Last October, I headed into our pediatrician’s office with my 12-year-old who could not shake a deep, rattling cough. While we waited in a small, astronaut-themed room I wondered if my son might have pneumonia. While we waited some more, I wondered about this picture hanging on the wall.
As a seasoned Storystormer, I knew inspiration could strike just about anywhere. The image of the baby got me thinking about board books. I knew science-themed board books were selling well. But I didn’t have much interest in writing a book of facts for toddlers. What about a book that showed a baby’s current skills and how they might tie-in with a future career? I made a few notes in my phone, snapped the picture, and got back to checking my son’s temperature with the back of my hand.
One year later, I’m excited to share FUTURE ASTRONAUT (Cartwheel/Scholastic), illustrated by the amazing Allison Black. Part of the “Future Babies” board book series, upcoming titles include FUTURE ENGINEER, FUTURE CEO, and FUTURE PRESIDENT. And because I’m such a fan of Allison’s, here’s a peek inside Book #1 and a few words from the illustrator herself:
Allison, your style is so perfect for the youngest “readers.” Is this your first time illustrating board books?
Thank you! This is not my first time working on board books. I currently have three published, but I think this series is really special and I can’t wait for them to be released! I love making board books because I have a one-and-a-half-year-old son and it’s nice to be able to read to him without worrying that he’s going to rip, eat or destroy them!
How did you get your start in children’s publishing?
I’ve always been interested in children’s publishing, but I didn’t get really involved in it until 2016. That year I was approached by a couple of publishers who had discovered my art through my stationery line and my work with Target. I enjoyed making those books so much that I decided to get an agent and leave my job to be able to focus on this type of work – and I’m so happy I did!
What else are you working on, if you’re able to share?
Right now I’m working on a few books (which is all I can say about those), as well as developing some new items for my shop. I just released my Fall line a couple weeks ago so now I’m focusing on holiday products. I’ve also started to write some children’s book manuscripts. There’s a lot more work to be done on those (authors really are amazing!), but it’s exciting to try something new!
Plan for the future and pre-order a copy of FUTURE ASTRONAUT today.
Lori will give away one copy of FUTURE ASTRONAUT to a lucky commenter (in the future, release date is June 2019)!
Leave a comment below and a random winner will be selected next month.
Good luck.
Lori Alexander is the author of picture books BACKHOE JOE (Harper, 2014) and FAMOUSLY PHOEBE (Sterling, 2017) as well as the FUTURE BABY board book series (Scholastic, 2019). She also writes non-fiction for older readers. ALL IN A DROP, a chapter book biography of scientist Antony van Leuwenhoek releases in fall 2019 from Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, followed by A SPORTING CHANCE, a biography of Ludwig Guttmann, the founder of the Paralympic Games, in 2020, also from HMH. Visit her at lorialexanderbooks.com and follow her on Twitter @LoriJAlexander.
Allison Black is an illustrator and designer specializing in cute and colorful creations. Originally from Upstate New York, Allison now lives in Columbus, Ohio with her husband, son and four pets. Allison’s career started as a designer for Target where she developed items ranging from Christmas ornaments and Easter baskets to party décor and apparel. In 2017 Allison left Target to focus on children’s book illustration and to work on her own line of products. She now has six published books and has another ten in progress! You can find Allison’s books, stationery and more in her online shop, Hip-Hip. In addition to making art around the clock, Allison has a particular love for goats, guinea pigs and gummy bears. Visit her at allisonblackillustration.com, shop for art at hip-hip.com and follow her on Instagram @allisonblackillustration and @hello.hip.hip.
75 comments
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October 10, 2018 at 10:50 am
Kathy Mazurowski
So cute! Can’t wait to read. Congratulations
October 10, 2018 at 10:53 am
lmconnors
Really cute idea! Congratulations!
October 10, 2018 at 10:57 am
suumac
Aah… the magic of where and when inspiration strikes! Love Lori’s anecdote. What a brilliant board book series idea(!) and great author-illustrator combo.
October 10, 2018 at 10:57 am
Cindy Williams Schrauben
LOVE LOVE LOVE this! Such a great way to introduce science to little ones.
October 10, 2018 at 11:01 am
Flower T.
Very cute and fresh! But…what about your son? Did he have pneumonia? Don’t leave me hanging!
October 10, 2018 at 1:08 pm
Lori Alexander
He did! It was over his one week “fall break” from school. Sick on vacation, poor guy. Thanks to this little book series, we’ll never forget it.
October 11, 2018 at 8:26 am
Flower T.
Aw, that’s rough, poor thing. Pretty rough for you, too. (except for the great book series idea)
October 10, 2018 at 11:07 am
Lynne Marie
What a fun series for little ones! Good luck with this, Lori!
October 10, 2018 at 11:09 am
Mary Ann Cortez
Adorable, illustrations and what great idea!
