It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood as you deliver some very special mail to some very special houses!
We read Mr. Postmouse’s Rounds by Marianne Dubuc (Kids Can Press, 2015). Diligent and determined, Mr. Postmouse piles his little wagon with letters, packages, parcels and baskets to deliver to the critters along his route, saving the best for last! From underground lairs, to high treetops, to deep ponds…this charmingly illustrated adventure is a wonderful read, with cute touches to keep you revisiting the pages!
The hands-on portion of our story time was very simple. We found these DIY paper mailboxes in the depths of our craft drawers, and the kids decorated them with markers and designed 6 custom mini postcards using this template.
Next, we gave each kid 6 pieces of construction paper “mail” to deliver to 6 different houses using a color-coded mail route list! Each of the domiciles had a mailbox with a delivery slot. And, just like the book’s illustrations, we made sure each house was unique to its owner!
Today we’re featuring 
While I’m working on the illustrations, I use the computer to find reference photos and look up information I might need… and to entertain my ears with music. Once the final images are created, I send them straight to the computer through Dropbox. Then I can finalize the files, send them to the client, and do all of the other business involved in illustration.
The studio for creating traditional artwork is currently being used as a guest bedroom; the drafting table is folded down and the supplies are all put away. I hope to get back in there in the new year and make some paintings again, but in the meantime, my little digital corner of the basement is enough to keep me making all the artwork I need.