Graphic Design: Little Red Riding Hood

Check out this creative graphic design that features Little Red Riding Hood and the Big Bad Wolf.

The lines for pages of the book have been turned into a forest for the characters!

Pirate and Witch Promote Reading

"Yo Ho Ho and a Book to Read" shouts this treasure-hunting pirate. Our Pirate Captain promotes reading on "Talk Like A Pirate Day" (September 19) and throughout the month of October, when Halloween is on the minds of kids of all ages. Yo Ho Ho!

Our popular Halloween witch looks right at you and says "Trick or Read!" Be careful! She may put a spell on you.

How do people use these characters? The first and primary use is for mini bookmarks for my local school students. I make a pdf of each set of bookmarks and make them available to librarians and friends at no cost -- each bookmark includes an advocacy message, "Strong School Libraries, Strong Students."  PDF download

The characters are also loaded onto the California School Library Foundation online store at cafepress.com/csla and cafepress.com/DesignClass. The two stores provide a small revenue stream for library advocacy. Support Strong School Libraries! To learn more about the crisis in school libraries, see librarycampaign.csla.net and make some noise!

Big Eye Reader Poll

How can the Big Eye Reader characters help libraries become more visible? Which characters or messages are best? What are the best ways to promote the characters and messages? Your help is appreciated. Thank you!

Wall Art Promotes Reading, Libraries

Summer time is when planning for the next school year happens.  This apparently includes decorating walls as well, according to recent purchases from the California School Library Foundation's Library Advocacy Store at cafepress.com/csla.  Search for "wall art".

Shoppers from around the country have been ordering large, literary "wall peels" or decals -- like self-sticking posters that can be removed and repositioned.  We wonder how they are being used:  to decorate a library, a hall way, community room, school office or a child's playroom? The Library Advocacy Store has more than 50 images to choose from.  

Is it time to redecorate?

Add wall art.

Poems.

Big Eye Readers.

Joy of Books video

Kudos to Sean Ohlenkamp and his wife, who spent many nights moving, stacking, and animating books at Type bookstore in Toronto (883 Queen Street West, (416) 366-8973). Magical music was composed by Grayson Matthews (http://www.graysonmatthews.com/).  The "Joy to Books" is a joy to watch and hear.


Here is an earlier video, "Organizing the Bookcase".  This attempt whetted their appetite for the more elaborate video (above).

Page Turner Video

This fun YouTube Video was shared on Facebook by California teacher librarian Tom Kahn.  Here is information from YouTube about the production.


Music by The Jews Brothers Band - http://jewsbrothers.com
The track "Tchavolo Swing" is on iTunes: http://bit.ly/xqHW39

Joseph Herscher takes a sip of his coffee, pulling string thereby tipping paintings. Balls roll down paintings, lighting burner to boil water causing books to tip. Vase and computer get knocked off the table, releasing tape to open front page of newspaper.

Little Free Library

Here is a wonderful little library movement, started in Minnesota.  Build your own little library or adopt one.
It is called LittleFreeLibrary and it's mission is: 

To promote literacy and the love of reading
 by building free book exchanges worldwide.
To build a sense of community as we share
 skills, creativity and wisdom across generations. 
To build more than 2,510 libraries around the world--more than Andrew Carnegie!

Big-Eye Readers - New Characters

The California Campaign for Strong School Libraries has added two new characters to its collection and thanks to high votes from an earlier poll, it has created a coloring page contest for libraries and any establishment that serves children and loves reading. Print the PDF or png by visiting csla.net and search "Big-Eye Readers".  Suggest new characters by taking the poll.


Another high vote from the poll is the interest in using the individual characters in library newsletters or librarian columns in school or local publications.  All that we ask is that if you use the readers, you properly acknowledge the California Campaign for Strong School Libraries at librarycampaign.csla.net  To request individual images in png format for your publications, contact Library Advocate at info@csla.net

The new Big-Eye Reader characters have been added to the Campaign's LIBRARY [ADVOCACY] STORE.

Paper Sculptures Advocate for Libraries, Words, Ideas

Retired California teacher librarian Jamie Boston alerted school librarians to a mysterious set of paper sculptures left in Scotland libraries, in support of libraries.  Every so often, another intricate piece of library art appeared in Edinburgh libraries, the Scottish Storytelling Center, Edinburgh International Book Festival and other public places. 

