GAY-NECK The Story of a Pigeon

I found this book GAY-NECK The Story of a Pigeon by Dhan Gopal Mukerji and illustrated by Boris Artzybasheff at the library the other day. I was drawn to the decorative cover. It was first published in1927 by Dutton Children's Books. It has beautifully ornate illustrations inside. I was puzzled by the title, why a pigeon would be named "Gay-neck", but it is a translation because Gay-neck is from India. His name was Chitra-griva; Chitra meaning "painted in gay colors," and Griva, "neck". Sometimes he was called "Iridescence-throated."

I only had time to skim some, but it looks like a great read, lots of adventure.

I am also drawn to these because I have been thinking I need to work more on the balance of my compositions, the balance of dark and light.

Congratulations to Jon Klassen

Some of you are likely aware that Jon Klassen recently won a Caldecott medal for his book This is Not My Hat at the 2013 ALA Mid-Winter Convention which was held at Seattle Public Library this past weekend.  He and Mac Barnett also received an honor for their book Extra Yarn. I am very happy for Mr. Klassen, - his books are so enjoyable and beautiful (and congrats to all of the other winners!)

 Jon Klassen made a library visit in Seattle earlier in 2012 for the release of This is Not My Hat which I took my 2 little ones to. I made a sketch of Jon and his bear from I Want My Hat Back while he was reading the book. 



Yeah, when I flipped back to this sketch entry I noticed my random note: "So I guess this answers your first question: did he have a hat on? Yes."- Which he did, which I had wondered.

Anyway, just cool. This and getting books signed while trying to chit chat and then the knowledge that he was back in this great city to get the award. Kinda nice.

Some of my favorite Klassen pictures: