The Art is IN!

Filed under: Uncategorized • January 16, 2025

It was an action-packed December as I had an illustration deadline approaching and the holidays stacked on top of each other. I had to be patient and OK with only making super small steps forward each day. It was amazing how those small tasks added up to a finished book … and (pretty much) on time, too!

My calendar “said” it was impossible, but each day I gave myself something small to accomplish. And those little accomplishments felt good. They created momentum and an unintimidating path to the next (small) thing I could check off the list. This minimalist calendar helped me :)

Last Monday, I turned in the final illustrations for Lilibet Makes a Friend (by Kersten Hamilton, illustrated by me) which comes out next year with Disney Hyperion! I’m sure there will be some tweaks I’ll need to fix, but all in all, I’m DONE!!

To celebrate, I’d like to share peeks at some of my favorite moments in the book …

This story is about a girl, Lilibet, who longs for a friend. She sets out to (literally) make one since she can practically build anything she puts her mind to. But when a boy named Peanut insists on helping her, the results get real.

Lilibet has her own pet Punk Rock there on a shelf – a nod to my upcoming graphic novel :)

I’ll post more about Lilibet Makes a Friend as it gets closer to its publication in 2026. Till then, thanks for reading and cheering me on!

Next Pencil Pusher goes out in Feb!

The Spring 2025 issue of The Pencil Pusher will be all about dogs :)… how I used one as a catalyst in a story and how I’ve illustrated my own dogs to “live forever” in several of my books. And, of course, there will be some kind of “hairy” drawing activity!

Here’s an example (above) of how my boy (Ace) makes an appearance in my new non-fiction book SMASH, CRASH, TOPPLE, ROLL! (which is available for pre-order).

If you are a librarian, teacher, or parent, you can learn more and subscribe your student(s) to The Pencil Pusher HERE. If you are already subscribed and you’d like to make changes to your subscription, go here.

This was originally posted on Substack: https://open.substack.com/pub/shandamccloskey/p/the-art-is-in?r=5cnb3&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=email

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My Year in Reading “Quilt”

Filed under: Uncategorized • January 1, 2025

There are three hours left in 2024, here in Georgia! I’m home with my husband and a kiddo who has the flu, but it’s OK and even nice to chill after the rush of the last two months.

One accomplishment of mine over the past year is I put a screenshot (on iPhone Notes) of every book I read, and tonight, I made a “quilt” by putting them together in one lovely rectangle:

Looking at this reading record reminds me that my co-writer husband and I completed our first contracted graphic novel script earlier this year! (PUNK ROCK, Abrams Fanfare 2026). Such a BIG moment for us that holds much hope and thrill for us. And as you can see, I was reading LOTS of graphic novels to see how the stories progressed from panel to panel, page to page, and chapter to chapter.

Keeping a reading log isn’t an impressive accomplishment, but I’m happy I did it! It’s a window into my months-earlier mind.

Happy New Year, er’body!

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Visual Texture!

Filed under: Art Lessons, Illustration, Lessons of an Artist, My Books, Shanda's Journey • October 24, 2024

I’m working on the final color art for Lilibet Makes a Friend (written by Kersten Hamilton). Every book I work on teaches me something new about the artist I want to become, and THIS book is telling me to play up the TEXTURE! (Yeah, books speak to me. That’s normal, right?)

So, I’ll follow the lead and give extra love and attention to gritty pencil marks, painterly brush strokes, and stacks on stacks of layered color :)

The right amount of textural touches gives art that … “chef’s kiss.” Your eye moves around it, and it delights you at every angle. Sometimes fast. Sometimes slow. What’s the “right” amount of texture you ask? Beats me! For now, I have to rely on my taste and intuition because I can’t quite articulate/measure it. When I’ve gone too far and over-complicated an image, I get a feeling of overwhelm. The “right” amount of visual busyness is exhilarating yet manageable to take in.

I’m especially drawn to Brian Biggs’ work right now. In my opinion, he’s a texture expert! He appears to have loads of fun doing his work, too. Brian has made over 75 books, but honestly, he’s just now truly on my radar. His art is distinctive and playful yet educated and calculated. The guy knows what he’s doing. He’s honed his craft for years and pivoted when things felt stale (which I learned from this podcast).

From afar, Brian Biggs inspires me to keep going and keep learning. Hey, it might take me 75 books to make my mark in this industry and figure out who I am exactly. If so, I’m 7 books in, 68 to go.

Kids Meet Authors (replay and next event)

Jannie Ho, Bethanie Murguia, and I had a lovely time answering real kids’ questions about reading and creating graphic novels. Enjoy the replay below!

The next event is on November 1st, all about STEM stories! Sign up to join live or to get a replay link.

