My blog can now be found ----->here, at my website!
Viewing Blog: Devas T. Rants and Raves!, Most Recent at Top
Results 1 - 25 of 653
An illustrator living in Austin, Texas. Don Tate II specializes in children's publishing.
Statistics for Devas T. Rants and Raves!
Number of Readers that added this blog to their MyJacketFlap: 36
Blog: Devas T. Rants and Raves! (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Add a tag
Blog: Devas T. Rants and Raves! (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Add a tag
Changes. I've blogged here at Rants and Raves since early 2005. For better or for worse, it served as a testing ground for my burgeoning author career. It advanced my illustration and speaking career. Here is where I discovered my voice.
Blog: Devas T. Rants and Raves! (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Add a tag
So far April's been a busy month. I've visited schools and presented at book fairs. And then there was the Texas Library Association conference. I haven't been able to do much writing or illustrating. But that changes immediately, as I have deadlines. Here are a few pics from the past few weeks.
Below: I finished off March visiting Windsor Park Elementary in Corpus Christi, Texas. It was a very sharp group of kids.
Below: A week later, I found myself back in Corpus Christi, presenting to kids at the Children's Book Festival. On the night before the festival, there was a book signing in which college students performed two of my books -- illustrated and all. Here I am with a few of the artists:
On the day of the festival, we presented to little under a thousand kids. The two other authors were Keith Graves and Salima Alikhan, pictured below:
Blog: Devas T. Rants and Raves! (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Add a tag
Earlier this week on Twitter, I predicted a good week ahead. And a good week it has been. First of all, I received the good news that I was awarded a scholarship to attend the Highlights Foundation's 2011 Chautauqua workshops. A special thanks goes out to my publisher, Charlesbridge, for making this happen. I've heard nothing but wonderful stories from authors and illustrators who have attended the Chautauqua workshops, so I'm looking forward to it.
On Wednesday, I was contacted by an art collector and former minor league baseball team owner. He was interested in purchasing several original pieces of art from the Effa Manley book, SHE LOVED BASEBALL. At first I was reluctant because I almost never sell my art. Crazy, I know, an artist who doesn't sell art. But I use my art for school visits. I loosened up a bit and decided to sell a few pieces from this book.
On Thursday, I traveled to Corpus Christi, where I presented to students at Windsor Park Elementary school. It's an international baccalaureate school for advanced academics. I'm not quite sure what that means, but the kids were very smart.
Funny though, the situation I found myself in. Between presentations, an enthusiastic parent asked me to visit her child's classroom for a photograph. Upon entering the classroom, I hear the words, "Mr. Tate, would you popcorn dance with our class?" And a little voice in my head said, "Heck no! No-no-no, I don't dance." But before I could stop the scene, I was surrounded by kids shaking their butts, squatting way down low, and then popping up to the sky. I had no choice but to join in, and I prayed my knees wouldn't give out squatting that low. For those of you who know me, this is way out of my character, and when I told my son about it, he literally fell on the floor laughing.
Before leaving the school, one of the classrooms gave me a stack of letters. I enjoyed them all, but I got a big kick out of one letter in particular, where a kid drew a picture of me drawing cartoons. Isn't it great?
Next week, I'll return to Corpus Christi to participate in the 11th Annual Children's Book Festival.
Blog: Devas T. Rants and Raves! (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Add a tag
This morning I visited BookPeople, Austin's local independent book store. I had a ball.
I used to visit bookstores all the time, mainly hanging out in the picture book section. But that was back in the day when bookstores had wall-to-wall displays of new picture book titles, and aisle after aisle of shelves filled with picture books.
Not to diss Dr. Seus or Goodnight Moon or Velveteen Rabbit. These are classics, well deserving of their permanent book space. But I already know about these books. Don't you? I like to visit bookstores to see the new stuff—picture books written and illustrated by contemporary authors and artists. But the newer books are practically gone in the large chains! At least in Austin they are. So what has this meant for books featuring brown characters? Nonfiction picture books? Those written and illustrated by locals? They're not in the chains either.
Recently, I went to Borders looking for a copy of Yummy and Bamboo People, award-winning books published in the past couple years. They told me they no longer stock books by smaller independent book publishers. What?
