Cover of The Curious Garden
So I had the opportunity to meet author/ illustrator Peter Brown at the Tulsa County Library in Tulsa, OK. I have liked his work since I first seen the book “The Curious Garden” several years ago. I was searching for an illustrator and came across this book and fell in love with the idea and imagery in it. It is about a boy who changes his world with just a simple idea.
One of Peter Brown’s other books (and I think I have blogged about it before), Creepy Carrots, received the 2013 Caldecott Honor. It was a beautifully fun picture book. My children have enjoyed it immensely.
So while getting myself hyped up for days about what to say to him I asked someone for advice. Nathan Bransford told me to “just be myself and have fun!” This is exactly what I did. I waited in line with my daughter and our four books, to be signed by Peter Brown, for more than thirty minutes. As I got closer I realized that I will have to say something cool.
What came out was something bordering blubbering idiot and stalker fan. I said, “I have loved your books for years.” He made a joke about one of my child’s names and then it was over. We were moved aside and left the library with our freshly signed books.
Okay I didn’t get him to look at my picture book manuscript and he didn’t ask me if I was a writer either. But I enjoyed myself. I realized that this is what I wanted. I don’t want to work a job everyday in sales. I want to visit schools and libraries talking about my books. I want to sign my books till my fingers bleed. (Maybe till they are sore anyways) I know now that I need to follow my dream and keep trying until I finally become published.
Books to Treasure 2013 Featuring Peter Brown (Photo credit: Tulsa City-County Library)
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