Above–photo of original art (acrylic on glass) by me–for fun! A great lead in to discussion about the proposed illustrated children’s books.
“The Lady of the Snow” is just one of my poems I plan on making into a book. I’ve placed it at the end of this post, so y’all can get started drawing!
In the works are also a second edition of The Raindrop’s Dream (the poem follows below) as well as a brand new story about a magic dragon (aren’t they all magic?) and his young friend, Tobias. Titled Scales and Tales, the story opens with the very young dragon stranded on an island in a big storm. When Tobias’ little sailboat is shipwrecked on the same little island, the adventure begins. This story shows promise of becoming an episodic series of adventures, so I will, naturally, need an abundant number of drawings to make it interesting and entertaining for my youthful readers. And “Yes” to the question of “Can I draw something besides a dragon?” Feel free to use your imagination.
Basic guidelines are–
1– Drawings must be on white, unlined, standard sized (8 1/2×11) paper. Do not use construction paper as images will be blurred when they are uploaded for publishing.
2– Crayon, watercolor, pen and ink, oil or acrylic paint… and even finger paint is fine.
3– Submit as many as you like, but do NOT fold the art.
4– Initial submissions may be done via electronic mail to brickyard1800@yahoo.com but the original artwork must be provided to be considered for inclusion in the book. Mail in flat envelope to C. L. Chambers, 292 Brickyard Rd, Waynesville, GA 31566
5– A permission form (provided at the end of this page) signed by parent or guardian MUST accompany the mailed, hard copy of any submissions. Print, sign and include it with the hard copy of the submission. The form simply states no money is involved and you give permission for my use of your child’s art work in my book. I kept it very simple for all of us.
Please note:
There is no fee to submit drawings, and no payment will be given.
I will acknowledge the artist by name (and age) in the book.
I wilI also need contact information (email or phone) so I can notify the parent/guardian when a drawing is selected.
These are simply projects for fun–not for money. See what we did with The Raindrop’s Dream (click on the page heading in the banner above). But what a treat for a child to have his or her work published in a real book! And I had a wonderful time with the first book, so I’m proposing another.
Contact me directly at brickyard1800@yahoo.com with questions or for additional information. Most of all, let the artist be creative and have fun!
Teachers!!! You are invited to post a copy in the classroom with an invitation for the artists to submit their drawings.
Contact me directly at brickyard1800@yahoo.com with questions or for additional information.
The Raindrop’s Dream
Once there was a raindrop slipping joyously
Down a window pane for all the world to see.
And as it hit the sill, it ran into a friend,
and as it is with raindrops, a new drop did begin.
And a tiny rivulet soon began to flow
as more drops came together, seeking where to go.
Then a strange thing happened to that little drop so free,
now it was a river flowing out to sea.
The droplet looked around himself, and, oh, the sights he saw
drifting beside the river bank; they filled his tiny heart with awe.
Soon a roaring filled the air when river met with sea
and the drop began to wonder, Is this really me?
Am I so big and powerful that I can pound the earth?
Yes! I’m really all that strong, but then, what is it worth?
And as the ocean lay there, the drop began to dream
of the day his fun was over when he had joined that stream.
So he strained and strained so very hard to reach a sunbeam near,
and he rode it up to Heaven as skies began to clear.
Then he told his fellow drops of all that he had seen,
and they each agreed that it was best to stay away from streams.
So now when raindrops fall and slip down windows cold,
they try to reach the earth, and there they lay a hold.
To wait for passing rays is their only hope and dream;
they think it better to be one Drop than a mighty flowing stream.
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PS–some may notice a slight change in word choice from the previously published poem. Times change and have an effect for good or ill on our language. Sad, but some words are supercharged with negativity when taken out of context. I wanted to avoid conflict. C.D.L.C
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Scales and Tales is a story of adventure about a magic dragon who lives alone on a tiny island. When a storm lands young Tobias (a very human child) on the island, the adventure takes off. Discovering a mutual love for peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, the potential enemies find much more in common. This story is but the first in what I hope will become a series of entertaining tales. I expect the imaginative artwork from children will inspire more than a few adventures!
Now here is a poem for another book…
The Lady of the Snow
Once there was a lady
who lived beneath the snow,
and her gowns were shades of emeralds
and her shoes were made of gold
This lady, she grew lonely,
and asked for company.
But the snow just fell much harder,
so her visitors couldn’t see.
The snow lass had a thought–
so that all her friends would see,
she put a brilliant star
atop a massive tree.
In the star she placed a diamond
and the points held rubies fine,
and at the very top she put
a bright circle of light to shine.
She then began to string up pearls,
and all around the tree
she hung pretty gems of every kind
for everyone to see.
The tree began to glitter
and with each new gem she found,
it dazzled, sparkled, and glowed
for miles and miles around.
Then her friends both far and near
could follow the bright light
and they saw the Lady’s magic
on that joyous winter night.
Now the Lady of the Snow
is filled with happiness and cheer,
wishing all who come to see her
a blessed and happy coming year.
* * *
Permission for Use of Art Work
We/I agree that my child(s) artwork may be used by Cherry Dawn Langley Chambers in the production of illustrated children’s books. I understand that there will be no monetary fees or payment involved if my child’s art is selected for inclusion in any of the books by the author.
I agree that my child’s first and last names along with age at time of submission may be used along with the art. The author agrees to use only the initial of child’s last name if so directed on this permission form.
Once this permission is granted along with the provided artwork, the author accepts ownership of the art and it will not be returned.
The author agrees to notify the parent/s upon final acceptance of the art for use in any future illustrated children’s books produced under the author’s name.
Parent/guardian name ___________________________________________________________________
signature________________________________________________________________
email ____________________________________________________________________
Phone with area code ____________________________________________________
Child’s first and last name (printed) and age at time of submission
__________________________________________________________ Age _______
Number of submissions ___________ Date ____________________________