One of my favorite designs is a cup of tea and tea bag (right) that has these words: 

To @edbookfest 'A gift' This is for you in support of libraries, books, words, ideas...... & festivals xx

• Teabag filled with cut out letters, on the tag of which are the words "by leaves we live". 
• The cup on the top has a swirl of words which read " Nothing beats a nice cup of tea (or coffee) and a really good BOOK"
• On the 'tray' next to the cupcake it says "except maybe a cake as well".

See http://community.thisiscentralstation.com/_Mysterious-paper-sculptures/blog/4991767/126249.html

Monkey King Mug Gene Luen Yang - Monkey King LIBRARY STORE

American Born Chinese graphic novel by Gene Luen Yang features a wild and crazy Monkey King. What a way to wake up with a jolt of java and Monkey King demanding you to Read! Know! Grow! He is such a cool king, and Gene generously donated this image in support of literacy and libraries. Thank you!

Gene Luen Yang is the award winning Author-illustrator/teacher of several comic books under the name of Humble Comics. Check out his website at http://geneyang.com/

Big-Eyed Readers Coloring Page

What is the most popular use for the Big-Eyed Readers?  According to those who took the poll, the answer is a kid's coloring page.  What a fun way to get kids and parents thinking about books and reading.  Copies are free and available by writing to the California Campaign for Strong School Libraries at info@csla.net

Other popular uses for the images (according to the poll) is use as headers in library blogs and school newsletters. A PNG image of the four (top) readers is also available from the California Campaign for Strong School Libraries.  The graphic designs are also available on various products at the Campaign's LIBRARY STORE.

Reading Friends/Listening Cat Mugs and More at LIBRARY STORE

Shop for Mothers Day mugs and more at the California Campaign LIBRARY STORE.  There are more than 20 images to choose from, each with the message "READ. KNOW. GROW."

Images are on mugs, water bottles, keepsake boxes, and a full line of T-shirts for moms and children.  Look for your favorite childrens book illustrator or image.  Start your collection today.

Artists (as of April 2011):

American graphic novelist/illustrator Kazu Kibuishi donated a pink reading rabbit to promote reading and libraries.

2.     Library cat says Read.Know.Grow. Aliki writes and illustrates many well-loved books and has donated two wonderful library cat illustrations. 

3.     Marianne Wallace is a writer and illustrator of children's middle grade non-fiction nature books.  Marianne has donated images of books with sunflowers.  One is a book-as-flower in a pot. Another is a stack of books with sunflowers.

4.     Caroline Arnold's big, beautiful Panda offers words to ponder: Read.Know.Grow.

5.     Joe Cepeda has done illustrations for magazines as well as for children's books. Joe donated a night-time image of young children outside, searching for something… using books to light the way.

6.     Marla Frazee says "There isn't any guessing when it comes to how much, or if, children like a given book. If a book bores them, they will get up and find something else to do." See her wonderful magical reading tree.

7.     David Shannon is an award-winning author and illustrator of many highly praised books for children. "No, David" is a Caldecott Honor book.

8.     Brian Selznick has illustrated many books for children, including Frindle by Andrew Clements, The Doll People by Ann Martin and Laura Godwin, Amelia and Eleanor Go for a Ride by Pam Muñoz Ryan. See his image of a child carrying a banner “Strong School Libraries = Strong Students”.

 Moonlight cow and Farm cow illustrations have been donated by Steve Gray in support of libraries. Steve Gray’s cartoon characters have been seen in digital media, broadcast, and print publication.

Sophie Blackall, illustrator of the Ivy & Bean books, supports libraries. See her library storytime art.

Ben Boos has created a powerful key and book illustration with the message, “Read.Know.Grow.” 

Reading in a tree? How fun!  See book Art by Sarajo Frieden in support of libraries.

Spaceheadz illustration by Steven Weinberg in collaboration with Jon Scieszka. 

Sea Captain by Bob Logan carries the message, "Read.Know.Grow." in support of libraries. His newest book is called “ Sea of Bath”.
   
Blue Guys by Michael Slack carries the message: "Read. Know. Grow." See the boy’s imagination as he is surrounded by books and a computer. His recent book, Monkey Truck, is adorably hilarious. You can see his book trailer at vimeo.com/18605836.

