Who doesn’t love fan mail? It’s one of the best parts of the job. You’re at home. The mailman comes. Instead of a handful of bills and a flyer for 40% off chimney cleaning, you get a big envelope filled with love and appreciation. It’s kinda awesome!

Let me share some awesome with you.

In addition to the action and energy here, I love that the artist has drawn himself in the art.  This means I’ve done my job.  I’ve created a character and a world that the reader wants to participate in.  Love it!

This young artist drew a ninja on her Thank You note, then added that it was much more difficult than she thought it was going to be.  :)

This my favorite.  This note speaks directly to my presentation, not my work.  Kids, like many adults, are often under the misconception that because a picture book is shorter  and intended for a younger audience, that it is, therefore, easier to make.  I stress to the students how hard I work on the writing, how many drafts I do, and the time I put into it.  And then, I talk to them about all the different aspects it takes to compose art that helps tell a story.

This next one is unique because it’s not a picture of one of my characters, it’s me! This lovely student drew me giving my presentation to the class.  I’m holding a microphone and the kids are sitting on little chairs and looking at my Power Point presentation on the screen.  It’s too much!

You guys, I didn’t do a good job.  I did a God job.  From the mouth of babes.  Just saying.