JOHN HENRY FOLLEY
  • Fine Art
    • Still Life
    • Portraiture
    • Commissions
  • Beauty Advocacy
  • Live Painting
    • Weddings
    • Wedding Portraits
    • Other Events
    • F. A. Q.
    • Painting Demonstrations
  • Study with John
  • About
    • Contact
    • Artist Statement

My Children's Books Thus Far!

5/15/2021

41 Comments

 
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!


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

Mr. Mehan's Mildly Amusing Mythical Mammals
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.

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

God's Wildest Wonderment of All
by Paul Thigpen

God's Wildest Wonderment of All
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

Colors of Creation
by Paul Thigpen

Colors of Creation
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

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

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

Coming soon! Available for pre-order! 

The Handsome Little Cygnet
by Matthew Mehan

The Handsome Little Cygnet
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 

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

Miraculous! Catholic Mysteries for Kids

Perilous Days 
by Kathryn Swegart

Heavenly Hosts: Eucharistic Miracles for Kids 
by Kathryn Swegart

Heavenly Hosts: Eucharistic Miracles for Kids

Martyrs 
by Kathryn Swegart

Perilous Days

Lucia of Fatima 
by Kathryn Swegart

Martyrs

The Crayons: True to Color 
by Elise Folley

Lucia of Fatima
The Crayons: True to Color
My very first foray into illustration - a collaboration with my sister!

So which of these, if any, have you read or would you like to read?
​Do you have a favorite? 
41 Comments
Kate
5/18/2021 05:55:34 am

Excellent, beautiful books.

Reply
John
5/19/2021 07:13:14 am

Thank you so much Kate! :D

Reply
Emily Simmons
5/18/2021 06:20:31 am

Mr. Mehan's Mildly Amusing Mythical Mammals is a wonderful book. I've read it many times over now - even though I don't yet have any kids! I'm very excited to see the two of you pair up again for The Handsome Little Signet! It looks beautiful and adorable at the same time.

Reply
John
5/19/2021 07:15:14 am

Thank you so much Emily! I am really excited to be working with Matthew Mehan again too- he is really a creative and fun person and I think this story will be a story that will be a treasure for families! Thank you for your support and encouragement!

Reply
Robert Turner
5/18/2021 06:23:31 am

Especially would like to see “A Child’s Christmas ABC Book,” judging by the cover and description. Beautiful art in ABC’s have been a favorite for our under three’s!

Reply
John
5/19/2021 07:16:10 am

Thanks Rob! I really appreciate it! We still need to get together for that beer sometime soon too!

Reply
Terry Leger
5/18/2021 06:25:57 am

I've given "Mister Mehan's Mildly Amusing Mythical Mammals" as gifts. It's such a fun, joyful read. I look forward to sharing the others. Keep up the great work!

Reply
John
5/19/2021 07:17:38 am

Terry, thank you so much! I really appreciate you sharing M5 with friends and family! I hope that HLC will be a good follow-up gift for those who have already received M5! :D Very excited to have it in my hands as well!

Reply
Kristal
5/18/2021 06:29:00 am

We love your children's book illustrations! I find myself especially drawn to the Child's Christmas ABC Book and will be looking to add it to our library later this year.

Reply
John
5/19/2021 07:19:08 am

Kristal, thank you so much! I am glad that you will be getting the "Child's Christmas ABC Book" - I am already getting excited to release the "sequel" for that "The Child's Christmas 123 Book" is coming out this fall! :D

Reply
Ashley Brown
5/18/2021 06:55:18 am

These are just beautiful! We are always on the hunt for books for our little ones. Can’t wait to order!

Reply
John
5/19/2021 07:19:45 am

Thank you so much Ashley! I look forward to hearing what you and your children think of them! :D

Reply
Heather Mason
5/18/2021 06:56:02 am

"God's Wildest Wonderment of All" looks absolutely precious. You do great work, John! Congratulations to you and your whole family on the addition of your 5th child. It was a delight to meet you at the YCP conference- I cannot wait to purchase your art for our home one day.