BookPeople, however, does. And best of all, they continue to stock picture books. Sure picture book real estate at BookPeople has shrunk. And — ahem! — they didn't even have any of my books stocked today (phooey, phooey, phooey). But regardless, they have best selection of children and YA books in town.
Here are a few books that caught my eye this afternoon:
The Secret River. I bought this bad boy. Didn't even have to think about it. Leo and Diane Dillon have done it again.
He Came With the Couch is not particularly new, it published in 2005. But that's what I like about BookPeople, they stock the old, the new, and the classics. Such a funny story, very cool illustrations.
Blog: Devas T. Rants and Raves! (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Add a tag
Black All Around!, a children's picture book that I illustrated, written by Patricia Hubbell, received a nice review from the February 2011 edition of the Puget Sound Council for Reviewing Children's media. Interesting thing is, the review came 7 years after publication. I ain't complaining though, it's totally cool. Here's what they said:
"Graceful antidote to the still present ‘white is right’ mentality, the color black is celebrated in its fullest from a sleek black limousine to a shiny black beetle. A little girl is daydreaming in the moon glow with simple rhymes. Fun illustrations conjure up every beautiful black thing she can imagine until she drifts off to sleep. This was a Connecticut Book Award Finalist at first publication."
Black All Around! has received some of the best reviews and comments of my career, I'm happy. Great end to a busy week.
Blog: Devas T. Rants and Raves! (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Add a tag
Blog: Devas T. Rants and Raves! (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Add a tag
Copyright Don Tate/Austin American-Statesman
Blog: Devas T. Rants and Raves! (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Add a tag
This year we had one of the merriest Christmases ever. Happened because I entered the season with a plan: Set a budget for Christmas spending; Don’t dip into family living expenses to buy Christmas gifts. Don't go into debt. The plan worked. I learned that Christmas does not have to be stressful. Too bad I almost lost my home learning this lesson.
Several months ago, we received a foreclosure notice. I was shocked. My wife wasn't. I had been too busy with work. I wasn’t paying attention to boring stuff like family finances. I wasn't paying attention to my wife who was flailing in a raging river of endless bills, disconnect utility notices, demands for payment.
I dealt with the problem by hoping it would go away. I was on deadline. I had books to sketch. Manuscripts to rewrite. I had speaking engagements, book signings, literary mix-and-mingles, school visits. I didn't have time to bother myself with a foreclosure. Who are these people messing with my fun anyway? I left the problem to my wife, she’ll fix it. I illustrate children’s books, she puts out family fires. Thing was, I was too busy (or blind) to realize she had resigned from her position as family firefighter long ago. Our family finances were like a tiny boat in a big roaring sea, with no captain steering the thing.
Several more weeks passed, and I continued to work. Occasionally I popped my head out of the studio long enough to ask my wife how things were going with the foreclosure. She'd smile, try to reassure me that everything would be okay. "Stop worrying," she said. "God doesn't want you to worry." She’s a very spiritual woman, so she prayed and didn’t think about finances beyond that.
One day, while I was home alone painting a book, we received another certified letter. It stated that our home would be sold at auction in a few weeks. I stood there holding the letter, my Adams Apple growing a size so large I couldn't breath.
I was scared. Embarrassed. Ashamed. Mostly, I worried about my son. Our house is the only home he’s known since birth. And while families move all the time, a sudden move from our 2,600 square-foot house to a cracker-box-size apartment . . . somewhere . . . would surly wreak havoc on his world. Heck, my grown, adult daughters still give me grief about my move from Des Moines to Austin when they were teenagers. I didn’t want to let my son down, not to mention disappoint my wife.
Over the next few days I got busy—no, not illustrating children's books—making phone calls, sending emails, contacting customers. The thing about being a freelancer is that someone always owes you a little somethin’—somethin’. Thankfully I was able to fix our situation before the house went to auction.
Things happen for a reason, I believe that. Almost losing our home was stressful, but in the end, I'm so thankful it happened. My wife and I, we a
Blog: Devas T. Rants and Raves! (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Add a tag
This is an old cartoon, originally posted on my now defunct Brotha Buck blog. I revived this strip, used it my holiday cards, and I sent to a few art directors, editors and licensing clients. Although the blog is now closed down, the cartoons still exist. Looking back, I still think they're funny. When I get some time later next year, I plan to move the cartoons here and continue the saga of Brotha Buck, Tamsy and Kirby.
