Our Tundra Illustrator Studio video series is now live! We visited the studios of three of our summer 2018 picture book creators who work in non-traditional formats to get a behind-the-scenes glimpse at their work spaces, processes, and learn about their inspiration.
Acclaimed paper artist Elly MacKay illustrates a lovely family narrative through the use of weather aphorisms in Red Sky at Night, creating a beautiful and informational story which will appeal to children’s timeless fascination with the natural world.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C_o9wRTQZ34]
Red Sky at Night
Written by Elly MacKay
Hardcover | 40 Pages
ISBN: 9781101917831
Red sky at night, sailor’s delight. And, the next morning, when the dew is on the grass, no rain will come to pass. These are the perfect conditions for a grandfather to take his grandchildren out on a fishing trip. Especially since, as the saying goes, when the wind is from the West, then the fishes bite the best. The family takes a boat out on the lake, fishing and swimming and eventually camping out on a nearby island, taking full advantage of the gorgeous weather. But the next day . . . red sky in the morning, sailors take warning! The family ventures back home just in time to avoid a rainstorm. But not to worry — the more rain, the more rest. Fair weather’s not always best.
Check out the activity kit too!
Praise for Red Sky at Night:
“With MacKay’s dreamy cut-paper collage art featuring two siblings exploring outdoors, the old-fashioned approach to weather is oddly reassuring.” —New York Times
“[T]his makes a perfect fit for primary weather units.” –starred review, Booklist
“A curated collection of old-timey weather sayings is artfully brought to life in this exquisite informational picture book.” –starred review, Quill & Quire
“Distinctive, luminous illustrations delight the eye.” —Kirkus Reviews
“MacKay . . . once again relies on inventive, diorama-style artwork to create a moving story.” —Publishers Weekly
“A wonderful resource for nature lovers and for any classroom, especially for art and science curricula.” —School Library Journal
“[T]his transfixing picture book will teach something new to cloud-watchers everywhere.” —BookPage
I’m endlessly fascinated about how illustrators create magic. Thank you for sharing this with me.