My Children's Books Thus Far!

As part of the Big 5 Event I'm running during the month of May for the members of my private email list, I'm celebrating the collection fo children's books I have in publication thus far: 5 major works as well as a handful of smaller projects.

As I've mentioned before, I think the quality of what we hand our children to read is very important. In our household, we "just say no" to children's books that have garish, unharmonious, ugly, or otherwise unpleasant illustrations. 

Although illustrating children's books is a departure from my fine art work, the creative process that goes into these works is just hard for me to turn down! You can thank my friend Matthew Mehan for really getting the ball rolling when he roped me into Mister Mehan's Mildly Amusing Mythical Mammals. Since then, opportunities for illustration have been beckoning, and I've had the chance to answer for the ones you see here below. 

Without further ado, a compendium of my illustrated work thus far!

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Mister Mehan's Mildly Amusing Mythical Mammals ("M5" for short!)
​by Matthew Mehan

Mr. Mehan's Mildly Amusing Mythical Mammals tells the story—through captivating poems and breathtaking paintings—of the adventure of two friends, the Dally and the Blug.
 
Their jolly journey through an alphabet of mythical mammals unites the bright and bumbling Blug and the dear but downhearted Dally, who come to learn a thing or two about good, evil, courage, humor, sadness, hope . . . and how to govern their spirits and truly love their fellow mammals.
 
While written to delight Middle Grade readers ages 8 to 12, this beautiful, haunting book has much that will surprise and delight everyone! The adventures of these amusing and mischievous mythical mammals, will re-awaken a wonder and love for humanity and nature in readers of all ages.

Recommended for: readers of all ages; poetry anthologies; poetry memorization; homeschool curriculum; lovers of seek-and-find books like the 'I Spy' series.

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These links mostly lead to Amazon, but please consider ordering directly from the publisher where possible!

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God's Wildest Wonderment of All
by Paul Thigpen

The sight of so many animals brings to his young mind thoughts of Noah’s ark. Why has God created and preserved such an entertaining assortment of beasts? As he surveys the wonderful critters all around him, at last he discovers God’s wildest wonderment of all – in a moment of joyous self-discovery that your child will share.

Bestselling author Paul Thigpen tells the tale in rollicking, musical verse, with vivid and playful illustrations by artist John Folley that will have your little one begging to read this book again and again. 

Recommended for: children under 10; poetry memorization; Baptism gift or First Communion gift

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Colors of Creation
by Paul Thigpen

Colors of Creation will help your child see the world all around in a new light — as the beautiful handiwork of a loving Creator. Each color displayed is yet another reflection of his glory and another pleasure to enjoy. In the end, God’s masterpiece on earth is revealed in the people he creates, who can work and play, love and pray — and who come in every hue.

Recommended for: very little children to independent readers; poetry memorization; Baptism gift or First Communion Gift

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Angels in the Air Arrayed: A Child's Christmas ABC Book
by Paul Thigpen

From “Angels in the air arrayed” to “Zion’s king forevermore,” you and your child can explore the Nativity story from A to Z. The lovely artistry of this book's words and images will make it a Christmas family favorite for generations to come.

Recommended for: Christmas gift; Christmas book collections; readers of all ages; poetry memorization

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Coming soon! Available for pre-order! 

The Handsome Little Cygnet
by Matthew Mehan

From best-selling author and illustrator team Matthew Mehan and John Folley, this wonderful and surprising revision of the Ugly Duckling will please the whole family with beautiful prose and page after page of lush watercolor illustrations. Even enjoy a seek-n-find in the back of the book, learning about the landmarks and wildlife of Central Park, among other amusing mysteries.

Recommended for: Birthday gift; children under 10; seek-and-find; gifts for New Yorkers 

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Other illustrated works for children and young readers: 

Click through to read all the reviews on these engaging works by Kathryn Swegart!

Miraculous!: Catholic Mysteries for Kids
by Kathryn Swegart

Perilous Days 
by Kathryn Swegart

Heavenly Hosts: Eucharistic Miracles for Kids 
by Kathryn Swegart

Martyrs 
by Kathryn Swegart

Lucia of Fatima 
by Kathryn Swegart

The Crayons: True to Color 
by Elise Folley

My very first foray into illustration - a collaboration with my sister!

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So which of these, if any, have you read or would you like to read?
​Do you have a favorite?