Practice Makes a Superstar! (Children's Book Samples)
Samples from an ongoing children's book project that I am writing and illustrating. The story revolves around Wiley, a young salamander who wants to be a superstar performer like his hero Big Mel the alligator. However, without the necessary practice and knowledge of how to sing, dance and play instruments, Wiley's audition is a disaster and he is left discouraged. Big Mel then sends Wiley on a journey to learn how to play instruments, sing, and dance and assures him that with practice and dedication, he too can be a superstar. The book is designed to teach children that if they work hard, they can achieve their dreams. Some of the pages are taken to more than a finish than others, as the project is more in the stylistic exploration phase at this point. The media is a mix of traditional pen and ink and digital coloration.
Wiley and his dad watching Big Mel and his band perform at the Jumpin Jamboree Jazz Club
Wiley's disastrous first audition for the owners of the jazz club, Mr. and Mrs. Mallarding.
Wiley learning to play instruments from his neighbour Mr. Hoggarth.
Wiley and his dad going out to the blue Bayou for Wiley to get singing lessons from Bernadette the Heron.
Wiley learning how to dance from the musical dockworkers.
Wiley's first solo performance after putting in the time and practice necessary to become a superstar. The dancing owl is the cranky critic Mr. Hoots, who enjoys the performance so much that he has to join in.