H is for Highly Productive: Kevin Hawkes & Trina Schart Hyman

An illustrator whom I know personally is Kevin Hawkes. Like Trina Schart Hyman (below), he illustrates his own work, others' works, picture books and chapter books. Also like Hyman, his work covers multiples genres, many with a magical, sometimes otherworldly theme or aura. His illustrations are as warm and insightful as the man himself.

The book Me, All Alone, at the End of the World is dedicated to my parents. 

Trina Schart Hyman (1939-2004) illustrated everything from novels to picture books to magazines. She was one of the starting founders/directors of Cricket Magazine, which I adored as a child. The humorous ongoing conversations between the various insects, including Cricket and Ladybug, began as her work.

I will return to Trina Schart Hyman when I review fairy tales/folklore. I have to give her credit here for the number of books she illustrated in all genres, from American history to contemporary drama: Caddie Woodlawn, Why Don't You Get a Horse, Sam Adams? Jane Wishing...

That's not a phone he's playing with--
the book was published in 1979.

Tight Times by Barbara Shook Hazen, illustrated by Trina Schart Hyman is about a family struggling financially. The events, including the father losing his job, are all seen from the viewpoint of the boy. He wants a dog. He gets a cat. He names it, "Dog." 

Perfect. And real. 

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