2 Events for Kids THIS Saturday in person!

I’ll be doing two kids’ events at Alpharetta Public Library this Saturday, Oct. 26th ! Books will be available for purchase/signing after each session.

11 am – 12 pm, I’m presenting about Rad Robots, reading my STEM-friendly picture book, DOLL-E 1.0, and teaching kids to draw the robot from the story!
2 – 3 pm, I’m presenting Words + Pictures = MAGIC, reading my STEM-friendly picture book, DOLL-E 1.0, and teaching kids to draw like an illustrator!

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A writer kid asked …

Filed under: Uncategorized • September 16, 2024

Question:

Hi Mrs.McCloskey!

I have a few questions, if that’s okay. You spoke at our Young Georgia Authors ceremony recently in Habersham, GA, and I was lucky enough to be a part of it! You had said we could reach out if we were serious about writing and had questions, so here it is!

A friend and I are planning on writing and illustrating a children’s book, but we don’t know any publishers or how to find them. We don’t actually know how to get it published, either. We also wanted to ask about how to get our book copyrighted if and when we do end up publishing it.

Any other pointers or advice is welcome, and thank you so much for taking the time to read this!

-A.P. :)

Answer:

Hi A.P.,

Thanks for reaching out! It’s exciting to embark on a book project with a friend.

Your publishing opportunities are limited until you are 18, but I would encourage you to make the book anyway for joy and experience right now. Then, get it printed! It would not be officially “published” but it’s still super cool to see your work as a real book and it enables you to share your physical book with others, sell them, or give them as gifts. I like this company/product for printing a book for fun which I’ve done several times: https://www.socialprintstudio.com/softcover-photobook/

If you enjoy the process, do it again and again. You’ll improve big time, each time. And by the time you are 18, you’ll be more than ready to pursue the real deal and join SCBWI.org (Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators) which is how I learned everything I know about the business and craft of children’s books!

Keep in touch and let me know how your first book turns out :)

Your fellow author-illustrator friend,

Shanda McCloskey

Announcing my first graphic novel, PUNK ROCK!

I’m so pumped to announce my debut young graphic novel series, PUNK ROCK, co-written with my real-life punk rocker husband, Ben :)

This series will explore the question: What can we do with anger, disappointment, and other big emotions?

My first Junior Library Guild Book!

Smash, Crash, Topple, Roll!: The Inventive Rube Goldberg―A Life in Comics, Contraptions, and Six Simple Machines was awarded the Gold Standard by the Junior Library Guild. I couldn’t be happier about that because it means more libraries, more schools, and ultimately, more kids will have access to this really fun biography/STEM book.

Preorder here

Your class in conversation with real authors and illustrators!

I’ve joined up with some amazing kidlit creators to form Kids Meet Authors, offering a FREE online event each month for your classroom to help reinforce what you are already teaching about writing! We are open for registration and questions to answer live! Here are the first 3 sessions:

Sign your class up here!

In-person Events:

Exhibition- Art of the Picture Book: Illustrators are Your Neighbors

Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, including artists Mark Braught, R. Gregory Christie, Laura Freeman, Ebony Glenn, Shamar Knight-Justice, Jime Wimmer, Mike Wimmer, Michael Allen Austin, Bill Mayer, Frank Morrison, Mike Lowery, Shanda McCloskey

The exhibit will be on display from Oct. 2 – Nov. 20
The Gallery Reception for the Exhibition, Alpharetta Arts Center Nov. 2, 5 – 7 pm

More info

I’ll be doing two kids’ events at the Alpharetta Library! Books will be available for purchase/signing afterward.

11:00 am, I’m presenting about robots, reading my STEM-friendly picture book, DOLL-E 1.0, and teaching kids to draw the robot from the story!
2:00 pm, I’m presenting how words + pictures = MAGIC, reading my STEM-friendly picture book, DOLL-E 1.0, and teaching kids to draw like an illustrator!

What I’ve been up to lately…

My favorite way to volunteer at my daughter’s elementary school is by helping to make the set of the school musical. This is my 5th year doing so, and I’m proud that the program now involves a group of students and parents. Many hands really do make light work :)

The backdrop(s) for these productions are important to me, so that’s where I put most of my energy. My husband (and friends) built a wood frame to stretch a large printed “billboard” image onto. I painted the image on my iPad/Procreate at a very large dpi and then had it printed the size of 14′ x 24’ at Billboards, etc.. It comes folded so we laid it in the sun for 2 days, but we had to fold it again to transport it to the school. We stretched/smoothed it as much as possible when we installed it hoping gravity and time will take care of the rest.

