AWARDS!
Erik's first official book illustration assignment, MONKEY BUSINESS: STORIES FROM AROUND THE WORLD (written by Shirley Climo) was recognized by the Bank Street College of Education as one of the Best Books of 2005. Read more about it here!

EVENTS & VISITS:
Planning for author talks and school visits? Erik's currently scheduled engagments can be found in this edition of the Press, but he is always looking to do more. Check out the school visits page on this website, or Erik's e-kite listing with the Society of Children's Books Writers and Illustrators - Western Washington.

My own vacation from work/home wrapped up early this year and I have been back in the studio, doing yard work, or soaking my feet in the river, with due diligence since July 1st :)

Fourth of July festivities (sans fireworks even since it's too hot and dry where I live) were very nice as usual. I even painted faces for a few hours at the Methow Arts Fest and had a great time trying to satisfy some of the very

On my drawing board: dogs, dogs and more dogs! This new chapter book illustration project for Henry Holt is nipping at my heels but will be wrapped up by mid-September. It should be ready for Fall 2007.

Also in mid-September, BOO'S DINOSAUR written by Besty Byars, hits the shelves. I'll be posting bookmarks, coloring sheets and other assorted goodies to the site very soon. Stay cool!

At the right, is one example from a book-in-progress: While researching dogs throughout history, I kept tripping over this one particular image of a dog and hunter on some Greek pottery. I loved the strong contrasting line work and decided to do one of my own. Hence, a very retro Erik and Max drawing!

Since the book's illustrations won't look anything like this, its not essential that I made the drawing. On the other hand, this kind of "play" with style and form is just another one of those things that makes my job so much fun!