Illustrators: What is a book without a cover to draw attention to it, or a children's picture book without pictures?

The first book I wrote, A First Grammar Book, was illustrated by my good friend Doris Bryant, a former art teacher in the public school system as well as a librarian. Nicholas Boffin, an artist in England illustrated the covers for my next novels: Dreams and Desires, The New Minister, and Plots and Plans. Soon, with great-grandchildren in the offing, I turned to children's picture books, and found Gillian Wells, an art student at Rowan University, to illustrate The Story of KC, the Cat Who Lived in a Shelter; The Story of Big Ben; A Tale of Two Kitties; and, Sammy, the Friendly Scarecrow. While she was busy with them, Francis Mary Griffiths, an artist in England, illustrated Looking for Angels. Gillian then graduated from college and moved into the business world and I looked for another artist closer to home. I struck gold when I found Carolyn Mortimer in my own home town. She captured my vision of Osborne, the Literary Mouse, who learned the world could be his oyster (and he loves oysters!) if he only learned to read. She brought him to life in a way that few people could, and a new partnership was born. Carolyn has stayed with me through the sequel, Osborne's World in which he discovers the AWESOME world in which we all live. We both, somewhat sadly moved on as we looked both to the past and the future in What Do You See When You Look at a Tree? as a young boy explores the world of trees and also Salem County and some of its Native American heritage and history.

Carolyn just finished illustrating Bethany Louise Says Goodbye...and Hello, the story of a little girl who is uprooted from all her friends as she moves to another country. The book is dedicated to the Hello that is on the other side of Goodbye. Here is an excerpt from the book:

"Do you believe in magic? The alphabet is one kind of magic. Only twenty- six letters but, when they are put together into words, they can take you places you've never been, show you things you've never seen, and introduce you to people you've never met."

These words will introduce you to Bethany Louise as she says goodbye to her old friends in New York City and hello to the new friends she makes in the little village of Devonlea England.

In closing, read to your children and give them, and yourself, memories to cherish, and please introduce them to the joys of their public library and its programs. We are blessed to have this wonderful resource.

-- Clara Stevenson