Here’s the backdrop for the 2025 production of “Finding Nemo Jr.” and my kiddo (in yellow) and her bestie. They both share the role of Dori :)

For work, I’ve been reworking sketches for the upcoming book, Lilibet Makes A Friend, by Kersten Hamilton.
Preparing the next issue of The Pencil Pusher (a kids’ creative newspaper) to hit mailboxes in late September / early October.
Our family has been attending LOTS of football games. My oldest is on the high school Colorguard team, and my youngest is a cheerleader. Go Grizzlies!

This post was originally posted on Substack.

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Quiz for kids! – What Kind of Summer Reader Are You?

Filed under: For Teachers, Free Stuff, Growing Up Artsy, Growing Up Reading, Printable Activities • May 13, 2024

Summer is SOOO close! And my daughters and I have already been curating our book stacks for the breezier months ahead.

My summer selections:

I’m diving into the deep end of graphic novels, stellar storytelling, and unique characters!

My 14-year-old’s summer picks:

This is teen girl bliss :)

My 10-year-old’s Summer stack:

She’s definitely into a certain type of book these days, and I love it!

Come June, I’ll be mailing out the Summer 2024 Issue of The Pencil Pusher to kids who receive it at their homes with several surprise vinyl stickers and an art contest!

The summer issue doesn’t get mailed to schools or classrooms (obviously), BUT I included a PDF of it below in hopes that you teachers/librarians will use it for some end-of-year fun with your students.

It’s a book-related personality QUIZ (a throwback to those magazine quizzes we all used to do for fun) called: “What Kind of Summer Reader Are YOU?” I had a lot of fun creating it and hope it helps start great, no-pressure conversations about maybe enjoying a book over summer break. I mean who doesn’t love a silly personality quiz, right?

Your students can also enter the contest by printing, cutting, and pasting these Pencil People to create a summer scene! Teachers/parents can submit the art to the contest at ShandaMc.com/PencilPusher.

Did you take the quiz yourself?

What kind of summer reader are YOU?

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The Sketchy Stage – when I feel most like an author and illustrator

Filed under: Illustration, Lessons of an Artist, My Books, On My Mind, Sketchbook • April 7, 2024

My January-March was packed full of racing to finish up final art for SMASH, CRASH, TOPPLE, ROLL (a book about Rube Goldberg, written by Catherine Thimmesh) and 12 school visits in three states! I got to visit the wide-open rolling hills of northeast Missouri and several little new-to-me towns in Georgia and South Carolina.

Ben (husband) can work anywhere, so he goes with me when it’s more than just a day trip. It’s great. He drives :) And our girls and pup get to live it up with my mom (Didi) who is much cooler than me.

Now I’m back home … April begins … it’s a little calmer, and it’s time to start a new book project… Anything is possible at this stage. It’s when I feel most like an author and illustrator.

I spend some mornings at Barrel House Coffee shop sketching thumbnails (small loose images) of the whole book, LILIBET MAKES A FRIEND, by Kersten Hamilton. And while I make decisions about which words should fall on which pages and what the images on those pages might look like, I also listen…

A group of men gather at a table next to me, talk about the best way to make hummus, and how one of them renders some sort of building plans at no charge for fun. They talk a little about politics and new things coming to our little town, even though they are “not at liberty to say”.

Another group forms around another table. They’re local real estate agents and insurance people. They brainstorm ways they can work together to navigate the tough market. And it occurs to me that we’re ALL just trying our very best to make it in this world, battling imposter syndrome or interest rates.

I love working at the coffee shop. It reminds me that I’m a part of a community and I’m an author-illustrator in that community. I’m not alone in the struggle of life and work and trying to be something. Many things feel possible. I am creative, fluid, and imperfectly lovely … just like my sketches.

I Talk About My Mistake on The Lil’ Leaders Podcast

After my last post about making a big, embarrassing art mistake in Little Red and the Big Bad Editor, I was invited to talk about it on The Lil’ Leaders Podcast!

T-Bone the Drone Update

Publisher Little, Brown recently informed me that my book, T-Bone the Drone, is sold out in the warehouse but, unfortunately, they are not going to print more. Soon, T-Bone will only be available as an e-book. So snag a physical copy before they’re all gone! Amazon, BN.com, and Read It Again still have a few.

I’ll always love my little drone book and how excited kids get when they discover Charlotte, Doll-E, and Blutooth (from DOLL-E 1.0) are a part of this story too!

Pencil Pusher schedule changes…

I’m elated that so many classrooms and families are enjoying the Pencil Pusher newspaper for kids! This newspaper is a project of my heart and I want to continue to make it the best it can be. So I’m changing up the sending schedule a bit to fit us all better. Starting now, schools/classrooms/libraries will receive 2 issues per year (Fall & Spring) and individuals/families will receive 3 issues per year (Fall, Spring, AND a summer edition with surprise stickers)!

