I was thrilled when Scholastic asked me to participate in a very special literacy campaign in honor of their 90th anniversary: Read Every Day. Lead A Better Life. I was one of twelve illustrators invited to interpret the theme. Here’s what I came up with:

Click to view LARGE.

And, I was beyond thrilled when I learned who the eleven other artists were: Normal Bridwell, creator of Clifford; Bruce Degan, illustrator of The Magic School Bus; Edwin Fotheringham, illustrator of Tony Baloney; Mary GrandPre, illustrator of Harry Potter; Barbara McClintock, author of Adele & Simon; Jon J. Muth, creator of Zen Shorts; Sean Qualls, illustrator of Dizzy; Stephen Savage, author of Where’s Walrus; David Shannon, author of No, David!; and Jeff Smith, creator of Bone. I truly feel like I’m walking among giants.

All of the original artwork is being auctioned off to benefit two wonderful charities: REACH OUT AND READ, and READING IS FUNDAMENTAL. You can bid on my piece here–the winning bid will receive my original, black and white drawing (ink on Bristol board) as well as a signed, framed color lithograph. Bidding goes until June 5th!

And starting June 6th, signed posters of each piece of artwork will be for sale online. I’ll put up a link when they’re available! Update: You can buy a poster for only $3.95 now!

All twelve of us gathered together at Scholastic’s headquarters on May 5, to unveil the art, record a webcast, and sign books. Each one of the artists is such a delight, and I felt so lucky to be able to get to know them better in such a fun setting.

Photo from Scholastic’s Flickr

Photo from Scholastic’s Flickr

I have my editor and art director extraordinaire, David Saylor, to thank for inviting me to be a part of such a wonderful event. I hope you’ll consider bidding! It’s for a fantastic cause!