Over the past few years, I have heard so many remarkable stories from children's authors and illustrators. The stories are told with great enthusiasm and respect for their profession. I love hearing stories about how a love of books and art blossomed into a career or how a tiny idea developed into a book that I love. It is hard for me to walk away from a book-related event where I have had the opportunity to hear an author or illustrator speak and not be inspired to create something myself; a story of my own, a craft with my children, a new birthday blog post.
I have attended many events alone, which I love, but I have found that I equally enjoy attending these events with my family. Amazingly, whether the event is big or small, or the author or illustrator is a national best seller or local sensation, we have always had a positive experience!
The line for Mark Teague was unusually long for the last signing of the day on this Sunday evening, but hundreds of people stood patiently with their Dinosaur and LaRue books for a chance to meet this inspiring author-illustrator.
My son had Mark Teague sign Pancakes for Supper! by Anne Isaacs. My youngest daughter had Baby Tamer, my youngest son had How Do Dinosaurs Get Well Soon? by Jane Yolen, my oldest daughter had Pigsty signed.
Earlier that day, before Mark Teague's book signing, we took a break from the other book signings to listen to Mark Teague's talk about how much he loves his job as a children's book author and illustrator. Teague has illustrated over 40 children's books including the Poppleton series written by Cynthia Rylant and the How Do Dinosaurs series written by Jane Yolen.
Mark Teague read the latest Dinosaur book, How Do Dinosaurs Say I'm Mad?.
He also showed us how to draw a dinosaur. I was amazed to learn that Mark Teague had no formal art training. He is self-taught! According to Children's Corner, after graduating with a degree in history he went to visit his brother in New York City. The sketchbook he filled on the trip helped him land a job working at Barnes and Noble making window displays. The connections he made on job and being around inspiring children's books each day helped him publish his first book, The Trouble with the Johnsons in 1989.
"I was that kid in the back of classroom always scribbling pictures all over everything. I even got in trouble with my teachers instead of doing the math test I would be drawing pictures on the desk. I got in trouble one time with my mom because she bought me a new pair of sneakers, these beautiful white canvas sneakers. And by the time I got home from school that day, they had been covered with little ink drawings all over. My mother didn't always appreciate my artistic talents." (Mark Teague, National Book Festival 2013, Library of Congress).
At the moment of hearing this story from Mark Teague I was inspired by the idea of creating art on pair of white canvas sneakers. I have my own memories of seeing kids draw on shoes in school. But, I was never brave enough to try it, and if I did I am sure I did it on the bottoms of the shoes where my mom wouldn't find it.
We started our celebration for Mark Teague by rereading all our books in our personal collection.
We got out our brand new set of Sharpie markers to turn these plain white shoes into a work of art.
We talked about using a pencil first to plan out our designs. This lasted a little while and then my children found was easier to just let creativity lead the way in the design.
My youngest son was serious about his shoe decorating!
It seems like we have been doing a lot of projects in our pajamas recently.
The next thing we knew our youngest came in with one of her own shoes. I guess she felt left out.
So, we gave her an older pair of shoes and a Sharpie too.
He was happy with his first shoe!
One shoe finished and it fits good. Now to decorate the next one.
These fine lookin' shoes were created by my 3-year-old son.
These sweet lookin' shoes were created by my 6-year-old son.
My daughter thought they were pretty sweet too, so she stole them!
From the moment I thought about doing this project with my children I wondered if they would wear the shoes. I am very surprised that my boys have worn them to school every day since making them.
My 8-year-old daughter just finished her shoes today and said that she won't wear them to school.
Thank you Mark Teague for inspiring us with your childhood story at the National Book Festival. Your enthusiasm for children's books is infectious! It was a highlight of our trip to meet you! Have a wonderful birthday!
She wore them to school!