New Book

New Book
Grandma's Purse

Sunday, April 19, 2009

"Let Freedom SIng"






Hello Everyone,
Boy I feel like it's been forever since I posted anything. Yeah I know I've goofed of
from time to time, but that was all he he he! Thanks to each and everyone of you who came by
and left encouraging words and comments. Let me tell you they helped me get
through a lot of rough days! Words are so very powerful and I appreciate your
words from the bottom of my heart. Well, here is one of the projects that
I have been working hard at. "Let Freedom Sing" this book is one of
the first children's picture books I've ever done. Yes the very first.
"Ruby and the Booker Boys is for older children and not considered
a picture book. The book is written by myslef and Harriet Ziefert.
The Book is about the civil rights movement
and the people who brought change by letting their light shine.
As a matter of fact it was written to a tune that most of us learned
in Sunday called, "This Little Light of Mine" It
takes us right up to today with Mr. Obama as President of the United States.
This book is published under Blueapplebooks.com
It is the brain child of Harriet Ziefert. Harriet is brilliant!!!! The staff
over at Blue Apple Books is amazing! Each person is so talented and helpful.
I just didn't illustrated a picture book, I got to see how the whole thing
comes together. It's a lot of work that goes into creating great pictures
books for children. There are lots of people behind the scenes that work
to put the whole thing together. I was blessed to have the chance to
sit with these amazingly talented and gifted people for almost 3 months.
I learned so much from all of them. I'm working on my second book now
to be released in the winter. I will share pictures and updates with
everyone as we go along. To everyone of you,
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!!!

51 comments:

Catalina Alvarez said...

Dear Vanessa:
Congratulations for your wonderful new book.
I admire your fantastic illustrations and your incredible sense of color. But really the thing I like most about you is the way you see the life with so much fun, positive mentality and extremely gratefully.
This is wonderful and so inspiring.
Thanks for sharing
Cata

Sabbio said...

I love the cover of "Let freedom sing" and the picture with Ruby and people throwing stones is so infuriating and moving. Great projects and you did them very well! I would love to find them here...

Unknown said...

Congratulations! What a wonderful accomplishment--creating images for a complete book is a Herculean task, and your images are inspired!

Debra Keirce said...

Congratulations! What a wonderful book, and so important a message it is delivering. I hope someday I have the opportunity to participate in such a grand project too!

Tara Sullivan said...

My heart skipped a beat with your news! I can not WAIT to see your book sitting proudly on the shelf of the Long Branch Public Library!!! I work in the children's room there and am an enormous fan of Harriet Ziefert and, of course, you! From one Jersey girl to another...Congratulations and thank you!!! Tara

Kaili Ittensohn said...

I am so proud of you! What a winderful accomplishment. The book looks absolutley wonderful- creative and inspiring. Congratulations

Kelly Medina said...

Absolutely fantastic. They are wonderful. Great work Vanessa. Congratulations :)

Shell said...

A beautiful book illustrating an important part of our history. The last one with the Colored sign just got me right in my heart.

Lindsey said...

Congratulations. I love your work; I could just look at your drawings for hours! You are living people's dream...mine included.

Bella Sinclair said...

Oh, Ms. Newton (I have to call you that, because I am speaking to you with the utmost awe and admiration and respect. Not that I didn't already feel that way about you before, just that now it's 1,000-fold!). This is a total TRIUMPH in every sense. This is a remarkable book, and the illustrations are absolutely top-notch. I love how Ruby has her back turned to the angry mob. I love all the happy singing faces. I can hear them all harmonizing, "Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine!" It is so important that we do not forget, that we teach our little children about tolerance and overcoming obstacles and learning to love. It's important that we teach them history -- not just tell them, but show them and let them feel it, and your illustrations do just that. A BIG congratulations to you. This book is joining my collection for sure!

Susan Mitchell said...

This book looks wonderful! Looking forward to seeing it in reality - and congratulations on finishing your first picture book - many more to come, I am sure :)

Peter Breese said...

Congratulations V, this is wonderful and the pictures are magnificent... pure V all the way! So happy for you!!!

Madonna Davidoff said...

This is really fantastic Vanessa. I haven't seen your blog for awhile since I am writing this in Bali. Tomorrow I leave for vietnam.
Congratulations on the new book. As always, you are an inspiration.

GlorV1 said...

Congratulations Vanessa. It's a beautiful book and how wonderful to share in your happiness. Great work.

yoon see said...

I must congratulate you in advance Vanessa. Your postings about illustrations and sharings are always so inspiring.
I guess that we all need each other. It is impossible to live without friends. You are always so cheerful, same as your first children book, sunny and lots of lesson to be learned. Very encouraging for sure.
Thanks sister Vanessa:)
I look forward to more to come:):):)

jane and the happy crow said...

Great work Nessa! What an inspiring book this must have been to work on. We need more of this on our shelves. Congrats on a great job well done! Jane xxxx

Tomás Serrano said...

Congratulations Vanessa! The illustrations look great. As Peter Breese says, pure Vanessa! I´m sure you write the text as wonderful as your drawings.

Mónica said...

Congratulations for your wonderful new book.

Thanks for sharing. Mónica

Owl Eng said...

Congratulations!! You're one of talented illustrators i have been admiring. Thanks for sharing some of your wonderful project here. they are beautiful and it makes me want to sing along too ;)

Anonymous said...

Very beautiful illustrations. Hope I get to read/see the book. Great great work.

