Rowboat with Dolphin

Sydnie 1

Sydnie 2Dear Sydnie,

Thank you so much for your book recommendations. I love to read books by other writers and often admire how they can take the same topic that I might write about, only they write in their own voice and have fresh ideas that I wouldn’t have thought off. That’s what makes reading so much fun!

I like your dolphin very much. Sometimes I see them frolicking in the water off the eastern coast where I live when I’m in my boat. They always look so cheerful, just like you’ve drawn.

Happy reading,

Jessica

Red Lobster with Googly Eyes

20120428-Ethan-letter-Cavalier-Dr-WITS

Dear Ethan,

Thank you for your letter. Thirteen of my books have been published, and I currently have three new books in the works. One is about a tree fort. Another is about selling lemonade. The third one is a travel adventure.

I’m very glad to hear that you enjoyed my presentation. I like to visit schools, like yours.

I like your drawing of a lobster very much. It has an edgy angry quality – almost as if the lobster is getting ready to attack.

Happy reading,

Jessica

 

Blue Lobster

Drawing - Ian

Dear Ian,

Thanks so much for your letter filled with questions. Here are my answers. My favorite sea creature is actually a leatherback turtle, although I quite like your blue lobster. My favorite book is probably the first one I ever wrote, which is Martin Bridge: Ready for Takeoff!, although I’m also really enjoying writing the story that I am working on now. Martin plays soccer from time to time – but his favorite thing to do is build rockets.

Happy reading,

Jessica

Lobster pound

Drawing - Niko

Dear Niko,

I think you must have a fishing background in your family. Your illustrated details on the lobster boat are wonderful: the traps, the winch, the number of crew, and the navigational equipment on the cabin! You even refer to storing the catch at a lobster pound. It is so important to include accurate details when you write to help make your story believable. I’m impressed!

Happy reading,

Jessica

Time capsule with bunny

Drawing - Joshua

Dear Joshua,

I’m happy to hear that you liked my presentation at your school. I see that you were inspired by the time capsule in that story, and that you’ve given some thought as to what you would put into your own time capsule – your favorite stuffed bunny. The expression you’ve drawn on your face makes me smile, as does the cloud that is wearing sunglasses, and the bunny you’ve drawn oozes personality. Are you sure you wouldn’t miss it?

Happy reading,

Jessica

Woodblock Lobster

Drawing - Colin

Hi Colin,

Your drawing of a lobster fascinates me. It looks like a traditional woodblock print where you draw on a flat block of wood, carve out the lines, roll ink onto the woodblock, then press the inked woodblock against a clean sheet of paper. Think of a stamp. It works like that. Very elegant.

Happy reading,

Jessica