Late with this post for a couple of reasons. First, I waited to see if the hostess today would get hers up, but I haven’t heard from her. This is unusual, but as things go with people you only know online – something could prevent her from getting her access to a computer and that’s just how it goes. We’ve all had moments where life gets in the way.

Instead of going somewhere else, I ought to say something here. What about this book? (Also keeping in mind things that will be said tomorrow at the final stop.)

One thing that excited me were the illustrations. I didn’t know how they’d go at first. I didn’t know how they’d be chosen or what exactly to expect.

I didn’t choose the  cover art. Vivian had an idea and communicated it with Stephen, but I fell in love with it when I saw it. Then it came time to talk about the other illustrations.

I chose them, where they went, what they portrayed. It took me awhile to put it together. I have so much to learn about the limitations of the medium chosen- the pen and ink drawings- and how best to fit it with the story.

At first I tried to choose illustrations that would be too complicated. I really like how they turned out in the end. Stephen did a wonderful job, and they were completed so fast. (Seemingly fast because it takes me forever to draw anything freehand.)

Thanks, Stephen, for your wonderful illustrations.