...and that's when the C.H.U.D.s came at me

So, I don't know if this happens to anyone else out there, but from time to time I periodically get obsessed with a silly word or phrase, and start looking for excuses to use that word or phrase. Right now, I'm experiencing that feeling with the word C.H.U.D. WHy C.H.U.D.? I don't know. I'm pretty sure I've never seen even one tiny bit of either film (Betcha didn't know that there was a sequel, C.H.U.D. II: Bud the C.H.U.D. Seriously). It's just a fun word. Say it a few times, roll it around your tongue. Very satisfying to pronounce. C.H.U.D.,C.H.U.D., C.H.U.D. C.H.U.D. C.H.U.D. Practice calling your cat or loved ones C.H.U.D. See how nice that is?

It's things like this that made me realize I need to get out during the day more...

Got to get back on the horse...

Or goat, I guess. This is Pallas, the goat-like leader of the mythological race called the Gigantes. I'm trying to make up for some lost time, posting-wise, but I haven't had a chance to scan in all that much recent stuff, so this is a somewhat older sketch done in preparation for Grey-Eyed Goddess. There's a nice solidity to the figure, I suppose, though I'm not sure if the head-on portrayal really adequately conveys his size (with a name like Gigante, you know they're big). In the sketches for the book he's always pictured with extreme foreshortening- this was kind of just a little doodle for my own reference. And now yours.

Wolf Cap of Hades

Another possibly familiar image to Facebook users. Here is a headshot of Hades, wearing his helmet of invisibility, that served as my Facebook avatar for awhile. Let's chalk it up to artistic license the fact that Hades is wearing his helmet and still visible.

Mamma Rose, rest in peace

I'm not sure how many folks out there check this blog with any sort of regularity, but any who do will note that I've been absent for a little while. My stepmother recently passed after a long illness and I've only just returned from Florida. Kind thoughts are appreciated for my father and three little sisters. This is a photo of Mamma Rose, my brother, little sister Kayla and me from happier times.

Cover sketches

For your viewing pleasure... Rough cover ideas for 3 of the first four books in The Olympians. The Glory of Hera was not available at press time...

Signing at Books of Wonder in NYC!

So, this Thursday, June 5th I believe, from 5 to 7 PM, I'll be signing at NYC's famed Books of Wonder in support of my newest picture book Uncle Bigfoot. I'll be joined at this event by Mr. Nick Bruel (seated to the right of me in the above photo) and our fellow BOW alums Jason Chin, Titus Thomas and honorary member Cricket Azima. There's going to be FREE refreshments courtesy of the Cupcake Cafe. Pretty much, it will be the coolest thing happening in New York this week. Yeah, you heard me.

Books of Wonder is at 18 West 18th Street, between 5th and 6th Avenues, and can be reached at 212-989-3270.

Special thanks to Ms. Miriam Parnes who took the above photo at a previous signing. And you thought it was a picture from the future...