Little Card & Portland Stage

Who among us children’s book creators doesn’t wonder if our work might find a second life somewhere beyond the page? Sure, a movie deal would be amazing—pardon me while I fantasize about a second home with an ocean view—but in reality, it rarely happens. More commonly, that second life comes in a smaller, more intimate form. So it was with great pleasure that I traveled up to Maine last week to witness something really special.

For the past three years, the Portland Stage Company has been performing A BIG SURPRISE FOR LITTLE CARD by Charise Harper as part of their educational outreach into public schools. Their PLAY program brings children’s literature and poetry to life in front of students, grades K–5. Here’s a quote from their website:

“The goal of PLAY is to connect theater with literacy by making literature performative and encouraging reading fluency, character recall, understanding of themes, emotional recognition, physical storytelling, and vocal characterization.”

I really didn’t know what to expect, but the performance was delightful and the actors were wonderfully engaging. Best of all, the students really loved it. LITTLE CARD is a plucky, enthusiastic guy who show great perseverance even in the most challenging situations, so he seems like an excellent choice.

So while this may not be a movie deal—or something that has any financial payoff—it still makes me feel pretty good. Look at these lovely people. Thanks, Portland Stage! 💜

It's a Book Birthday!

Today is the day A BIG SURPRISE FOR LITTLE CARD is officially out in the world. Written by Charise Harper and published by Candlewick Press, it tells the story of a rectangular fellow who is sent to birthday card school, only to discover it was all a big mistake. As Kirkus Reviews said, "Check it out!"

If you'd like to meet me and Little Card in person, I have some events scheduled over the next few months. The first one will be at one of my favorite local bookstores, BookCourt in Brooklyn on Sunday, February 21st at 2PM. In addition to reading the story, we're going to get crafty. Everyone will get a chance to make their own Little Card to color, decorate, and take home. There will also be buttons (custom-made by my esteemed author Charise), singing (yikes—that means me—but just briefly, thank goodness!), and cookies.

If you haven't seen it yet, I made a trailer for Little Card a few months ago—but don't worry, it doesn't give away much of the story. Making trailers has become one of my favorite parts of the publishing process. Since my "production" usually takes place long after my illustrations have been delivered for print, it's a nice way to revisit a story, and figure out a way to best share it with readers...without really sharing it. The Booklist Reader had some nice things to say, "As if the book wasn't lively enough…"

Okay, well it's time to party, or at least ask Little Card if he's willing to share some of that yummy-looking cupcake. He's a super nice guy, so I think my chances are good.

A Book Trailer Premiere for A BIG SURPRISE FOR LITTLE CARD

Wow, Little Card feels like a movie star today with the red carpet treatment on All The Wonders! They're hosting the premiere of his book trailer for A BIG SURPRISE FOR LITTLE CARD, a new book by Charise Mericle Harper and me, published by the lovely folks at Candlewick Press which will be in stores on February 9th. There's also a short interview with us with a few behind-the-scenes tidbits.

If you've never visited All The Wonders before, you're in for a real treat. They've got all sorts of great information about everything going on in children's literature: interviews, crafts, videos, and so much more. Special thanks to Matthew Winner and Blake Hamilton for hosting Little Card for his big close up!