Sleepytime Tax-Induced Post in Which I Am Repeatedly Unworthy
I have to have my taxes done tomorrow, so tonight has consisted entirely of trying to decifer various difficult aspects of my credit card bills for clues (ex: "Wait… when did I go to Mankato, Minnesota??). Such fun. The downside is that it has taken a toll on my blog posting for the day, so I will simply leave you with two vaguely fuzzy images instead. The first is a reference to a mention I made on my blog a month or two ago when Obama was inaugurated. I mentioned a couple picture book illustrators and thought about what it would be like to make a collection of their images of our new president. The result? J.C. Phillipps of the superb Wink: The Ninja Who WAnted to Be Noticed took me at my word. And then she sent me this:
Truth be told, I am actually not worthy to receive original art made just for me. And if it looks a little blurry then that’s the fault of my scanner, not the piece. A great deal of groveling to Ms. Phillipps then. This is amazing. Also amazing? Editor Molly O’Neill over at Harper Collins. She popped into my library the other day and what do you think she gave me?
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
The new Frances Hardinge. Gorgeous cover. Fabulous page count. I’m looking forward to devouring this one very soon. Thanks to two wonderful lasses for making my week.
Filed under: Uncategorized
About Betsy Bird
Betsy Bird is currently the Collection Development Manager of the Evanston Public Library system and a former Materials Specialist for New York Public Library. She has served on Newbery, written for Horn Book, and has done other lovely little things that she'd love to tell you about but that she's sure you'd find more interesting to hear of in person. Her opinions are her own and do not reflect those of EPL, SLJ, or any of the other acronyms you might be able to name. Follow her on Twitter: @fuseeight.
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
SLJ Blog Network
2025 Books from Pura Belpré Winners
Dino Poet | This Week’s Comics
Fifteen early Mock Newbery 2026 Contenders
When Book Bans are a Form of Discrimination, What is the Path to Justice?
Post-It Note Reviews: Seven Quick Looks at New Books
ADVERTISEMENT
Wow! Applause to the talents of J.C. Phillipps. I have no idea how you make such a seemingly simple and forthright image so subtle that it conveys kind eyes and the hint of a smile, but this one does. Kudos on a great piece of work! And you should know by now, Betsy — What happens in Mankato STAYS in Mankato…
Taxes before the ides of March? Bravo! (Spoken by someone who is allergic to math). Inquiring minds want to know: was the book “A Good Day” serendipitous placement in your pic with the new Frances Hardinge?
Everyone is worthy of art made just for them! (Silly, silly you.) All you have to do is inspire it and that’s what your post did for me. Straight-up collage portaiture was something I had never tried before, so I thank you for giving me the idea. I am so pleased that you like it.
And thanks to JM for the lovely compliment.
AND good luck on your taxes. I have yet to do mine. 🙁
Terry, you give me far too much credit. Which is say, uh, … yeah! Yes, I was utterly aware of A Good Day and I planned it out and everything. Yup yup yup. And thanks again, Julie! Such a lovely piece of art.
Oh man, can I buy that Hardinge puppy off you? Molly can drop by my library any time, any time at all!