Grand Adventures and a Little Imagination

by: Sarah Momo Romero

The summer has always been my favorite season. Not only because my birthday falls right before 4th of July, with fireworks, barbecues and warm evenings at the beach, but for all the adventures just waiting to be had outdoors. I grew up with a small backyard, but it it was filled with endless adventures of treasure hunts and games of exploring into the evening. This month, I found books with tall tales of a secret fort, a magnificent, traveling pigeon, a lush island brimming with animals galore, and even worlds to explore within each city window. All of these picture books, with their dazzling illustrations will inspire readers of all ages to seek adventures wherever they may be.

A Secret Tree Fort written and illustrated by Brianne Farley inspired me to write a post about summertime adventures. What kid doesn’t dream about spotting their next adventures through the trees from their treehouse or fort? This fun summer read features sisters, the younger one vying for a little playtime with her sister, creates a secret fort, growing more and more elaborate with each page. I really enjoyed Farley’s use of line and color to create her expressive sisters and imaginative creatures. Her illustrations were created with charcoal and pencil, and ink and colored digitally. (My preferred way of working too!)

Robinson by Peter Sis is the kind of book with illustrations one can get lost in, discovering new little details with each read. Using pen, ink and watercolor, Sis utilizes his surrealistic style, unique change of perspective, and wonderfully vivid colors create a boy’s dream island full of flourishing adventures. I also love that Sis “wanted the pictures and the process of making them, to be as free as my childhood imagination.”

Windows by Julia Denos, Illustrated by E.B. Goodale shows readers that a simple walk through a city neighborhood can inspire stories of neighbors, friends and endless possibilities. For those like me who live in a bustling city, an evening walk with your dog is window into all the energy, activity and relationships playing out in different people’s lives.

Denos is an incredibly talented author illustrator as well (one of my favorites, I featured her book Sketch in one of my earlier posts: http://www.childrensbookacademy.com/the-blogateers/an-artists-eye-looking-at-and-learning-from-the-wonderful-book-swatch​), but I especially enjoyed learning the illustrator, E.B. Goodale, lives in the city where Windows takes places, Somerville, Massachusetts. This deeper connection to her neighborhood is clear, as she captures the energy, warmth and details of her beloved city

With the warm weather beckoning us to enjoy the long summer days, what adventures, big or small have you gone on recently? I’d love to hear about it!

Sarah Momo Romero is a Japanese Peruvian American artist, a graphic designer by day and children's book author and illustrator by night.  She’s loved drawing and painting since she was chiquita and now crafts stories of adventure and wondrous creatures.  Sarah is an active SCBWI member who draws inspiration from her life in sunny Los Angeles with her husband/creative partner and dog/infamous escape artist, Peanut.  Look out for her first picture book coming out in Fall 2018!

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You can find more of Sarah's musings and drawings here:
www.sarahmomoromero.com 
Facebook: thepeanutprojectla + Instagram: @sarahmomoromero + Twitter: @sarahmomoromero ​