The Next Big Thing---a global blog tour

A wonderful illustrator, Deborah Zemke, asked me to participate in The Next Big Thing, a global blog tour that started in Australia. You can read Deborah's blog post here.

Here's my last published book:





I have another book coming out in September but I'll be sharing about On Christmas Day, today.


1. What is the title of your current book?

On Christmas Day written by author Margaret Wise Brown was released last Christmas.  It's published by Sweetwater Press/Books A Million.

2. Where did the idea come from for the book?

I am the illustrator but the writer, Margaret Wise Brown wrote hundreds of books and stories during her life, but she is best known for Goodnight Moon, Big Red Barn and Runaway Bunny. Even though she died over 55 years ago, many of her books are still in print and new ones are being published. I was blessed enough to get an opportunity to illustrate one of those books. It was the chance of a lifetime and a gift to be able to illustrate this book.

3) What genre does your book fall under?

It's an early picture book written in rhyme. The original title was called Christmas Song but the publisher chose to change it to On Christmas Day.




4) How long did it take you to do the art?

About 3-4 months. It went much smoother than I anticipated, plus the art was needed that quickly.

5) What inspired you in illustrating this book?

I was so worried at first thinking..."Oh my gosh! These are Margaret Wise Brown's words!!!" But I prayed about it and soon I got out of my own head and asked God to paint through me and He did. It was amazing! It was one of the most satisfying jobs I have ever had the pleasure of taking on. It really was an honor. I just found this amazing quote which nailed it perfectly for me! :) "Art is a collaboration between God and the artist, and the less the artist does the better." -Andre Gide

6) What else about the book might pique the reader's interest?

I love the nativity story so that in and of itself is probably enough to pique any little one's interest but the story about Margaret Wise Brown, the author might be of interest to the parents and adults reading the book to the little ones. Here's a great website that gives more about her story. http://www.margaretwisebrown.com/





A wonderful illustrator, Joy Allen, is next on the tour.

Check out her blog around April 26th!

A really exciting announcement!!

In our home pretending was always encouraged. I think all of our fun and silliness made a big difference in our daughter’s life and helped her believe that anything was possible.

Wouldn’t it be fun to have a room with fun life sized characters to pretend and interact with? Well now you can.

I have some very exciting news!!

You can now find my art in HUGE wall murals! Phyllis Harris Designs and Murals Your Way have joined together to offer many of my designs to help you create a fun-filled happy place for your children to enjoy. There will be more added in the future so keep checking back!

The murals can be used in any room in your home. The possibilities are endless!

~Phyllis


P.S. We would LOVE it if you would share our exciting news with your friends. Feel free to forward to a friend or share on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest...Share away!

Children's Wall Murals

A Sneak Peek!

As we prepare to launch our brand new website (phyllisharrisdesigns.com),
we wanted to share a few sneak peeks. We are so excited because
we got to use our new grand baby’s nursery for our photo shoot;
featuring some of our best selling wall art  prints.

Our first grand baby’s greatly anticipated debut is late July...it’s a girl!

More to come. Stay tuned! But in the meantime, our Etsy shop
is bursting with Spring so be sure to stop in for a visit!

~Phyllis

 

These are unedited photos taken by my amazing son-in-law Ron Hernadez! :)