July Hedge-a-gram

July!

Spring has always been my favorite season, but this year I think I love summer best! My husband, Joe, is a musician and we live in the Berkshire hills of western Massachusetts in the summer. That's because he plays at the Tanglewood Festival with the Boston Symphony Orchestra. When you listen to the beautiful music you can see the acres of lawns and trees and the beautiful lake.

Summer is a time for picnics and I hope you and your family enjoy one this summer, whether it's on the front porch or a park or deep in the woods far from civilization. My favorite picnic place is Tanglewood, because of the music. Even before the concert you can hear students practicing or the musicians warming up!

You may be asking yourself what has music got to do with children's illustration. I find that music takes my thoughts to places out of the ordinary and I get lots of unusual ideas. Listening to music gives me ideas for new books, and a time to elaborate on an idea I already have.

With summer wishes for happy picnics, music, and creative ideas for your next story.

Your friend,

Jan

P.S. Every month I post a new drawing on my site for you to color. How 'bout next month, let's send Hedgie and Hedga on a virtual vacation. Email your ideas on where you think they would like to go and why it would be fun.