sketch drafts by Annie Barnett
Finding time for creativity in the midst of the day to day is often a challenge for my husband Phil and I. Wait . . . let me rephrase that. Our job requires us to be creative, but finding time for our own creative projects is difficult. By the time we’ve designed for others, we’re usually spent.
It’s worth carving out time
to bring a dream to life.
That’s exactly what Phil and I have done over the past few months. We’ve been writing our first children’s chapter book. The story came to life in the early morning hours, during stolen daytime moments, and late into the night. Life and work must go on, but when something is truly important and the time is right, so much can be accomplished. We sent the manuscript to the amazing Sandra Peoples, who read our words and showed us how to make them even better.
With the story ready, we knew there was still an important element missing. What children’s book is complete without illustrations?
It’s an odd feeling to entrust your beloved characters to someone in hopes that they will read and see and bring them to life just as they are in your mind’s eye. You write the words, but do they translate clearly to someone else? It’s a huge question. And it was incredible to see how closely Annie of Be Small Studios managed to capture the personality of our characters in her illustrations.
It won’t be long now . . . the book is coming soon. If you’d like to hear more, sign up for the Growly Books email updates below:
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How exciting!
So excited for everyone to meet Growly! Annie’s images are perfect. Hang on to that pack, Growly! You’re going to need it! 🙂
This is so exciting!!!!!
Erin, this is SO awesome! SO very excited for you!!
I can hardly wait to buy this book for the little ones in my life!!
So wonderful…so exciting!!!! Can’t wait to read!! I love Growly already 🙂
Oh my goodness…this looks simply adorable! I can’t wait to get a copy for my kids, not to mention for my grandma who loves bears and books!
Erin, it’s been such a joy to read this story and collaborate on the illustrations! So, so excited for this!
Annie, you are truly a gift, and we are so thankful for you!
Oh, Erin, this is so exciting! I’m thrilled for you and can hardly wait to see the finished product. 🙂
Thanks! It won’t be long now!
Oh how exciting to see your dream coming to fruition. The one pictured illustration is simply lovely…
Annie is truly doing an amazing job!
This is sooooo exciting! Can’t wait.
Thanks, Carey! 🙂