Lisa M Griffin said...

Wow Vanessa - this amazing, the illustrations and feel of the story. What a wonderful share!

I know you are a busy lady, but I have an award for you on my blog. Sneak a peak, when you have a second. Happy Monday!

Kristi Valiant said...

Gorgeous illustrations again, Vanessa! I always love your colors and textures in your work. I'll be watching for this!

Unknown said...

i love this! congrats!

SILVER KNIGHT said...

Congratulations, for a wonderful book!

Carli said...

Congratulations Vanessa. your illustrations are perfect. the fourth one actually brought tears to my eyes. great job.

Loredan Avery said...

Nessa-
A million congratulations on your new book. I now this has been a really long road for you, and I just wanted you to know that no one else deserves this more than you. The illustrations are powerful, gorgeous, and send a strong message that can't be contained in words alone. I can't imagine the elation you must be feeling, but I have a feeling it goes something like, "Yippeee!!!"
-You go cutie!
Avery

Tara Borger said...

Congrats!! Love the illustrations and what a fabulous book! When will it be published and available for purchase? I admire your creativity so much and you are so inspiring; every time I visit your blog I want to get motivated! :)

Lynn Alpert said...

How exciting to be a part of something so cool at this time in our country. These illustrations are so wonderful! I second what Cata said about the way you see life. I can't help but feel joy when looking at your illustrations.

I can't wait to buy this book and maybe one day I'll meet you and I can get your autograph. Congrats!

La Ballena Elena said...

Hi,
I just discovered you today through Monica's blog (Spain)
I'm really impressed by your work, beautiful blog, and great drawings (specially the first one) gorgeous

ladyd210 said...

This is so awesome. I'd like to invite you to display your books, works, etc at a Health Fair CCE on 10/17. We're having vendor displays, you can take orders but not sell. There is no vendor charge we're just asking people to come show their good works to the community. Holla at me if this is something you can do as your stuff is definetely GOOD WORKS for the community.

Asja said...

wow! i'm speechless, this is just so fantastic, Vanessa! thank you so much for posting this, i admire your work very much! congratulations!

Jannie aka Chickengirl said...

WOW! The book is soooooooo gorgeous!!! I l love the cover and I love the art. I must get a copy of this!!! A big congratulations!!!!

Kendra@Creative Ambitions said...

V...that's awesome!! Congratulations!! WOOO HOOOO!!!

sruble said...

The images and colors are wonderful! My favorite is the cover. The crowd marching and singing really captures the feeling of joy and freedom, and the colorful ground is so much fun. It really adds to the mood without overpowering the main focus.

I love that you've carried that color treatment throughout the other images as well. Most excellent - I can't wait to see the whole book!

Every Photo Tells A Story said...

What a wonderful and meaningful project to be involved with, Vanessa.

And, the fourth image of that little girl with the angry "mob" behind her is so powerful.

That's what I love about pictures and images, one doesn't need words to understand what is being communicated.

Eugenia Gina said...

this is awesome, I love your vintage style and you precise details on the scene.. bravooo!

Kelly Light said...

It looks beautiful. Congratulations. I will be thrilled to purchase it, can't wait.

Meridth McKean Gimbel said...

Wow Vanessa! Super dooper congrats. This looks so incredibly fantastic. (I'm drooling and that's gross.)

kathy hare said...

Congratulations Vanessa! what a wonderful book, your work looks amazing.. x

Amy C said...

WOW - this is incredible - congratulations - sounds like a wonderful project. You are so inspiring and so incredibly talented.
I want/need a copy of this book, keep me posted about where I can get one!

Renee said...

The book is so important.

It would be hard for our children never mind their children to believe that this could ever have happened.

Love Renee xoxo

justdoodleit said...

This is such an incredible story told with such an incredible art :) Congratulations!

Breeding Fancy Art Prints said...

Wow, congratulations on your book. It looks like it's going to be great. I'll be looking out for it...

Heather said...

What a fabulous book. Sounds like the process was very inspiring. (I've been goofing off too--which is why it took me a while to comment.)

froggie is... said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Kay Aker said...

This is amazing! Knocks my socks off! Great for you! I'm thrilled!

Scooter said...

OMGOSH! I'm not saying this just to say it but THIS IS AMAZING. I actually went to sleep thinking about the illo of the march and woke up thinking about it- it's soooo great. You should enter it into the Society of Illustration contest. Thanks for being a true inspiration.

Anonymous said...

Hello Vanessa,

Remember me from IF!? I finally have had time to relax, and I remembered my friend from Illustration Friday who had the beautiful illo's! Your "let freedom sing" is awesome. I love your style. The piece with the beautiful people marching is my favorite. I was wondering if you're on facebook? let me know, I'd love to be your friend/fan !!! Have a blessed day, girlfriend!

Diandra Mae said...

Vanessa, this is so gorgeous! I will definitely be adding it to my library. Congrats on your achievement! Let us know when you have your release party. :)

Cheryl Lynn Pastor Romance Author said...

I know that I'm late with this, but I am so very happy for you. I am working on my first children's picture book, The Elephant Ball. I wrote the story and am going to try my hand at the illustrations.

Your work is soooo wonderful and inspiring, Ms. Lady, and I am privileged to have found Ooh La La Design Studio. Keep on keepin' on!

Patrick Désilets said...

Wow it looks fantastic!
Great art and a brilliant take on this important subject matter.
I'm sure it'll be a very significant book for a lot of children. Congratulations!