Reply
John
5/19/2021 07:21:08 am

Awwww, thank you so much Heather! I really appreciate it. It was wonderful to meet you as well at YCP and I look forward to being in touch!

Reply
Deirdre link
6/11/2021 06:48:41 pm

Congratulations, Heather! You're the winner of this giveaway! We'll be in touch to coordinate you receiving your signed copy!

Reply
Rebecca
5/18/2021 07:03:41 am

Such lovely books! As a college student, I find I actually love children's books more now than when I was a child - the good ones... Perhaps it is because they portray truth and beauty in a simple way. They don't turn our minds upside down with complexities. All of these books look wonderful, and I have especially admired M5 since it came out. One of these days I shall just have to order it! (Perhaps as a gift for my young friends). Thank you for providing and promoting beautiful children's books.

Reply
John
5/19/2021 07:23:46 am

Thank you Rebecca! I really appreciate your support and encouragement. I am so glad that my children's books speak to you even though you are in college (I don't know how much you have read M5 but there is a note to all children readers as well as a note to all adult readers which makes me think of you in this regard!)

Reply
Danielle McKean
5/18/2021 07:05:20 am

We love your books John! We own Mr. Mehan's Mildly Amusing Mythical Mammals" and "A Child's Christmas ABC's Book". " The Handsome Little Cygnet" looks so sweet and it has been fun watching you through your illustration process on Instagram.

Reply
John
5/19/2021 07:26:15 am

Thank you so much Danielle! I hear that you are to be congratulated also on your new little one! I hope you and your family have been doing great! Thank you so much for your warm support and encouragement - I just recently got to see some of your work in person for the first time in Dallas on my trip there! It is really beautiful.

Reply
Jeanie
5/18/2021 07:25:21 am

I LOVE the cover of the Handsome Little Cygnet. The cygnet is so alive and full of personality!

Reply
John
5/19/2021 07:26:58 am

Thank you so much! I am so glad that you see that sense of life it in it! :D

Reply
Monica William Northrop
5/18/2021 07:32:51 am

Absolutely love your books and illustrations on Instagram. We own 2 of them and have plans of expanding that collection!

Reply
John
5/19/2021 07:27:33 am

Awww, thank you so much Monica! I am so glad! :D

Reply
Monica
5/18/2021 07:52:08 am

I would love to read either the Mythical Mammals or Christmas ABC book. Alphabet books are a favorite here as well.

The book about God's colors looks lovely.

Reply
John
5/19/2021 07:29:55 am

Thank you so much Monica! It is funny, I hadn't planned it, but when we posted this blog post it was actually Paul Thigpen's birthday (he is the author for the Christmas ABC book, Colors of Creation, and God's Wildest Wonderment as well as the upcoming Christmas 123's Book coming out this fall!)

Reply
Megan
5/18/2021 08:42:25 am

All beautiful! As a new mother (and new aunt), I'm looking forward to filling my baby's bookshelf with beautiful, high quality stories and imagery. Thank you for elevating children's books to new standards!

Reply
John
5/19/2021 07:31:06 am

Awwwww, thank you so much Megan! I hope to be producing such quality work for years to come! Thank you for your support and congratulations on the new baby! :D

Reply
Clair
5/18/2021 09:08:03 am

I’ve only read “Mister Mehan's Mildly Amusing Mythical Mammals” (and given it as a gift several times), but I’d love to read the rest, especially now that I have young children of my own!

Reply
John
5/19/2021 07:32:01 am

Thank you so much for your support of M5! I would love to hear what you and your children think about the rest too! :D

Reply
Claire
5/18/2021 10:36:27 am

We love Mythical Mammals and look forward to checking out your other works! I think I’d pick your Christmas book because you can never have too many beautiful Christmas books!

Reply
John
5/19/2021 07:33:03 am

HAHAH! I am glad Claire! Be looking out for my next Christmas book this fall then too, the "Children's Christmas 123 Book" - I hope that will be a delight as well!

