I created artwork for the cover of a sweet and emotional middle grade novel, The Desperate Adventures of Zeno and Alya, by author Jane Kelley, released earlier this Fall. The book goes between two characters’ stories: Zeno, a newly orphaned parrot, and Alya, an 11-year old girl struggling to recover from leukemia treatments. Jane Kelley’s story is…

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I’m happy to be able to announce a new middle grade book series that I’ll be creating illustrations for called NOT EVEN CODY and CODY AND THE MEEN KIDS, by author Tricia Springstubb with publisher Candlewick Press. I’ve always admired the artistry of Candlewick books, and they’ve been one of the publishers I’ve hoped to…

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My dad is an elementary art teacher and was recently reading from a book to his students with advice from Maurice Sendak to young artists. He sent me some of the quotes, and I couldn’t help but share them here: An illustration is an enlargement, an interpretation of the text, so that the reader will comprehend…

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The Girl Scouts of America have invited me to be their featured artist on The Studio for this week, August 12, 2013. The Studio is a website where girls can learn about the craft of storytelling from their favorite authors and illustrators. How cool is that? Check it out >> http://forgirls.girlscouts.org/studio-feature-eliza-wheeler  

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Friends shared three links with me this week that were inspiring:   16 Quotes About Writing for Children (Article on Mental Floss) http://mentalfloss.com/article/51869/16-quotes-about-writing-children One that especially resonates right now is from Margaret Wise Brown: “In this modern world where activity is stressed almost to the point of mania, quietness as a childhood need is too often…

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Exciting news! I’ll be illustrating a new picture-book by Pat Zietlow Miller called “Wherever You Go”, with Little Brown Books! When I saw this announcement in Publishers Weekly Rights Report yesterday, it was extra exciting to scroll down to see illustrator friend and fellow mentee Brian Won’s picture sitting right there next to my own. Awesome, Brian!…

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I’m not sure there’s anything more exciting to an illustrator than the moment you get to see your artwork in the final printed book. Better yet, a stack of printed books! I’m so grateful that Simon and Schuster chose me to illustrate Holly Black’s fabulous new middle-grade novel. You can’t see it in these photos,…

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I have some amazing Kidlit artist friends, and at the top of that list sits Debbie Ohi. Debbie is an artist, writer, musician, gamer, and social media fiend. She generously shares great industry info with everyone around her. We have both been on similar career paths since we met in 2010 during the SCBWI summer…

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All those in the Pasadena area, please stop by to see me at the Pasadena LitFest this Saturday, 5/11/13!  I’ll be reading Miss Maple’s Seeds for the kids at 10:30, then signing at the Once Upon A Time bookstore booth.  Here are the details: 10:30-11:00am: Readings & Activities with Children’s Book Authors & Illustrators!  Authors and illustrators…

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Please join me this Saturday and Sunday at two wonderful bookstores in the Los Angeles area for story-time! I will read Miss Maple’s Seeds to the kids and have fun coloring sheets to give away. If you know anyone in the area who might be interested, please spread the word! Saturday, April 27, 2013: Mrs. Nelson’s Toy…

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