The Tree in the Courtyard is a beautiful story about the chestnut tree that Anne Frank saw out of the attic window.  Written by Jeff Gottesfeld Illustrated by Peter McCarty. Published in 2016

I know it has been awhile since my last post, almost 6 years ago. To start, I am now working with Holly McGhee of Pippin Properties and Mark Siegel at First Second Books to create an epic adventure graphic novel with wolves, a beast, and a formidable princess.  In this transitional process, a great deal of research was conducted to establish the characters and environment. I have to say, that creating a graphic novel is much more involved than children's picture books.  At least for me, with the graphic novel, I have to tell the story through the action of the characters and details of the environment. For example, when I want to include a sentient being made out of a rock, I had to drive out to the mountains and explore the formations before I could illustrate the character. At the moment, I have almost 200 pages of the epic adventure book and hope to have some time to share it on this blog.

Omega Institute workshop

Upcoming workshops for all picture book enthusiasts and levels of ability. 

In production is a book about bunnies dreaming of carrots, blue skies, and a chicken.

Fall Ball 
Released September 2013

Book signing in Cincinnati, Ohio

            Book signing and panel

Children's book authors will be signing books at the "Author's Tea".  It is open to the public.

Mill Road School
9 Mill Road, Red Hook NY
October 22, 2012
3:30 pm to 5:00 pm


A celebration of stories will take place at the Mid-Hudson Children's Museum.

It is an all day event.  I am scheduled to sign books at 10:00 am to 11:30 a.m.

Monday, Vetern's Day, November 12, 2012
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Free with museum admission; $7.50
Enjoy a day of fun and celebrate the adventure of reading as the Museum hosts local children's authors and illustrators! There will be book signings, story times, workshops, and more!