Blog: Devas T. Rants and Raves! (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Add a tag
Because I'm a children's book illustrator, and a loud-mouth social networker, I tend to attract A LOT! of proposals from authors with book ideas. I hate turning people away, and I'd love to assist if I could. But please know, I'm a book creator myself. I illustrate. I write. And I'm knocking doors just like you, trying to figure this crazy business out.
If you're an author who's messaged me with a book idea, and I haven't responded to you, please know I'm not intentionally ignoring you. If you've emailed a manuscript to me, and I haven't responded, please don't take it personally — I'm just not sure what to do with it and all the other requests. If I took the time to respond to every email, Facebook personal message, direct message tweet, I wouldn't have time to do what I do -- write and illustrate children's books (and social network).
In the meantime, I highly advice you to join your local and national SCBWI.
Thanks for your patience, I'm rooting for you.
Blog: Devas T. Rants and Raves! (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Add a tag
Author Kyra E. Hicks included my name in her new book 1.6 Million African American Quilters: Survey, Sites, and a Half-Dozen Art Quilt Blocks. The book is about Black quilt makers -- quilt industry figures including numbers of Black quilters nationally, resources of websites, blogs, and YouTube videos featuring African American quilters and guilds. I'm included in a section called Black Quilters in Cyberspace. Although I'm certainly not a quilter -- though I could be if I wanted to, I'm good with my hands -- I was included because of the fabric I designed awhile ago for David's Textiles (example). The fabric is no longer available, but it's still in demand. To this day people email me looking for the product, or for other fabric featuring African American images.
What a fine resource Kyra has created.
Blog: Devas T. Rants and Raves! (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Add a tag
In March I finished a nonfiction picture book that I wrote and illustrated. My agent began to shop it around after a few rounds of revisions. You know the routine, rejection, rejection, rejection. Very nice, complimentary, rejections, but rejections none the less. It would have sold quicker in a better book-buying economy.
On the flip-side, several editors have shown interest, and it's currently in the hands of a fantastic editor. I’ve made a round of revisions with her, and it’s under consideration by the publisher. I'm confident an offer will follow soon. Fingers crossed.
In April, a month following shoulder surgery, I began sketching Duke Ellington's Nutcracker Suite, a picture book written by Anna Harwell Celenza. It’s slated to publish with Charlesbridge late next year. Recovery from surgery went much slower than my doctor predicted. He figured, guy like me — in shape, works out several times per week — would heal quickly. He was wrong. Three months after the surgery, I was still in intense pain, I could not raise my hand above my shoulders, and then my shoulder froze. I began two months of physical therapy.
Because of the time invested in physical therapy, and then the challenges of summer — family reunions, vacations, my grandpa's 90th birthday — I didn't finish the sketches until fall. So I'm a bit behind. But the book has turned out well, and I'm looking forward to painting it soon, this time, in watercolor and ink (I normally paint in oil or acrylic).
In October, She Loved Baseball: The Effa Manley Story, written by Audrey Vernick, published with HarperCollins. Reviews have been favorable, and we even received a star from School Library Journal. Top it off, Audrey commissioned a wonderful book trailer that, to date, has received more than 500 hits -- it's gone viral!
Yesterday on Facebook, I announced my next book project: THE CART, written by the beloved and legendary Eve Bunting. It’s a brilliant story, unexpected, clever, creative, and it ends with a new twist. But that’s all I can say at this time. The book is going to require a bit of research, so I'm looking forward to making a little one-day trip to the east coast in the spring. I’ll visit museums and historic sites, and I’ll meet with a few author/illustrator friends in the area.
Recently I finished a first draft of another nonfiction picture book. The topic is a sports figure. Can you believe, me? writing about sports? Writing a nonfiction picture book about a subject not published before is nerve wrecking. I'm afraid at any day someone else will publish the story, and I'll have wasted my time, money and energy. That has happened to me before. I'd done some preliminary research, ordered and read some books on the subject, began a first draft. And soon afterwards another author cam
Blog: Devas T. Rants and Raves! (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Add a tag
Over the past few days, I had the pleasure of participating in two very special book events — a signing at Menchaca Elementary School's Scholastic Book Fair and the Savannah Children's Book festival. I had an absolutely fantastic time at both events, though each one had it's own way of feeding or starving my ego.
