I'm going to share a secret with you today. Deep down, way inside, I dream of being a children's book illustrator. Many years ago I was an art major, quit because I was lazy, got my degree in something else and have regretted it ever since. I am most drawn to the illustrations of Jane Dyer.
I found Jane's books, "Talking Like Rain," (to name just one) when my children were small and I have collected her books ever since. There is an honesty and whimsy about her paintings that just draw me in, as if it is perfectly normal for a little bird with a yellow shirt on to sit on your shoulder while two bunnies and a lamb help you make cookies!
Or to have tiny little elves help you prepare breakfast in the morning while Mom looks on like this happens every day.
This picture reminds me so much of Kristen Nicholas' blog, Getting Stitched on the Farm because she put hand-knit sweaters on her baby lambs, (I'm not kidding, go take a peek - adorable!)
No matter how old I get, as long as Jane Dyer keeps paintings these pictures, I will keep collecting her books. Who is your favorite illustrator or children's book author?
Joyfully,
