Read Every Day. Lead a Better Life.

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!