To celebrate the release of On Gull Beach by Jane Yolen and illustrated by Bob Marstall on March 27th, blogs across the web are featuring a scavenger hunt interview with Jane, plus 10 chances to win a set of On Bird Hill, On Duck Pond, and On Gull Beach! Follow along each day to see a new answer from Jane!
Q: How has your vision or approach for the series changed between writing On Bird Hill and On Gull Beach?
Jane: Here we have a perfect example of the YES I CAN or MAKE IT WORK moment. I wrote BIRD HILL for Bob Marstall--a dear friend of 40 years-- who was changing his style after a lifelong career of doing gorgeous scientific and realistic book art work. He wanted to work in a more doodle-like, freer, a more elliptical style and showed me his "doodles." And from one of his drawings which eventually became the cover of BIRD HILL, I wrote the book. Cornell loved it but then decided after it was published, that they needed to go back to the scientific stuff they were really known for. And so we said "Yes, we can. . ." which is how first DUCK POND and now GULL BEACH reflect that that publisher's editorial choice.
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Jane: Here we have a perfect example of the YES I CAN or MAKE IT WORK moment. I wrote BIRD HILL for Bob Marstall--a dear friend of 40 years-- who was changing his style after a lifelong career of doing gorgeous scientific and realistic book art work. He wanted to work in a more doodle-like, freer, a more elliptical style and showed me his "doodles." And from one of his drawings which eventually became the cover of BIRD HILL, I wrote the book. Cornell loved it but then decided after it was published, that they needed to go back to the scientific stuff they were really known for. And so we said "Yes, we can. . ." which is how first DUCK POND and now GULL BEACH reflect that that publisher's editorial choice.
Blog Tour Schedule:
April 30th - The Eco Lifestyle
May 1st - Mrs. Mommy BookNerd
May 2nd - The OWL
May 3rd - Foodie Bibliophile in Wanderlust
May 4th - Late Bloomer's Book Blog
May 7th - Word Spelunking
May 8th - GeoLibrarian
May 9th - Chat with Vera
May 10th - Books My Kids Read
May 11th - Mundie Kids
Together again! On Gull Beach reunites bestselling children’s author Jane Yolen and award-winning illustrator Bob Marstall for the third installment of the acclaimed On Bird Hill and Beyond series of children’s books written for the renowned Cornell Lab of Ornithology.
In On Bird Hill, Yolen and Marstall took readers on a surreal journey with a boy and his dog as they see the natural world, ultimately witnessing the miracle of a chick emerging from an egg.
On Duck Pond continued their journey, this time at a serene pond filled with birds, frogs, and turtles who are suddenly disrupted by their intrusion, but soon settle back into a quiet equilibrium. On Gull Beach brings us to an idyllic shoreline in Cape Cod, where gulls hover, dive, and chase with pitched acrobatics in pursuit of a seastar. This enchanting sequel in a brand new habitat will delight readers young and old.
About the Illustrator: Bob Marstall is the illustrator of nine nonfiction children’s books, including the The Lady and the Spider, which sold over a quarter-of-a-million copies and was a Reading Rainbow selection. Bob has also been honored with an ALA Notable; an IRA Teachers’ Choice; a Smithsonian Magazine Notable Book for Children; and three John Burroughs selections.
In addition, two of Bob’s books are included in the New York Times Parent’s Guide’s “1001 Best Books of the Twentieth Century.” Bob Lives in Easthamton, MA. Visit him online at bobmartsall.com.
About the Cornell Lab: The Cornell Lab of Ornithology is a world leader in the study, appreciation, and conservation of birds. Our hallmarks are scientific excellence and technological innovation to advance the understanding of nature and to engage people of all ages in learning about birds and protecting the planet. birds.cornell.edu
GIVEAWAY
- One (1) winner will receive a set of On Bird Hill, On Duck Pond, and On Gull Beach -- great summer reads!
- US only
You are awesome! Thanks for sharing your blog! I didn't even know you had one! Nic Hahn
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