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Monday, June 10, 2013

Allen Say


A few weeks ago, Jim and I received an email from Jim's friend and children's author and illustrator, Allen Say. Allen invited us to attend an event at the downtown Portland library. It was a showing of 30 of his original art work from his many books, a book signing and a chance to hear Allen speak about his books.

I am  a fan of children's literature and when I was studying to become a teacher, my favorite class was children's lit. Allen's work is delightful. He is also a Caldecott award winner. He has lived in Portland for years now.



The book signing line was quite long! He was very patient and took time to sign all the children's books who waited patiently in that line!


His works were on display around the room and can be seen until the end of June.


This was a young man who learned from Jim that Allen is a fly fisherman too. He was studying to become a nurse. He wanted to know if Allen fished for trout or steelhead! A fellow fisherman for Jimmy to share a few stories.  Allen and Jim have fished together~fly fishing of course!


This is Allen's lovely wife Miki posing with Jim. She is charming. She took our picture too...funny!


Here's a few of Allen's books and a few illustrations to share with you.


This is a serious book about the Japanese internment during WWII. It is a must read if you are a fan of Allen's.



This is one of Jim's favorite illustrations as it is just powerful. I love all the children.


The original painting of this mother and child with the tree was on display. It was one of my favorites.




This is Allen's studio in his home. We were invited to visit him there once and got to see some of his works in progress. Just fascinating and a treat. This picture was taken by our local paper-The Oregonian as is the one at the bottom of the page.



Thank you Allen for the invitation to your library event. It was a beautiful day and a great afternoon.

12 comments:

Karen @ Beatrice Euphemie said...

How exciting! His artwork is very moving and tells a story all on its own. Thanks for sharing. xo

Pam~ Virginia Retro said...

So interesting! Such moving illustrations. Thanks for sharing your talented friend with us.

Denise said...

What a lovely time for You both.So interesting for all of us.I know you must be so excited to get to know and share your life with the baby. Just around the corner now :) Think of the books you can read to your little one.It will be a joy.I thought of you as we drove through Oregon,it was all so lovely.We stayed over night on the coast in Lincoln City and also in Salem.Hugs to you-Denise

Anonymous said...

What a wonderful post, Linda! And - to personally know someone with such gifts! I loved the selections you shared - and have seen his work many times. Your post made him more real - not just the name on a jacket cover. Love the crane tree painting, too.

Yes - it's nice to be back - and I have many posts in the works - and an ETSY shop! More on that soon!

Joy to you!
Kathy

Maureen Wyatt said...

What an amazing day for you! I'd love to read the River Dream and I'll hunt it down. His illustrations are beautiful and moving!

GardenOfDaisies said...

How lovely that you had the opportunity to share this special day with your friend. His pictures look amazing. I'm a huge kiddie lit enthusiast, too. ( Due to my own childhood reading experiences, and also because I'm a teacher. One more thing we have in common.) I need to look for the one about the cranes. (I also love origami.)

Unknown said...

Hello from Spain: beautiful books and illustrations of Allen. I see that you had a day very cultural and interesting. Keep in touch

Susan said...

Sounds great, Linda. Wow, that was nice you were invited by the author to attend. How cool is that? Susan

Unknown said...

His illustrations are really beautiful. I love to get children's books that have illustrators I love.

romance-of-roses said...

What a delightful time you had. This man is amazing. Thank you for your sweet visit. Life in a wheel chair is not to pleasing for my husband but that is his life so he enjoys taking pictures to pass the time. Hugs, Lu

Simply Debbie said...

Dear Linda,
My order arrived today from your shoppe and I am so thankful you included your blog url.
I love children's books. This list looks awesome and will try to find them on amazon.
Love your blog.
Debbie aka Simply Debbie

Lady Jane said...

Amazing man. Glad you could go to this wonderful event and were able to share it with all of us. Thanks.