely stunning novel in verse, following the lives of half-sisters Camino and Yahaira one in New York and the other in the Dominican Republic.
