I'll Try To Be Brief(ish...)

The Tiniest Giant Board Book and Seasonal Puzzle Set

Sorry for not posting in awhile, it's been a busy year. Remember 2020? Most of us are still trying to forget it. The good thing that happened that year was my book release of The Tiny Giant, written by Barb Ciletti and published with Schiffer Kids. It was acquired from the slush pile! (That's a publishing term for when an unsolicited manuscript/book dummy gets chosen by the publisher). Since kids, families and schools really enjoy this book, we decided to develop it into a board book and seasonal puzzle set, and titled it The Tiniest Giant. Look for both to be released October, 28, 2025. They can be purchased separately or as a package.

Schiffer is wonderful to work with. They even include a bottle of wine when they send out illustrator copies encouraging us to celebrate our newest book release! It's a lot of work after all.

I needed to complete the revised art for both the book and puzzle while meeting another big deadline last May: an artist workshop and retreat in Tuscany taught by Christina Wald and organized by Lisa Statkus of Lisa's Gryphon Art & Travel. My husband, who is also an artist, came along and it was our second international urban sketcher/plein aire painting trip with Christina. I can't recommend all her incredible artist workshops highly enough!

Throw Down Sketch Book Challenge from our time in Sienna

Cortona: Under the Tuscan Sun was filmed here

While traveling we lived in a historic 600 year old scenic farmhouse in Montalla. We had our own private chef, Eufemia, who took wonderful care of all of us. One day towards the end of our trip, Eufemia gave us all a cooking lesson where we made tiramisu, ragu, and pasta. If anybody wants any of the recipes, let me know and I'll send them your way.

Every day we would go to different locations to sketch and enjoy whatever was happening. We toured vineyards, a thermal hot spring, beautiful town squares, amazing vistas, cathedrals and castles. The only thing better than the scenery were the friendships we made along the way.

Back to reality...

In September Lissa Loves Bugs, by Tracy Blom, published by Paw Prints Publishing was released. It's getting good reviews, here's one review from School Library Journal. Also I was did a fun book signing and craft at Gardens on Spring Creek among other places.

Book signing, story telling, and crafts at Gardens on Spring Creek with Cootie Catcher Creations, Nature Tattoos, and Seeded Paper Giveaways.

Currently we're working on book 2 in the Wonder Lens Friends Series, Luna Loves Space, coming in 2026. Below are some illustrations for the book interior.

I have a lot more to tell you, but I'm trying to be brief, remember?

Thank you so much for checking out my blog. 

More coming soon!

Cathy