Tom Lichtenheld has donated his fun "Duck Rabbit" illustration in support of California School Libraries. 

Make a commitment to check the site weekly to see what has been added.  Each time you promote the Campaign and its LIBRARY STORE, you make another person or persons aware of the importance of strong school libraries.  Proceeds support the public awareness campaign.  Learn more about the issues, the research, and the crisis at http://librarycampaign.csla.net

Book Marks and More - Library Media & PR

Looking for book mark designs that you can print yourself rather than buy from a library vendor?  For example, want a fun Friday-the-13th book mark that says "Get Lucky!  Check out a good book!"?  Or put "Boo" in book mark with Halloween book marks.


There is a series of Library Lovers Month book marks that have catchy statements that would be fun for daily Tweets such as:

• My love speaks volumes
• We're like book-ends
• Your the best chapter of my life
• and many more...

Some websites stay relevant for decades.  One really useful one is the Library Media & PR site by Stephanie Stokes Design.  The tag line is "Strategies, Techniques, Resources, Tips and Tools for Library Communications.

Stephanie is the creative genius behind "Library Lovers Month" (February).

My Library, My Lifeline -- Advocacy Program and Logo

Look at this fantastic graphic design.  I'm sharing it within LibraryLand and with my Graphic Design classmates.  Simple. Sensational for all sections and seasons. 

According to AL Online, The Cecil County (MD) Public Library launched  “My Library, My Lifeline” to alert the public to possible effects of the economic downturn on library budgets. The library is generously making its high-resolution campaign logo—which it used for campaign postcards and stickers—freely available to libraries and library advocacy groups to help spread the word about the value of libraries. Several libraries are already using it on their websites or for other promotions....

More Literary Book Cakes and Treats

Yum.  Here are some more wonderful cake creations with a literary theme.  See more Cakes and Cupcakes Inspired by Books by Lyndsay Sung of Vancouver-based Coco Cake.

Read.Know.Grow - Campaign for Strong School Libraries Bookmark

This school year, I've added a spot of color -- school bus orange and yellow -- to my Read. Know. Grow. artwork.  These might be good for bookmarks, posters, or bulletin board art.

Every time I look at my art, I tend to change a few things, like the mix of books, technology, and words.  Enjoy.

Libraries are for Everyone - Ramona Poster

Beverly Cleary's Ramona is a very special character. This year, the American Library Association is adding a special "Libraries are for EVERYONE!" poster featuring Ramona reading on a rug in the library. With original artwork by Tracy Dockray, the poster features many of Cleary’s most beloved characters at the library. A Ramona book mark is also available through ALA Graphics.

Read. Know. Grow. - Graphic Design

Years ago, when I was a part of a Mother-Daughter Book Club, I bought a set of dark green coffee mugs with a girl reading. The style of the art was white on dark green, but it could have been on any dark color. Loved the style. So, it is no surprise that I experimented with the design for my "wildcard" assignment during my Adobe Illustrator course. Check it out -- I added technology, a boy, and more books for them to read. Next, maybe I'll try a design to promote Athletes as Readers and Leaders.

Illustrators Join the Fight to Save School Libraries

School Library Journal carried an article by Rocco Staino on "Illustrators Join the Fight to Save School Libraries". The article is based on an interview with CSLA member Marie Slim. Marie is a Teacher Librarian at Troy High School in Fullerton, CA who has created a School Library Advocacy wiki with a great number of outstanding images from illustrators.

Kudos to Marie and the illustrators who have generously given their designs in support of school libraries.

Artwork from Kazu Kibuishi: Save School Libraries

Pat Nelson has sent California Teacher Librarian Marie Slim an image from another childrens book illustrator, to help advocate for school libraries. The Kazu Kibuishi art is on Marie's School Library Advocacy Wiki.

Here is his message to Marie Slim: "Since the struggle for school library funding is still being fought, I thought I'd send another piece of artwork to help the cause. This one is from Kazu Kibuishi. He has many books out with Scholastic, most notably the Amulet series (two books now), Copper, and the Flight anthologies. The Amulet books have been optioned for a movie by Will Smith. He is an amazing illustrator and his graphic novels are huge sellers for us. He lives in the Alhambra area and does a lot of events at local stores and schools. I think this would be great as a bookmark or poster." - Pat Nelson