October 10, 2018 at 11:14 am
Debbie Austin
What an adorable cover! And a fun series! Thanks for sharing!
October 10, 2018 at 11:21 am
Sara Fajardo
What an adorable idea! Love how inspiration can strike at any time and in any setting. Thanks for sharing!
October 10, 2018 at 11:35 am
Linda Neddo
So inspired by your work! You make the world a better place one book at a time. Thanks for sharing your talent.
October 10, 2018 at 11:36 am
Ashley Bankhead
These books look adorable! So fun! Thanks for sharing.
October 10, 2018 at 11:37 am
Debra K Shumaker
Wow! What a great success story! The book looks adorable!
October 10, 2018 at 12:01 pm
Angie
That is so cute! Love it and can’t wait to read it! Thanks for reminding us that inspiration can happen anywhere-write it down!!!
October 10, 2018 at 12:04 pm
Jody Jensen Shaffer
Congratulations, my friend! Blast off!
October 10, 2018 at 12:16 pm
Pat Miller
Thanks for sharing the inspiration as well as the fabulous book. It looks so charming–worth sharing over and over and over again.
October 10, 2018 at 12:19 pm
evelynchristensen
Congratulations! What a super fun idea for a board book series!
October 10, 2018 at 12:21 pm
shelleykinder
This series sounds wonderful! I think books for kids that talk about careers from an early age is such a great idea. Good luck!
October 10, 2018 at 12:32 pm
curryelizabeth
What a fun idea! I look forward to reading them. Cute illustrations too! Congratulations!
October 10, 2018 at 12:37 pm
katrinamoorebooks
This looks adorable! I can’t wait to share it with my toddler!
October 10, 2018 at 12:45 pm
Amy Nebeker
Soooo cute! I have a family member, with a soon-to-be toddler, who’d love this book & a friend, who is due with her first child in the next several weeks, & both little ones will get plenty of board books, including this one, & other books, from me 😊
October 10, 2018 at 12:49 pm
Suzanne LaLiberte Lewis
Wonderful idea and result! Congratulations!
October 10, 2018 at 12:51 pm
chardixon47
Congrats, Lori and Allison! Love your approach to the minds of the tiny tots ❤
October 10, 2018 at 12:55 pm
Gregory E Bray
This looks really good. Congratulations, Lori!
October 10, 2018 at 1:03 pm
Katie Engen
Such a clever concept, Lori (and what a silver lining for that doctor’s office visit). I love the fact that Allison juggles many projects in various arenas, all rooted on her creative flow.
October 10, 2018 at 1:12 pm
Louise Aamodt
Super clever idea! These look really positive and informative.
October 10, 2018 at 1:31 pm
headfulofchildren
Very cute. Would love a copy for my one year old grandson!
October 10, 2018 at 1:39 pm
Andria Rosenbaum
Can’t wait for this series to BLAST OFF! Congratulations, Lori & Allison!!
October 10, 2018 at 1:51 pm
kassy keppol
Thank you for sharing, so cute.
October 10, 2018 at 2:08 pm
sunwalker2013
The initial picture is SO adorable, no wonder you were inspired! And I love the theme. Awaiting the launch!
October 10, 2018 at 2:11 pm
Jenna Woloshyn
What a great idea for a series!
October 10, 2018 at 2:13 pm
Tina
Such colorful, beautifully designed illustrations!
Thanks for sharing this Tara and Allison!
October 10, 2018 at 2:36 pm
Debbie Meyer
Congratulations, Lori & Allison! Genius idea and adorable illustrations = #winning! Great job. Can’t wait to see it. 🙂
October 10, 2018 at 2:46 pm
Sylvia Mary Grech
Congratulations! Great idea!
October 10, 2018 at 2:56 pm
katiemillsgiorgio
Such a cute cover! Can’t wait to read it!
October 10, 2018 at 3:08 pm
Lori Dubbin
One necessary step to the pediatrician’s office, one giant leap to a board book series for toddlerkind! So glad your son got better soon, too :).
October 10, 2018 at 3:34 pm
tammisauer
Awesome! Can’t wait for this series to blast off! 🙂
October 10, 2018 at 3:37 pm
Sally Willett
Love this idea.. great to have so many creative board books little ones. My grandson who is 4 still loves many of his board books. looking forward to this series!
October 10, 2018 at 3:39 pm
jenniemacdonald
So cute! I hope one day you hear from an astronaut who was inspired by Future Astronaut!
October 10, 2018 at 3:51 pm
Sarah Momo Romero
Congratulations!! I love the idea that inspiration for a story really can come from anywhere. The illustrations are so fun too. 🙂
October 10, 2018 at 4:58 pm
Gail Hedrick
Congrats on your great idea-can’t wait to see it.
October 10, 2018 at 6:08 pm
Linda
What a beautiful looking book and and fun facts for kids, too. That’s great!
October 10, 2018 at 6:58 pm
Nancy Schleihauf Ferguson
What fun! Congratulations and thank you for sharing.
