Making Tracks

Usually I’m asked by the publisher to illustrate a book, without meeting the author. But this time Beth Ferry (we’d become fast friends after working on Pirate’s Perfect Pet together) came directly to me, for help selling her book. She asked if I’d be okay with doing some art to go with her manuscript.

It was like asking a racing tire if it wanted to burn some rubber. Beth sold the book fast, and I hope you can tell I had a blast illustrating it. By the way, just as every race car needs a pit crew, every book needs a team to make it great—that includes the editor, art director, and a whole bunch of other smart people with the talent and faith to believe in and help create the book you will soon be holding in your hands. (hint, hint—buy it!)

Click on any image to enlarge it. 

Scroll down to see some sketches that led to the final art.

Racing fans: Check out the video below to watch me painting at top speed!