Rebecca Dautremer

I have to share this amazing author-illustrator with you! A while ago, just before a trip to Paris, I looked for and found all the names and addresses of every possible children's book store in that beautiful city. I lived there for a while in 1991-1992, so I was familiar with the names of the streets and quartiers I found. For about a week, I explored the stores, and found some amazing books. One of the books I purchased was L'Amoureux, by Rebecca Dautremer. I immediately fell in love with the illustrations and with the story. Every time I went to Europe I'd look for more of her books. Many she wrote and illustrated, other she just illustrated. All of them are little gems.I've been waiting for Rebecca to be picked up by an American publisher, but so far nothing.

So, I wanted to show some of her illustrations here for you to enjoy, on a snowy day in March.

Up and Down

I walked into a book store in NY and there it was, face-out, on the shelf. I had been waiting about this moment for a long time. But this moment was bitter sweet. Half an hour earlier when I walked into my favorite Manhattan Children's Bookstore, Hugging Hour was no where to be found. When inquiring at the desk, I was informed that they didn't carry the book. What happened? I had shown the owner of the store, a pre-release copy a while before, and he told me he wanted to organize a book signing. "Have your people call my people," he said.

I am telling you, it's a roller coaster. Up and down. No hands on the wheel. No control. Maybe this will all feel different next time. Next time is coming up though. On the 10th of February I have another book coming out, Bella & Bean, written by Rebecca Kai Dotlich, and illustrated by me. Stay tuned.

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