Ruby, Squirrel Master

Available on Amazon https://a.co/d/41sRHlD

There's something to be said about a fun, challenging adventure story. This children's picture book is aimed at young children, and has a beautiful lesson woven into it. Ruby is this super cute pup who's ready for an adventure of a lifetime - becoming Squirrel Master.

Working together with her sister Skye, Ruby works hard and studies the squirrels to face her great challenge of becoming a Squirrel Master. But then something happens the day of her challenge to make her refocus on what matters more than mastering a skill, having the ability to empathize and care for those around her.

When I was approached to do this book, I was instantly excited because it was about squirrels and dogs! Dreams come true! As I read through the manuscript, I knew our main protagonist wanted to fell like a super hero, and I started coming up with several ideas for how to capture that energy in a playful, energetic way. I had such a clear vision for this book as I read through it, the author's voice leading my ideas and framing my color pallete. It's important as an illustrator to hear your author's ideas and goals as well as your own ideas and direction for a book. The style of lines and color tell their own narrative that will carry your author's voice and I believe should highlight and compliment this, not stand on a separate level.

As an author, do you have strong convictions about what your book should look like? Do you think about what other books you've seen in the library or you've read as a child that influenced your story? If not, that's totally okay! But as an illustrator, I want to make sure I'm telling your story, and meeting your vision with my artwork. Sure, it's great to be able to paint a beautiful picture for someone, but the real beauty in illustrating children's books for me personally, is seeing someone's dream work, their picture book story, come to life for them, and making sure that they're getting the full joy out of their story in its completed form. This book is a lovely reminder that we can share in each other's journey, and lift each other up, which I am so blessed to be able to do with my artwork. I have been so encouraged by the authors I work with, and uplifted by their journeys and being able to weave a little of my journey into theirs to bring their children's books to life.