From Seasons by John BurninghamThe last couple of weeks have not been the best. Just various goings on that have left us all feeling a little stressed and worn out. I am hoping that the spring that keeps showing tiny signs of beginning, will finally kick in and make everything feel a little jollier.
Still, there have been a couple of highlights that have helped me to feel cheerier. Last weekend I got to meet lovely Claire from Needle Book and her husband Bradley. Such a sweet couple. I want to take some pictures of the sweet things that Claire gave me, so I will write more in a later post.
Today I took my son to see children's writer and illustrator John Burningham do a talk at Blue Metropolis . If you don't know his work, go to your nearest kid's bookshop and be prepare to stay awhile. His work is sweet, honest, funny and just plain heartwrenching at times. I used to read a lot of his books to my son when he was little and it was a double pleasure because I would get to look at his beautiful illustrations again and again. He uses a wide variety of materials and he has a loose, energetic style which really inspires me.
I bought a couple of his books today and got them signed and felt like a starstruck teenager! I garbled something about being an illustrator and how much I admired his work. I felt like I was meeting an icon and all forms of intelligent communication completely left me. Ah well, it was lovely to meet him. He really is special and unique. Here are a few images that will hopefully get you running to your local book store.
From Mr. Gumpy's Outing by John Burningham
From Letters by John Burningham
From Oi! Get Off Our Train! by John Burningham
9 comments:
great blog;)
Oh, lucky you, Susan. But your work is on par with his. I do like his style, though. Thanks for sharing his samples. And I wonder how I missed this literary festival here? Oh well. : )
oh lucky you, I love john birmingham's work. Especially the way it is not 'overworked' and sometimes looks a little sketchy
Oh you are so right, Mr. Burningham's work is lovely! And I know just how you felt meeting an inspiration, I was just the same when I got Quentin Blake to sign my book. I felt a beetroot fool but totally exhilarated at seeing this lovely man up close....Didn't manage any kind of audible sentence though I tried...
we have 'would you rather' and it was a favourite when tommy was little. he has a delightfully relaxed style. how cool to meet him. hope spring keeps springing on for you!
One of my favorite picture books is "Harvey Slumfenberger's Christmas Present". It's an absolutely perfect book and the ending kills me every time.
Yikes. I just looked for it on Amazon and used copies start at $95!!
you made me smile because whenever i come in contact with someone i truly admire i suddenly find that i can't speak and i whisper or act oddly! Well, good to know i'm not alone. Wonderful post!
I LOVE John Burmingham!
Well said.
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