illustration for Hunt Haven Press

Hunt Haven Press

I'm an established author and I'm publishing several of my own picture books.

I would like to have a picture book illustrated--it will consist of 15 illustrations plus a cover and a title page (the latter is up to you). The book will be published in print and ebook editions, so if you have ever wanted to get your foot in the door of children's book illustration, this could be your opportunity. The winning artist is also welcome to obtain printed books from me at cost in case you'd like to visit schools, etc., to talk about being an artist and sell the books there or through your website.

Particulars: The book will be paperback 8x10, and most of the illustrations will be spreads of a page and a half. (See uploaded files for example of that half page). Artists should mind the gutter and be sure that no text or character's faces cross the page break.

This picture book, CALICO BEAR, is a generational story. The protagonist, Tyler, starts out very small (about 3 years old), then there's a scene where he's probably 9 or 10, and later there's a scene where he's a grown man. The colors should be soft, as this is also a bedtime book with a lullaby.

I have attached two files from a previous edition of the book, but please do NOT feel that you have to imitate that style. I would love you to do what you do best, and I love creative ideas--as long as they suit the book.

I know this prize isn't a lot of money for the work, but I hope it will give you a good experience and add something important to your resume. If you'd like to see my other books, you can find them at http://www.angelahuntbooks.com. I've' been publishing for 30 years, so I have a bit of experience in the business.

Please feel free to ask any questions you like. I do my best to respond quickly with feedback.

There are a couple of pages with lots of text. On those page spreads, you can put all the text on one page, and the illustration on the other.

Most of the pages have only a small amount of text. On those page spreads, you should let the illustration spill out onto the left page, leaving room at the top for the text. The amount of space you'll need depends on the size of the text.

I do prefer traditional fonts. :-) They're easier to read.

Oh--you may make Tyler any race you like. My own family is multi-cultural, so I'm fine with whatever you want to do.

If you read the entire story, you'll see that the bear becomes part of a quilt.  Perhaps we should go beyond the traditional brown bear and make him of some color or patterned fabric that will be recognizable in the quilt--and easily recognizable again when the quilt is turned into a quilted bear.   I know brown is a traditional bear color, but perhaps a calico pattern would be better (after all, he is called CALICO BEAR.)  :-)   

Thank you! 

Angie H

Please don't hesitate to ask any questions. Thank you!