When Skinner House contacted me to illustrate A Child's Book of Animal Poems and Blessings, I couldn't resist. 32 pages of animal pictures? Sure!
The publisher's description:
These poems, prayers and blessings about our animal brethren are drawn from around the world and throughout history. Speaks to a child’s sense of connection with the animal kingdom. By turns amusing and reverential, Blanchard weaves together a collection that inspires gratitude and joy for a world rich in diversity and wonder. Sources include the Bible, African and Native American cultures, Lewis Carroll, William Wordsworth and Christina Rosetti. Full-color illustrations by Joyce Hesselberth. Ages 5-7.
And while this project was months in the making, it flew by incredibly fast. Here are a few of my favorite spreads:
