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Sam! Tag

I’ll be at Fairyland June 3rd 2023

 

Its been so long since I was last at Fairyland for their annual book events. This year I’ll be there along with 30 other authors and illustrators like Kim Ko, Nidhi Chanani, Christian Robinson, Angela Dalton, and the Leticia Hernandez-Linares who wrote “Alejandria Fights Back!”

Come meet me in person at the Children’s Fairyland Book Festival on Saturday, June 3! It’s a kid-lit event that brings Bay Area children’s literature authors and illustrators together with families for a full day of read-alouds and more. Alejandria Fights Back (Leticia Hernandez-Linares/Rise Home Stories project), We Are Yoga (Jill Guerra), and Sam! (Dani Gabriel) will be available to buy from The Collective Oakland, and I’ll be happy to autograph it for your kiddo! 


Tickets are available now: fairyland.org/book-festival

Dig this? Here’s a post about “We Are Yoga” by Jill Guerra and a post about the cover of “Sam!” by Dani Gabriel.

April 5, 2023
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Sam! Cover Art Tools

Hey readers. My name is Rob and I’m a kids book author and illustrator. This is a throwback to the cover design for the book “Sam!” written by poet/parent Dani Gabriel, published by Penny Candy Books, and illustrated by me.
Here are the initial sketches I came up with. One with a scene from the book, and two new ones. 
They chose the 1st idea and this being a relatively quick process I went straight to a refined sketch of that which you see here. For the sketch I typically use a non photo blue pencil, a ruler, a #2 pencil, and an 11″ x 17″ piece of paper so I can draw the back together as a layout.  

Once everyone signed off on this I use my light box to trace the sketch using a Prismacolor black pencil.
 
 Then I add color using a large flat brush to lay down a wash first then I build up the color slowly from light to dark using the medium flat, the round, and the fine liner . 
I use a bunch of watercolor brands to find the right colors. These are some of them.
When you paint with acrylic or gouache you can layer light over dark, but with watercolor its much harder so you must use light colors first, then darks. This is what. the painting looks like once I’ve finished. If you get a chance, read the book. Share it with families and check out some of the other books Penny Candy publishes HERE.

Dig this? Check out this post about the cover art of Alejandria Fights Back/ La Lucha de Alejandria

July 14, 2022
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Recent press for Sam!

 

Sam! written by Dani Gabriel and illustrated by me has gotten some new placements in these blogs. First check out Book Riot who listed it as one of 7 books for young readers with school as the setting. LINK
Its featured on this site “Them’s Health” which support the health and well being of non-binary folks. LINK

And here’s one more from New Market Today in Canada. LINK

February 4, 2021
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Sam! Copies

Just got my copies, bout to read with Dani tonight at the El Cerrito Public library. And you can get copies at your local bookstore, public library, or order them online HERE.
Again, here’s the synopsis of the story:
Sam is a nine-year-old boy who loves riding his bike and learning about the American Revolution. There’s just one problem: Sam’s family knows him as a girl named Isabel. Sam feels a sense of relief when he finally confides in his sister Maggie, and then his parents, even though it takes them a while to feel comfortable with it. But with lots of love and support, Sam and his family learn and grow through Sam’s journey to embrace his true self.  In the vein of I Am Jazz by Jessica Herthel, Sam! is based on a real story. With a note from the author explaining their family’s experience, Sam! is an important addition to a list of books that help children and adults discuss gender identity.

September 17, 2019
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Sam! Releases today!

You can go get this amazing new picture book I illustrated for Dani Gabriel and Penny Candy Books today. If you don’t see it at your local bookstore or library please request it!

September 10, 2019
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Sam! first review

Hey, just saw our first review for the book me and author Dani Gabriel created for Penny Candy Books. Check it out, as it talks about two other children’s books that feature stories with LGBTQ stories. Shout out to the homie Bao Phi!!

August 14, 2019
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Sam! Book Release in El Cerrito

Hey! The first book release party for Sam! is coming. On Tuesday September 17th in El Cerrito California (North of Berkeley/Oakland) me and author Dani Gabriel will be sharing this incredible story with you. Please bring your children, family, and book lover friends to hang. I look forward to seeing you.

For more info about the book please visit Penny Candy Books

Here is the link for the Bk Release Location

August 6, 2019
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Sam! Cover reveal!

This is the cover for my new book “Sam!” written by poet/author Dani Gabriel and published by Penny Candy Books! 

So excited to share the cover with you all. You can read a little bit more about the book on Here We Read. Go check it out and stay tuned to Penny Candy Books. You can preorder the book now too.

Total Pages: 36 pages
Publisher: Penny Candy Books
Publication Date: September 10, 2019
Recommended Ages: 8-12 and up
Pre-Orders: Available for Pre-Order Now!

May 1, 2019
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