Silent is the Magpie

Vanita's first novel, Silent is the Magpie is off to the printer!!! Visit http://www.newburndrive.com/ and read the first chapter for free. Let us know what you think. The book will be available through book sellers including Amazon and Barnes & Noble on May 1st.

New sketches by Mike.

[Here are] a couple comparison pieces with finished book art along side the rough sketches. It's sort of fun to compare. 

 

Worms for fishin'.

 

Buried in sand on the beach. 

more sketches:

Art direction for Farfalla: new linoleum cuts by Kristin.

Francesca's Treehouse sketch

This sketch is from Vanita's granddaughter, Sage was the inspiration for the book.

  Early character studies for Francesca.

 

 Francesca with a Frog. Digital.
Here she starts looking like the eventual character.

Mrs. Pinkler. Sort of an eccentric "hippy-like" neighbor with a green thumb and sage advice for Francesca.

  Digital sketch

She started out quite trim like a Katherine Hepburn type.

 Charcoal Sketch. Mr/ Pinkler thickens up her stature.

  Advising Francesca.

 

Final art. 

SNEAK PEAK AT FALL 2012 TITLES

"Vanita's book shows the resilience and strenght of the Haitian people, using one of the worst disasters to hit Haiti-the Gonaives floods of 2004.  The story of Moses portrays both the tragedies and the possibilities of Haiti, and shows how goodwill and benevolence can triumph over the most devastating odds.  Written in accessible, simple prose, this book will ring true to those from any part of the world who have had challenges to face in their lives."

  -Father Rick

 "I know Moses personally and was at the hospital when he arrived nameless from the floods.  His story was so precious that the only name that was right for him was "Moses."  He is now a gift to the other children at our orphanage with his humor and compassion.  Vanita captured well the suffering of the children of Haiti in the story of Moses.  No matter how often the people are knocked down by hurricanes, floods, violence, earthquakes, their resilience and faith pick them up over and over again."   -Sister Judy

Bath Country Journal