Last Thursday evening, I signed books at Menchaca. The librarians there are SO good. They really excited the kids about my book Ron's Big Mission, so much so that it became the hottest seller at the fair. It sold 99 copies and I was honored to be there to sign most of them. Check out the nice display behind the table. I can't thank the librarians enough.
Following that event, I flew to Georgia where I was a featured author-ilustrator in the the 7th annual Savannah Children's Book Festival. This is a top-notch festival, to say the least. More than 30,000 people attended the festival last year, and this year was even bigger. The lineup included included Judy Schachner, “Skippyjon Jones”; Anna Dewdney, “Llama Llama Red Pajama”, in addition to Alan Katz, Brian Jordan, Pat Mora, Vicky Alvear Schecter, Charles R. Smith, others. I was especially excited to meet two very young authors, 9- and 11-year-old Miles and William Rabun, who wrote the book "My Grandma's Backyard." Behind Judy and Anna, they were clearly the most popular authors at the festival.
My book signing (above) was a bit, um, humbling. But that happens sometimes, and I found much humor in the situation.
When I returned, I received this wonderful letter from the mother of an attendee. This made my day and I thank her for sending this along.
Blog: Devas T. Rants and Raves! (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Add a tag
Today, October 19, is release day for She Loved Baseball: The Effa Manley Story, a book that I illustrated, written by the wonderful Audrey Vernick. The book released with this wonderful trailer put together by Kristen Cappy of Curious City. Ain’t it grand?
But even before release day, She Loved Baseball was honored as a Junior Library Guild 2010 fall selection. And just today, we received more good news: A starred review from School Library Journal! Whoo-hoo!
Here’s what else folks are saying:
Both author and illustrator are on top of their games as they bring this inspiring story to life.
-- School Library Journal
Tate’s muscular illustrations illuminate and breathe life into the events. He skillfully emphasizes emotions, giving every character a distinct personality and demeanor.
--Kirkus
Vernick adds appeal to this straightforward biography with repetitive phrases that emphasize Manley’s activist spirit, while Tate’s slightly stylized acrylic paintings convey both the historical setting and the timeless excitement in the ballpark.
-- Booklist
Tate's energetic illustrations harmonize well with Vernick's fresh and engaging text.
-- Publisher’s Weekly
Thanks, Audrey, for writing such a wonderful and important story. And for having this very cool trailer made.
Blog: Devas T. Rants and Raves! (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Add a tag
I had a fantastic weekend at the Texas Book Festival. On Friday evening, I attended the coolest party with the coolest people -- authors and illustrators from all over the country. The party was hosted at the home of literary director Clay Smith. I hung out mostly with local austin writers, but I also rubbed elbows with the likes of Peter Brown, David Weisner, Tony DiTerlizzi. I also got to meet Duncan Tonatiuh, a relative new-comer to the children's literature scene, but a shooting star none the less.
On Saturday morning, I had the honor of introducing author Phillip Hoose, National Book Award winner for CLAUDETTE COVIN: TWICE TOWARDS JUSTICE. Phil's presentation was informative, and his passion for the subject lit the dark senate chambers like a light tower. Towards the end of the session, when a photo of an elderly Claudette was displayed, I even felt a bit choked up. This woman played a major part in desegregating the Montgomery, Alabama bus system -- and therefore elevating civil rights for Blacks in this country as a whole. Heck, she started it all, refusing to give up her seat on a bus to a white passenger months before Rosa Parks. But Claudette was shunned by history -- likely because she didn't have the right hair, the right background, the right look. And because she got pregnant as a teen. I'm happy this woman is finally getting her story told and taking her due place in history.
Saturday evening, my wife and I attended a cocktail party for Texas Book Festival authors and moderators. It was on the 32nd floor of the Four Seasons hotel. Very classy. Very posh. Somehow all that ritz made us forget how poor we really are -- we were literally lulled us into thinking we could dine at a thirty-seven dollar a bowl gumbo restaurant. But the realization of how empty our bank accounts really were sent us fleeing from the restaurant before the waiter could take our water order.
On Sunday, I hung out with a few of my SCBWI writing friends. We gathered together to watch Chris Barton read his book SHARK VS. TRAIN. I also took in Duncan Tonatiuh (DEAR PRIMO: A LETTER TO MY COUSIN), and Cynthia Leitich Smith (HOLLER LOUDLY).