Reply
Christine DuPont
5/18/2021 01:54:32 pm

I am so excited to see such beautiful children's books. I have a special collection of classic children's books from my childhood that I still read with my grown children and share with friends. Your illustrations are beautifully playful and draw the reader into the story before opening the cover. These books are amazing and I look forward to having "The Handsome Little Cygnet" grace the shelves of my library! Your children must be so very proud to have you as their dad.

Reply
John
5/19/2021 07:35:51 am

Awwwww, thank you so much Christine! I am very honored! It is really fun to see how my children react to the books. I think that my eldest daughter may someday follow in my illustrating footsteps judging by here current 7-year-old ouvre. Fun times :D

Reply
Lynn Wright
5/18/2021 02:22:58 pm

Thank you for the giveaway! These books are lovely and I know my kids (or Godchildren, if we already have it) would love a copy.

Lynn

Reply
John
5/19/2021 07:37:15 am

I am so glad Lynn! Thank you, and we will plan on announcing more about the giveaway shortly! :D

Reply
Chris Spellman link
5/18/2021 04:38:41 pm

Wonderful idea, John! We have two of these five and would love another! The new title sounds great and good to see another collaboration with Mr. Mehan. We’ll pick that one up either way!

Reply
John
5/19/2021 07:38:16 am

Awwwww, thanks! We look forward to seeing you and your family soon! I am so glad you have been enjoying my work in your family - Peace!

Reply
Julie C
5/19/2021 05:14:14 am

All of them look wonderful, but I am especially charmed by the cygnet book.

Reply
John
5/19/2021 07:39:19 am

Awww, thanks so much Julie! I look forward to its release in July and hope it will be a treasure for your family! :D

Reply
Mary Ann Hartzell
5/19/2021 07:12:51 pm

How exciting to see more beautiful literature for children! I'm captivated by the cygnet; I can feel his downy feathers when I look at your illustration.

Reply
John
11/15/2021 05:16:05 pm

Thank you so much Mary Ann! I hope that you and your family has enjoyed it!

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    Author

    Hello there, I'm John H. Folley, an oil painter in the Boston School tradition. Thanks for visiting the Beauty Advocacy Blog, where it's my job to help you become a more discerning art appreciator.

    I believe that beauty is real and that art has standards, and I'm here to push back against the pretensions of the modern Art world.

    Here you'll find updates on my studio projects, commissioned paintings, illustration, and some of my art philosophy. You'll also hear occasionally from my wife and studio manager, artist Deirdre M. Folley. Peace!

    Picture
    Connect with John:

    Categories

    All
    Amateur Painters
    Architecture
    Art Criticism
    Art News
    Auction
    Beauty Matters
    Boston
    Boston School Tradition
    Breadth
    Brush Strokes
    Catholic Art
    Catholic Artists Directory
    Chardin
    Commission
    Direct Painting
    Faces Of New England
    Family
    Flowers
    Gift Ideas
    In Memoriam
    Inspiration
    Interview
    John Singer Sargent
    Landscape
    Lately Complete
    Live Painting
    Madonna
    My Journey
    New England
    Philosophy
    Photorealism
    Portraiture
    Project
    Recommended Reading
    Sacred Art
    Sculpture
    Snyders
    Still Life
    St. Joseph
    Tea
    Wedding Painting
    Young Artists

    Archives

    August 2022
    May 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    January 2021
    November 2020
    October 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    September 2019
    July 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    October 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018

All original work 2020 © John Henry Folley. Kindly seek written permission from the artist before reproducing any of the above work in any form.
  • Fine Art
    • Still Life
    • Portraiture
    • Commissions
  • Beauty Advocacy
  • Live Painting
    • Weddings
    • Wedding Portraits
    • Other Events
    • F. A. Q.
    • Painting Demonstrations
  • Study with John
  • About
    • Contact
    • Artist Statement