My new wordless picture book, Grand Isle, will be released Sept. 7th by Akashic Books.
It was inspired by my fascination with the lives and adventures of the artists and explorers who crossed the oceans in search of new flora and fauna before the 20th century. The colorful, overgrown, and sometimes creepy botanical settings are influenced by the richly imagined world of Dahl's Chocolate Factory.
In brief, two sisters wander down the beach and discover a giant seedpod large enough to ride in. They cross the water to an extraordinary island, where they are nearly stranded, and must use their wits and resourcefulness to find their way home.
As described by Nikki McClure, "This is a story that's discovered rather than told. I wish I could ride in such an extraordinary vessel. It transported me to a magical, colorful world of possible impossibilities."
Pre-orders available from Akashic Books.
Join me for one of my free, virtual book launch events.
Politics and Prose, Wed. Sept. 8th, 4-5pm EST
Greenlight Books, Brooklyn, NY -details to come
Skylight Books, Los Angeles, Sept. 18th, 10am PDT