Just a schedule change. There’s no need to do anything. But if you’re not already signed up, you can do that at the link above, or if you need to change your subscription for any reason, email me at theshanda@yahoo.com.

Friends with New Books!

Shelli Johannes co-wrote and recently released the Farm Friends series! (Think STEM + agriculture, early readers).

Bethanie Merguia’s Wagnificent (a young middle-grade graphic novel about Sage and her dog, Thunder, who juggles with being a perfect pet and a wild animal from wolf ancestry) comes out in July! Preorder and get a cool set of stickers too.

Vicky Fang’s 3rd in her Best Buddies series just dropped! This series is a favorite of my cousin, Paisley (age 7)!

Kristen Tubb’s Fowl Play (middle-grade novel) will be hitting shelves in July!

Shannon Anderson’s newest picture book, B is for Belonging, comes out in August!

Jannie Ho has illustrated the second early graphic novel in the Fry Guys series! This “punny” book comes out in October!

McCall Hoyle’s middle-grade novel, Millie, just released! This book is the 3rd book in her beloved dog “series”.

Randi Sonenshine’s 3rd book in her Built Series, The Den that Octopus Built comes out in May!

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I Made A Mistake, BUT It Drove My Point Home!

Filed under: Lessons of an Artist, My Books, School Visits • February 29, 2024

It was a lovely day for a school visit in southern South Carolina. I was on my last presentation of the day. The gym was filled with curious 3rd and 4th graders, hanging on my every word. They liked me! I could tell :)

As my presentation came to a close with the reading of the twist ending in LITTLE RED AND THE BIG BAD EDITOR the audience gasped and laughed. My shoulders lowered and I thought… Shanda, you’ve done it again, you crazy kid. Great job! Now, it was time for questions!

Many hands raced upward, and I called on a girl in glasses. She told me that she did not have a question, but instead had a comment. So, I let her continue. This 3rd grader looked concerned and proceeded to tell me that I had omitted an important detail (that she described) in some of the illustrations in the book.

“I did?” I asked. With the whole group watching, I flipped back through the story slides and sure enough, she was right! I gasped this time. I couldn’t believe I had missed this. The publisher missed it too. No one had ever mentioned it to me before. But this kid saw it and was brave enough to call it out.

The room went quiet. The kids didn’t know what I was going to say. But what could I say? I threw my hands up and said … “Oops!”. Then the whole room, including me, burst into laughter! I mean, what are the odds that a book about editing could have such a mistake in it? It is kinda funny :)

Sure, it was a little embarrassing, but I’m the first to admit that I make mistakes all the time. We all do. It’s human. It’s something I discuss at every school visit, and this one was no different. We had already talked about why we need to “edit” our work because no one gets stuff “perfect” the first time or sometimes even the 20th time (and in this case, my work STILL has a huge, published, out-there mistake in it)!

BUT at this moment I was able to demonstrate in real life what I preached. I stood humbled on that stage, dripping in my imperfections. And it was perfect! This was a remarkable moment between me and those kids. We were the same. All students of life. Just imperfect people trying to do our best, even if we don’t succeed sometimes. And you know what? It’s okay and still totally worth it.

Can you spot it?

I challenge y’all to read LITTLE RED AND THE BIG BAD EDITOR! Check it out from your library or maybe even purchase a copy. (I promise it’s still a great book despite my faux pas :) Can you and your kids/students find the missing thing that I left out of several illustrations (including the cover)?! If you figure it out, reply or comment to let me know. Don’t worry. My pride isn’t bruised too badly :)

Maybe you could use this as a springboard to talk to your kids/students/self about making mistakes, owning them, but getting back up and dusting yourself off, then learning and growing into a better version of yourself after them. You can bet I’ll have an eagle eye on my illustration work from here on out!

You don’t have to be perfect to be loved.

Hooray!! LITTLE RED AND THE BIG BAD EDITOR is a nominee for the 2024-2025 Show Me Readers Award in Missouri, and I’m super excited to be visiting 4 Missouri schools in a couple of weeks! I have no idea if these visits came about because of this book being on this state list or not. Either way, I love how a book can bring me to different parts of our country (and the world) to meet so many cool kids and educators. If you’re interested in me ~~making a fool of myself~~ speaking at your school, check out my info here.

This book is also the featured title for One Book Habersham in Habersham County, Georgia! It’s a cool community initiative that brings together a whole county through one book…

Read the book. Talk it up. Ask your neighbor, “Have you read Little Red and the Big Bad ~~Wolf~~ Editor?” Let’s see how many people in Habersham County we can get to say, “Yes!”

Books will be available at all public libraries and schools throughout the community for you to read, enjoy and share with others. Look for copies – in restaurants, banks, doctor’s offices, etc.