Review For, BECAUSE I'M NEW /  by Brad Sneed

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I’m delighted to report that the first review of my forthcoming picture book, Because I’m New is in, and it’s a ⭐️ star from Kirkus! I cannot wait to share this book with you when it releases March 15th!

Here’s the review:

“The joys and difficulties of adding a baby to the family are detailed in this sweet tale.

The text unfolds from the point of view of a new baby, giving readers an inside perspective on the things a baby can’t do—like catch the ball an eager older sibling tosses—and the wide range of things a baby can do: watch, listen, and, of course, cry. A tender relationship between the siblings blooms from their first encounter, when the baby muses, “I’ve been waiting a long time to meet you.” The older sibling is warmly portrayed as a role model, teacher, and friend, the text never skipping over the loud and exhausting elements of life with a baby. The tiny protagonist reminds readers that while babies need a lot of help from their parents, they need it from their older siblings, too. One double-page spread depicts the exhausted parents, older sibling, and even dog collapsed on the couch, recovering from all that helping. Over the course of the story, the baby grows and changes and shows off the new skills gained once “I am…less new.” The baby, now a toddler, can now catch that ball and actively play with the older sib, the illustrations charmingly depicting the changing, still-affectionate relationship. The characters depicted in the story present White. (This book was reviewed digitally with 9-by-18-inch double-page spreads viewed at 11.9% of actual size.)

A giftable book that is both encouraging and honest. (Picture book. 3-7)”

New Picture Book /  by Brad Sneed

Cover of my new picture book, Because I’m New. Coming March 15, 2021.

It’s here! Well, not quite. Because I’m New releases March 15, but for now, I’m delighted to share the cover. Look at that cutie pa-toot-ee! It’s a sweet peek at a young family adjusting to the arrival of a new baby. Surprisingly, it’s baby who explains just what to expect.

You may preorder from Raven Bookstore. When you do, not only will you receive a signed book, but also be entered in a drawing for an original color sketch I made while contemplating final art for the story. It’s a 10 x 6.5 inch acrylic ink and watercolor painting. Cheers!

Autumn Leaves Pattern /  by Brad Sneed

I turned my little watercolor leaf paintings into a repeating pattern. Rather than simply making a casual scatter pattern, I decided to assemble some of the leaves so that they form a shape that winds its way through the design and provides a bit of structure. I think this design would look nice on a table runner, placemats, and napkins.

Autumn Jewels /  by Brad Sneed

I collected autumn treasure on a recent walk around my neighborhood. The variety of colors and shapes is fascinating to me.

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I was inspired to paint them. I like them as they are —little stand-alone works— but I might explore piecing them together to form a pattern.

Final Art / Take Two /  by Brad Sneed

There are several important and necessary steps I complete before tackling the final “perfect” illustration. Almost always, issues are solved during these preliminary stages. By working through a series of thumbnail sketches, a comprehensive drawing, and perhaps a color sketch, I can approach the final art with confidence. I have a clear vision. Occasionally, despite having laid a good foundation, the building collapses. When I complete a painting that I’m just not happy with, there’s really only one solution; throw it away and start over.

Below, are two versions of the same illustration. The first is… okay. I felt the illustration could be stronger. Can you spot the differences in the second version? The changes are subtle but impactful. For me. the second version is more successful.

Version One

Version One

Version Two

Version Two