CLiF would like to introduce or re-introduce you to Gina Perry of North Hampton, NH. Gina writes and illustrates her own books, and illustrates for other authors.

Watch a clip of Gina’s presentation from CLiF’s Virtual Author’s Series.

Things to think about:

• See a sample of her book illustrations – how would you describe her style?
• How do you get started creating a character?
• What is the editing process like for an illustrator?
• How does your process differ if you are the author/illustrator or illustrating another author’s story?

Here are a few ways to get to know Gina’s work better:

• Peak into her sketchbook and her food illustrations!
• Use her activity kits for her books Now? Not Yet!, Too Much!, Small, and It’s Great Being a Dad
• Print her one-page step-by-step guides to drawing monsters, animals, and more
• Hear Gina read Small
• Read and draw Small with Gina at the NH Maker and Food Fest
• Check out her blog for more on writing and illustrating
• Now? Not Yet! read by Gina Perry

CLiF has created literacy activities for students of all ages here. Here are some that would go nicely with Gina’s work:

For younger kids:

• Story Yoga – tell a story about animals and monsters using known or imagined yoga poses
• Fairy Tale Fridge Magnets – draw your own characters and tell stories using your images

For older kids:

• Character Profile – create a fictional character and an outline of their personality and preferences
• Letters to Characters – correspond with a character you make up!

For families:

• Family book club – compare books you have read that include imagined beasts and magical animals
• Wonder Wall – make a space to jot down notes, images, and observations that make you pause. How could they be put into a story?