October 10, 2018 at 6:58 pm
Mirka Hokkanen
this book is something I’m waiting to read to my 6 mo old! Love the illustrations.
October 10, 2018 at 8:16 pm
Genevieve Petrillo
I like small spaces, too! Sometimes I squeeze in behind the living room chair and forget how to get out. Mom has to help me. Your new astronaut book sounds super-fun.
Love and licks,
Cupcake
October 10, 2018 at 8:37 pm
authorsusan
What a great idea! I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
October 10, 2018 at 9:41 pm
Pat
Can’t wait to read your new book!
October 10, 2018 at 11:04 pm
betlw
Adorable illustrations and idea. If you think the average tot can’t destroy a board book, I had one who did just that. He was a salivating chewer. He’s all grown up now. But they’re out there.
October 10, 2018 at 11:16 pm
Brenda Huante
This sounds like so much fun!
Congratulations!
October 10, 2018 at 11:23 pm
Judy Sobanski (@jkspburg)
Really cute concept books for babies! Congratulations!
October 11, 2018 at 8:14 am
Janice Woods
Love the whole concept of this series! So cool 🙌🏻
October 11, 2018 at 8:46 am
alicia minor
Don’t ignore pictures on the walls. You never know what’s going to happen once it gets your attention and the blessings of waiting works again. Congrats Lori! Many more to come…
October 11, 2018 at 10:22 am
Wendy
Congratulations on the new series, Lori! I’ve been a fan ever since Backhoe Joe was part of our debut pb study group.
October 11, 2018 at 10:48 am
lydialukidis
Wow, it’s so wonderful seeing the inspiration turn into reality!!
October 11, 2018 at 11:06 am
Christine
What a great idea for a series! Love it!
October 11, 2018 at 12:58 pm
sjohnston2010
This looks so cute! Can’t wait to read the book. Thanks for sharing its origin story.
October 11, 2018 at 3:36 pm
Keila Dawson
Brilliant! These will make excellent gifts at baby showers, for new parents, etc. Congratulations Lori!
October 11, 2018 at 4:38 pm
Christine Pinto
I love the connection between career and baby so wonderfully illustrated in the page you showed. I can’t wait to read it!
October 11, 2018 at 5:26 pm
photojaq
I just attended a SCBWI conference and saw some great illustrated books. Yours is right up there with the best. I eventually want to find an illustrator for the cover of my middle grade collection of Missionary Kids in Africa book.
October 11, 2018 at 5:44 pm
betlw
I want to keep receiving the emails from the sites I get, but please take me off receiving all the comments made on them. Thanks.
Elizabeth Westra – elizabethwestra@gmail.com
On Thu, Oct 11, 2018 at 5:26 PM Writing for Kids (While Raising Them) wrote:
> photojaq commented: “I just attended a SCBWI conference and saw some great > illustrated books. Yours is right up there with the best. I eventually want > to find an illustrator for the cover of my middle grade collection of > Missionary Kids in Africa book.” >
October 12, 2018 at 12:17 am
kelliejanebyrnes
What a wonderful concept for a series! I can’t wait to read these books. Congrats!
October 12, 2018 at 12:20 pm
Rinda Beach
What a great idea! I volunteer at the Armstrong Museum! I”ll mention your book because this summer is all about astronauts in Wapakoneta, home of first man, Neil Armstrong.
October 12, 2018 at 12:27 pm
rindabeach
I just sent this post to a friend at the Armstrong museum to be forwarded to the person in charge of the book store.
October 12, 2018 at 12:30 pm
laurazarrin
This book looks so adorable!!!
October 12, 2018 at 1:54 pm
kathydoherty1
I loved learning how Lori got the idea for her book. What a fabulous cover!
October 13, 2018 at 7:52 am
Tina Cho
Congrats, Lori! I loved reading the story behind this series!
October 13, 2018 at 2:26 pm
David McMullin
Such a fun idea. I look forward to seeing them all.
October 13, 2018 at 3:20 pm
LeeAnn Rizzuti
Congrats, Lori and Allison. Inspiration does strike anywhere and anytime, doesn’t it? Will be watching for this fun series.
October 13, 2018 at 7:23 pm
.CAROLE CALLADINE
What a fun looking book! Congratulations.
October 14, 2018 at 8:36 pm
marty
What a fun idea. Loved hearing how you came up with it.
October 15, 2018 at 4:33 pm
Anita
Adorable!!
October 25, 2018 at 1:31 am
Wehaf
As a space bff, the idea of giving this to a niece or nephew is really appealing!
October 30, 2018 at 8:43 am
nicoleheymann
Wow, talk about children’s book output, 10 more in progress… That’s cool. And I love the colors and the collage-like style of your illustrations. Perfect!
November 11, 2018 at 4:55 pm
jessica shaw
What a great idea for a series! Adorable concept and illustrations!