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I need to do more "just for the hell of it, because I can, because its fun" kind of sketching. I realized all the art I've been doing lately is either for an assignment, or has some 'purpose' or has some label attached to it like "this is colored pencil and part of this series" or "this will be a good licensing image" or something else. Blaaaaa. I just want to draw.

So the above is just a meandering sketch of the kitchen table this morning in all its glory, with no real attempt at doing anything accurately or especially in proportion or anything. It naturally had a pretty good composition, which is what I think inspired me to sketch it in the first place. I just picked the nearest drawing implement (an almost too dry skinny Micron pen) and some printer paper. It probably took about 10 minutes.

What you can't read is my list of things on the table: Lenox plate, cat food bits (yes, the cats eat off of Lenox), coffee mug, plaid placemat, post-it notes, can of tuna cat food, doilie, Sharpie, book, paper, floral tablecloth (which I started to draw, but got bored with).





This is an attempt to capture my newest cat, Saachi's, ears. They're big, and a bit tattered. He wouldn't lie still long enough. Almost, but not quite.

I'd love to do his feet. They're big and look like he's wearing toe shoes.

There are some wonderfully vibrant picture books around which both add a zing to El Día de los Muertos (the Day of the Dead) festivities taking place today in Mexico, and give children everywhere the opportunity to take part, even if it is via their imaginations.

Jeanette Winter has both written and illustrated books on the theme. In Calavera Abecedario: A Day of the Dead Alphabet Book, the special papier maché skeletons come to life and dance their way through the pages: it’s a fun and lively introduction to the day’s inherent craft traditions. Illustrated by Jeannette Winter, Day of the Dead is equally effective visually; the book’s author Tony Johnston tells the story of a family’s day of preparations before going out into the night “to welcome the spirits of their loved ones home again”.

Author Janice Levy and illustrator Loretta Lopez have teamed up again (published earlier this year was Celebrate! It’s Cinco de Mayo! / Celebremos! Es El Cinco de Mayo!) on a new, bilingual story, I Remember Abuelito: A Day of the Dead Story / Yo Recuerdo a Abuelito: Un Cuento Del Día De Los Muertos. It’s about a little girl who is thinking particularly about her beloved abuelito (grandfather), who has died a few month’s previously, as she helps her family get ready for the Day of the Dead celebrations, when she knows she will find him again. A full review of this gentle and uplifting story with accompanying activities will be published in this month’s update of PaperTigers… Janice Levy is, of course, also the author of the very special The Spirit Of Tío Fernando: A Day of the Dead Story/El espíritu de tío Fernando: Una historia del Día de los Muertos.

And for a story - Magic Night, Noche Mágica - directly from author René Colato Laínez‘ manuscript, check out this post on La Bloga…

Meanwhile, on the other side of the world from where all these festivities are taking place, today has been chosen as the UK’s Family Storytelling Day, to kick off the month’s StoryQuest. Even if you’re too far away to take part physically in any of the many events being organised all over the country, take a look at the website for ideas and tips on how to go about introducing your children to their own family heritage: share in the Día de los Muertos celebrations and bring your ancestors alive by passing their stories down through the generations.