June 20, 2010
Special thanks to Shelley Rotner, Diane DeGroat, and Rosemary Agoglia for a wonderful time at the Eric Carle event. Here’s a picture taken at the after-party with two people I’ve admired all my life, Jules Feiffer and Norton Juster…
June 10, 2010
If you’re in the Northampton, Massachusetts area, check out the “Celebrating Dogs in Picture Books” exhibit at the Eric Carle Museum this Saturday, June 12th.
My original art from DOG AND BEAR will be on display as well as “dog” art from fellow picture book artists and friends, Shelley Rotner, Diane DeGroat, Jules Feiffer, Barry Moser, Nick Bruel, Jeff Mack, Karen Beil, Stephanie Calmenson, Eileen Christelow, Corinne Demas, Patricia MacLachlan and Katy Schneider.
May 13, 2010
Check out this month’s edition of NOTES FROM THE HORN BOOK… Special thanks to Roger Sutten for being the interviewer extraordinaire!
Laura Vaccaro Seeger has written and illustrated some of the most innovative — and beautiful — concept books around, giving new spins to the alphabet book (The Hidden Alphabet), counting book (One Boy), and book of opposites (Black? White! Day? Night!) among others. She is also the creator of Dog and Bear, the heroes of three easy readers that speak volumes about friendship. Her latest book observes two, no, three seals at the beach and the beach ball they encounter.
1. I can’t decide if What If? is a book about friendship or arithmetic or futures trading. What do you think?
Hmm . . . At first, I wasn’t quite sure how to answer this question, but now that you mention it I suppose it’s about all three. What If? is certainly a book about friendship and the value of considering the feelings of others. And it is about arithmetic — the age-old problem
of “two’s company, three’s a crowd.” It’s most certainly about cause and effect, as well. That’s the concept that first inspired me to write What If? I find it fascinating that people can affect the outcome of any given situation based on their decisions and actions. What if the boy on the cover of the book hadn’t stopped to contemplate the ball in the first place? Or what if he kicked it in the opposite direction? Or what if it had never bounced out of the water when the two seals were playing? What if the seagull on the last page decided that it was his turn to play with the ball? I just love the concept of endless possibilities.
2. The book continually brings us back to — what do you call it, a triptych? Layer cake? — of earth, sea, and sky. Which do you feel is your natural element?
Ah, now that’s an easy question to answer. My natural element is most definitely the sea. I find it difficult to let a single day go by without spending at least some time by the ocean. The inspiration for just about every book I’ve made has been found at the sea, and certainly problems related to each book have been solved there, as well. During the winter and early spring months, I often see seals at the beach. In fact just last week, I took this photograph of an adorable sleepy seal resting in the very spot where I walk every day. Just after I snapped the picture, he lifted his head, yawned a very big yawn, and fell back to sleep.
3. While I think of “concept books” as being rather definite and hard-edged (like Tana Hoban’s books) What If? and First the Egg are very painterly and organic-y. How does a book start with you — with the images or the ideas?
It’s funny because I consider all my books to be conceptual and at the same time to be story-driven, even if they contain the simplest of stories. Most of them begin with what I consider to be an interesting idea or concept. I then work to build a book around that idea. Usually something like the alphabet, colors, numbers, or transformation is just an excuse to make the book about what I am really interested in: negative space, the concept of “not,” words within words, or creativity. Even the Dog and Bear books are conceptual to me as they are about the concept of friendship. I would have to say that because I am an artist, the ideas and images come simultaneously. I am a very visual thinker, so as soon as I hear the words, I also see the pictures. Usually the first drafts of a book contain rather lengthy narratives (for me, anyway), and being a “less is more” writer and artist, I tend to discard words on a regular basis as I decide to tell parts of the story with pictures instead. What If? started out with lots of words, and I quickly realized that I had far more than I needed. Before I knew it I was left with only six different words, all used in varying combinations. And the pictures tell the rest.
4. Making friends can be hard for kids and adults alike. Any advice?
I know what it feels like to be caught between two friends who are each competing for attention, and having to choose between them is never pleasant. As a child, I was always taught to imagine being in someone else’s place and feeling what he or she might be feeling. That’s basically what’s happening in What If? It’s about thoughtfulness and empathy and understanding. I’ve always found that making friends is far easier when you consider the feelings of those around you.
5. Any word from Dog and Bear?
Ah, speaking of friendship . . . :-)
I’ve had ongoing discussions with Neal Porter, my brilliant editor and dear friend, about possible new adventures for Dog and Bear, but we’ve been so busy with other projects that we’ve not made any definite plans as of yet. I will say, however, that Dog and Bear are as frisky as ever and they have been getting themselves into quite a few funny situations, so there’s no shortage of story ideas!
April 20, 2010
New book alert, due for release at the end of this month! The reviews are in for “WHAT IF?“… Check it out (click on the image below)…
April 1, 2010
Check out the REAL Dog and Bear…
November 7, 2009
ATTENTION TEACHERS, LIBRARIANS, KIDS:
Here is a DOG AND BEAR story time activity kit, filled with songs, recipes, word play, games, projects, puppets, plays, and tons of fun!
Just print and have fun!
Dog and Bear Story Time Activity Kit
August 27, 2009
ATTENTION TEACHERS AND LIBRARIANS:
Here is a printable PDF of my “About the Author” booklet, produced by my wonderful publisher, Roaring Brook Press… In it, you will find projects based on most of my books along with lots of other fun stuff…
Seeger About the Author Booklet
August 26, 2009
New book alert! DOG AND BEAR - THREE TO GET READY will be released on September 1st… Let me know what you think!
January 26, 2009
A VERY special thank you to the members of the ALSC Geisel committee for selecting ONE BOY as a 2009 Theodor Seuss Geisel Honor Book! And congratulations to all the other ALA winners including my friends, Mo Willems and Jacqueline Woodson!
November 9, 2008
ATTENTION TEACHERS, LIBRARIANS, CHILDREN, PARENTS!
My exhibit at the Nassau County Museum of Art has been extended through January 4, 2009… (September 21, 2008 through January 4, 2009 Nassau County Museum of Art, One Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor, NY 11576, Phone: 516-484-9337)
November 8, 2008
Check out my son, Dylan’s, DOG AND BEAR movie!
(Click on this link to view:)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2VWm-Ntm3gM
November 6, 2008
Hey kids! Learn to draw Bear, from DOG AND BEAR! Here are the instructions below and have fun!…
(Click to enlarge)
November 3, 2008
FOR TEACHERS, PARENTS, CHILDREN:
Here is a DOG AND BEAR script for “Reader’s Theater”, prepared by the wonderful Judy Freeman, who holds workshops and performs for teachers all over the U.S. Thanks Judy!!
(View below or click on this link to download:)
dog-and-bear-2-readers-theater-script-1
A Reader’s Theater Script for
Dog and Bear: Two’s Company
“Ice Cream”
(For grades K-2.)
Adapted from “Ice Cream,” a chapter in Dog and Bear: Two’s Company, written and illustrated by Laura Vaccaro Seeger, Roaring Brook Press, 2008. Reader’s Theater adaptation by Judy Freeman; reprinted with permission of the publisher, Roaring Brook Press.
ROLES: Dog, Bear
NOTE: This is a two-person play. Have your children break into pairs to act this out together. Then have them do it again, switching parts.
DOG: I am very angry with you, Bear. I am running away.
BEAR: All right, Dog. Go ahead.
DOG: I am packing my bones.
BEAR: You do that.
DOG: I am packing my sticks.
BEAR: Of course you are.
DOG: I am packing all my toys.
BEAR: Don’t forget this one.
DOG: I am packing each and every one of my books.
BEAR: That’s good. I know how much you enjoy them.
DOG: Goodbye, Bear.
BEAR: Goodbye, Dog. I suppose you won’t be staying for ice cream.
DOG: Ice cream? Well, maybe I’ll stay fort just a bit.
BEAR: I’m glad.
DOG: Me too.
January 14, 2008
A huge, heartfelt thank you to all the members of the ALSC Caldecott and Geisel committees for selecting FIRST THE EGG as a Caldecott Honor Book and a Theodor Seuss Geisel Honor Book!
January 14th, 2008 at 2:40 pm
CONGRATULATIONS LAURA!!!!
(we met at Frank Hodge’s conference last fall)
I was so happy to hear your name this morning!! TWICE!!!
~~Laura
lauraludwighamor . com
January 14th, 2008 at 5:40 pm
Thanks so much for your sweet note, Laura! I am thrilled, to say the least!
January 16th, 2008 at 12:09 pm
Hi Laura,
Congratulations! It was very exciting to hear your name not just once but twice. Your book has won a well-deserved honor — Hurrah!~~~~
Betsy from Baltimore
January 16th, 2008 at 1:02 pm
Laura, Congratulations on your award winning book! I am a Library Media Specialist and presently looking for authors/illustrators to visit Lakewood Elementary in Congers, NY. I will try to get in touch with your agent. Again congratulations. Sincerely, Pat
January 16th, 2008 at 4:06 pm
Dear Laura, Congratulations on your success. I am a 1st Gr. Teacher in Manhattan and you are my class’s favorite new author. We are enjoying all your books. In fact your book “Lemons are NOT Red” inspired us to write a book of our own. Since we do studies in depth and our study has been shoes we wrote a book entitled “Flip-flops are NOT High” . As soon as all the authors and illustrators have signed our book, I will make a copy for you and get it to you through Neal Porter, who is a friend of a teacher in my school. Thank you so much for giving us lots of reading enjoyment and inspiration. Sincerely, Pat DeMarco
January 16th, 2008 at 5:28 pm
Congratulations Laura! As the enrichment teacher at Westmere Elementary School in Albany, NY, (and a board member of the Children’s Literature Connection) I am thrilled for you! We are very excited about your upcoming visit! Just so you know, in our pre-announcement mock-Caldecott vote, your books appeared on several grade level lists- without students realizing that you were visiting us. The students in school, and the adults are the board feel very privileged to welcome you soon! We’ve loved your books all along and celebrate with you at the ALA’s acknowledgment of your fine work. All the best!
January 17th, 2008 at 6:24 am
Thank you, thank you, thank you to everyone for such nice thoughts! I am looking forward to seeing “Flip-flops Are Not High” from the first graders at the Manhattan school. I am planning to post projects on this site that children of all ages can create based on many of my books. I love to hear from all of you about the ways in which children “use” the books. What an incredibly rewarding profession!! Thanks again!
January 25th, 2008 at 10:22 am
Great presentation this morning! All the Children’s Librarians at The New York Public Library love your work, and use your picture books constantly for class visits and picture book times.
January 27th, 2008 at 8:18 pm
Hi, Laura, Pat DeMarco again from Manhattan. I just made a copy of “Flip-flops are NOT High” for you and will be giving a copy to Kara who knows Neal. I apologize for not getting it to you sooner. Our shoe study is coming to an end and the culmination -a shoe store and shoe shine parlor in our classroom is this Thurs. So much to do. Your book Lemons are NOT Red will be sitting right next to our book that you inspired us to write. Thanks again. I have been singing our praises and recommending your books to so many folks. Keep up your great work. Pat
January 27th, 2008 at 8:21 pm
Hi, Laura, I finally made a copy of “Flip Flop are NOT High”. I will give it to my friend Kara who knows Neal. Best to you. I have been singing your praises to so many people. Keep on writing. Pat DeMarco
February 28th, 2008 at 7:09 am
Page 3 of Suzie’s book, inspired by Laura’s work:
—–Inline Attachment Follows—–
February 28th, 2008 at 7:13 am
Page 2 of Suzie’s book, inspired by Laura’s work:
—–Inline Attachment Follows—–
February 28th, 2008 at 7:15 am
Page 1 of Suzie’s book, inspired by Laura’s work; there are 21 pp altogether–here are the first three.
March 9th, 2008 at 6:44 pm
Dear Laura:
I found you!
Hurrah!
Pamela Ross wishing you all the best and so many congratulations on all your success.
I’ve thought so often of you since moving further out on the Island. Hope you remember Sabrina. Hard to believe that little funny girl turned 13 last week. {}
I listened live as as the ALA awards were announced. When I heard your name, I smiled and wept for you. What a wonderful feeling.
My two daughters miss their old home and their buddies Chloe and Sydney but their new home brought them a true L.I. backyard– and room enough for a dog of our own.
Thank g-d for Google. You were here just where I should have thought of long ago. I am so glad I have this chance to say hello and to let you know we’ve been a fan since the day we first read your ROOSTER book oh so many sweet days ago. {}
Be well, love to you and your family,
Pamela Ross
calling in from Suffolk County ;}
March 13th, 2008 at 5:33 am
Hi there - I just wanted to say how much I love Dog and Bear and cannot wait for the second book to be released April 1st. We have a dachshund and my kids are my little bear cubs. I cannot read the book enough. You can surely create a lot of adventures for those 2!! Thank you so much. You are our new fave children’s author. I will definitely buy your other books. Missy
April 8th, 2008 at 5:47 am
Great article about you in NEWSDAY today! Always nice to read about the success of our favorite author and good friend. Keep up the creativity…the accolades and awards will keep rolling in. Also loved Dylan’s video.
April 11th, 2008 at 4:57 pm
Hi, Laura, So glad the latest adventures of Dog and Bear are finally out for all to see and read about. I am sure there will be more up with those two. Just curious if you received a copy of my 1st Grader’s book Flip-flops are NOT high inspired by Lemons… Hope you did. Best to you. Pat DeMarco
July 9th, 2008 at 9:48 am
Laura, I’m taking a class with Anita Sylvie at St. Michael’s College, in Vermont and I am really excited about our teleconference tomorrow!
Your books are fantastic. What a treasure to share with children.
Thanks!
July 11th, 2008 at 5:37 pm
Laura, I’m in Anita Silvey’s class too and LOVED speaking with you on the teleconference yesterday! Thanks so much for taking time to do that, I loved hearing your energy and enthusiasm! I teach Kindergarten and first grade and you can be sure I will be adding Dog and Bear to our reading list, as well as all the others to our bookshelves! Keep them coming!
July 28th, 2008 at 6:38 pm
Laura,
It was such a pleasure meeting you at the Mazza Summer Institute in Findlay, Ohio. Your enthusiasm for children’s literature and illustrations are contagious! Also, I am looking forward to using your activities and delightful books during my student teaching experience this fall. Thank you for personalizing my books and taking the time to illustrate your special Bear to me!
Kelly Havens, Mazza Summer Intern
September 29th, 2008 at 3:46 am
Wowee! I loved the exhibit at the Nassau County Museum of Art. I’m telling everyone I know to go see it. I can’t wait until you visit our school, East Lake, next spring. Every time I have contact with your work, I love it more and more. Keep it up. I’m anxiously anticipating your next endeavor.
November 11th, 2008 at 11:02 am
hello from a k-2 school librarian - we love your books - any chance of putting some interactive activities on your website?
November 11th, 2008 at 11:05 am
Great idea, Su! I’ve been meaning to do just that and will definitely add some interactive activities right away. I recently added “How to draw Bear”, found near the top of this page. Thanks again!
November 16th, 2008 at 11:21 am
Hello Laura,
I recently heard you talk at the NAEYC Conference in Dallas. You did a terrific job! Your books are fabulous and it was very interesting to hear and see how you create them. Our preschoolers love all of them. Keep ‘em coming. Thank you so, so much for all you do to enrich the lives of young children.
With my warmest good wishes for you and your family,
Lyn
November 18th, 2008 at 12:44 pm
I can’t tell you how thrilled I was to discover your Dog and Bear books at our book fair today! My son, Davy, has a most beloved teddy bear named Bobo who looks like Bear’s twin! Bobo just has one white arm and a white snout, but otherwise he’s the same. I was wondering what your inspiration was for how Bear looked? Thank you so much for this book - and such a cute story, too! I’m sure this book will become a treasure in our family!
January 6th, 2009 at 8:37 pm
A children’s book lover and illustrator with 2 kids (10&4) just want to send you our appreciation of such wonderful exhibition. The installation of the show was wonderful. All the hands-on activities were all so appropriate and engaging for adults and children alike. I did not know about your work before and was glad to experience it at the exhibit. Love the video your son’s made, I watched it at the show for about 6 times:) Thank you for bringing such simple joy of exploration in prints:)
March 16th, 2009 at 1:11 pm
Appreciate the info guys, thanks
May 16th, 2009 at 6:25 pm
Laura,
I was so thrilled to meet u today at Provo City Library.Hope to see u again.
Lamis.
October 9th, 2009 at 4:49 pm
Walter’s face caught my eye as I was selecting books on the Bookmobile. I had to take him home with me. At one time I taught in a Day Care, and always tried to have quality books. Walter Was Worried is a gem of a book. I will look forward to reading your other books. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I’m 74 now, and wouldn’t have missed this for anything,
October 15th, 2009 at 3:14 am
Wow!!! thank u very much for all this information. Keep on supplying such useful information. It really is interesting.
December 18th, 2009 at 7:37 am
heyyy great stories
March 10th, 2010 at 12:00 pm
Just got an email from Barnes & Noble touting your new book “What if?” available April 27, 2010. Of course I pre-ordered it so I can be the “first on my block
” with a copy. Can’t wait to read it.
P.S. Wasn’t aware of your “Queen of the Concept Book” moniker…am honored to know royalty!