In the afternoon, I attended a very interesting and scholarly discussion with author-historian Neil Foley. He discussed his book, QUEST FOR EQUALITY, which deals with civil rights and race relations between whites, Blacks and Mexicans in Texas and California. Very enlightening.
I ended th
Blog: Devas T. Rants and Raves! (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Add a tag
Let me tell you how much of a pain-in-the-butt I can be when I want to. Recently I was invited to join forces with six Texas authors, to promote children's literature. The group calls themselves the Texas Sweethearts. You've probably heard of 'em already, cute little things they are — P.J. Hoover, Jessica Anderson, Jo Wittemore. Sweethearts through and through, no doubt. There was just one little problem: I ain't no Sweetheart and don't be calling me one.
I was honored to have been invited to join the group, they've made quite a name for themselves in the children's literature community. I immediately accepted their invitation. But the name, the name! What were we going to do about that?
I told my wife, "Honey, I'm joining a group of girls, we're calling ourselves the Texas Sweethearts."
And she asked, "So you're pledging a sorority?" That was enough for me, we had to change the name.
I made some suggestions: Texas Sweethearts And one Dude; Texas Sweethearts And a Somewhat Nice Guy; The Texas Sweethearts And Their Brotha From Anotha Motha. None of these names truck a chord with the ladies.
They made suggestions, too: Texas Sweethearts & Arts; Texas Sweethearts & A Sweet Hunk; Texas sweethearts and one Texas Ranger; Texas Sweethearts and one Cowboy. None of these names struck a chord with me. I don't see myself as a sweetheart or a cowboy either.
I sensed frustration. I didn't want to cause a headache with the ladies, but Sweetheart . . . come on, now. Seriously.
Finally, one of the new Sweethearts – Jeanette Larson — suggested a name that I absolutely loved: Texas Sweethearts & Scoundrels. I could do that!
So it was final. We are calling ourselves the Texas Sweethearts & Scoundrels: Seven Authors and Illustrators Who Write for Teens. The team: P.J. Hoover, Jessica Lee Anderson, Jo Whittemore, K.A. Holt, Emma J. Virján, Jeanette Larson, and me, Don Tate aka, Devas the Scoundrel.
So, what do we do now? We'll visit schools. Do conferences. We'll highlight other authors on the blog. Support each other in our marketing efforts. Most of all, we'll have a lot of fun!
Blog: Devas T. Rants and Raves! (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Add a tag
In celebration of the Million Man March 15-year anniversary, author Kelly Starling Lyons embarks on a two-week virtual tour, which will highlight her book ONE MILLION MEN and ME (Just Us Books). The tour includes interviews about the book, information about Kelly’s writing life, guest posts and many other surprises.
Today I have the pleasure of hosting the tour here on my blog with an interview of Peter Ambush, the illustrator for ONE MILLION MEN and ME.
Peter is an award-winning fine artist and illustrator. His portfolio includes artwork for newspapers, greeting cards, book jackets and children’s books. While I’m a fan of his commercial art, it’s his fine art – specifically his portraiture work -- that blows me away. They are simply stunning.
I’m honored to host this interview with Peter:
Don: The Million Man March came to symbolize unity, atonement and brotherhood among African American men. Can you talk about how these principles manifest in your own life?
Peter: Being
Blog: Devas T. Rants and Raves! (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Add a tag
Blog: Devas T. Rants and Raves! (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Add a tag
Blog: Devas T. Rants and Raves! (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Add a tag
Blog: Devas T. Rants and Raves! (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Add a tag
Blog: Devas T. Rants and Raves! (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Add a tag
Blog: Devas T. Rants and Raves! (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Add a tag
Hey all, my colleague, Tameka Fryer Brown, at the Brown Bookshelf has a book coming out in little less than a month. It's called Around Our Way on Neighbors' Day. It will be released on August 1st, and has already received a nice review from Booklist.
Blog: Devas T. Rants and Raves! (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Add a tag
View Next 25 Posts
Holy Moly...that's a lot...but so much fun and so worth getting tired, eh?
Wowza, Don, what a whirlwind you're on! Fantastic stuff and so cool you're inspiring all those young minds! Keep up the great work!
Thanks, Lindsey, Buck!