Children's Story for Johnson & Johnson

A while ago, I had the pleasure of working on a project with Johnson & Johnson, for their Care In Action initiative. They asked 5 children to tell them a real life story about caring. With the help of author Patricia Larkin these were shaped into five short picture books, and I illustrated one of them. Here are some of my spreads.

In Matthew's story, he saw some firemen in action, and it inspired him to also become one, in order to also help people.

You can download a pdf of all the stories here. Thanks to my friends at JWT / Hogarth, especially Hugo Fitzgerald, for arranging this project, and the nice folks at Johnson & Johnson. I hope the project inspired a lot of care!

Last-But-Not-Least LOLA Update!

I've been working hard on the drawings for a brand-new Last-But-Not-Least Lola book, this time she encounters – The Cupcake Queens! Author Christine Pakkala has written another charming and adventurous tale about Lola and her three friends.

There might or might not be a ghost in this one (you'll have to read to find out!), but the main story in all of these books are themes of friendship, jelaousy, and how to navigate them, while staying true to yourself.

As always, it's published by my awesome friends at Boyds Mills Press, and you can pre-order it now on Amazon or IndieBound. I've already gotten my advance readers copy, here's a look:

Last-But-Not-Least Lola Book 3, Advance Readers Copy! #ChristinePakkala #BoydsMills #kidlit #Illustration

A video posted by Paul Hoppe (@hoppeindustries) on Apr 6, 2015 at 12:07pm PDT

But not only do we have a new book coming out, also the previous volume, Last-But-Not-Least LOLA and the Wild Chicken comes out as paperback this fall! It even has some bonus material, and has a lower price point– if you missed it last year now is your chance! Some more pics from it are here.

We also received some very nice reviews for this one, a really nice one from School Library Journal and even a *starred* review from Booklist, who calls Lola the "the up-to-date heir of Beverly Cleary’s Ramona stories".

And finally, there's also news about the very first book: Last-But-Not-Least Lola Going Green received the "Green Prize" from the Santa Monica Public Library. Three cheers for LOLA!

A photo posted by Paul Hoppe (@hoppeindustries) on Dec 4, 2014 at 11:26am PST

Happy Holidays

Wishing everyone very Happy Holidays and all the best in the new year!
Don't let the Yeti get you!

Edit: Sorry about the broken links, all fixed now!

Time also to look back– how was Your year??

For me, one of the highlights was the 30th Anniversary of the MFA Illustration program here at SVA, which was celebrated with a big exhibition and numerous events.

But even aside from that, this year had everything: Nice projects, some even from Germany, comics-festivals, motivated and talented students, visits from high dignitaries, books, books, books, and let's also not forget: WE won the World Cup!

Let's hope that 2015 will continue just the same way.

Last-But-Not-Least LOLA And The Wild Chicken

The second book of the chapter book series Last-But-Not-Least LOLA, written by Christine Pakkala and published by Boyd Mills, is going to print soon! Amazon has already the listing here.

I've created close to a hundred illustrations for this book and just received the advance reader copy. It's so cool to see it come together. The ARC doesn't have all my illus in it, but it gives a nice preview of things to come and has the entire text, of course.

In this installment, a new girl joins the class which changes the dynamics between the main characters, and the big final is at a farm where they get chased by a big rooster and other animals.

Below are some of my favorites. Many thanks to Christine for her lovely story, and to Rebecca Davis and Robbin Gourley for working with me. Last-But-Not-Least Lola and the Wild Chicken is out this fall!

WWUSA Washington for Highlights for Children

I received copies of my latest book for Highlights for Children: It's my fifth book from the Which Way USA series– Washington State.

This series travels virtually through the United States, solving puzzles along the way. For this series I had to learn how to do Hidden Pictures, mazes, What's Wrong© pictures and other visual puzzles that can make your head spin as an illustrator.
WWUSA works like a book club, you can order them directly from Highlights.

Thanks to Highlights and my art director, Michele Weisman for the great continuing collaboration!

STARRED Review for Last-But-Not-Least LOLA!

The School Library Journal gave a very nice, starred review of our first Last-But-Not-Least LOLA book. Below is the full review, or you can find it on the SLJ website. Thanks so much to SLJ and reviewer Sada Mozer, it means a lot to us! 

 PAKKALA , Christine. Last-But-Not-Least Lola Going Green. illus. by Paul Hoppe. 192p. Boyds Mills. 2013. RTE $15.95. ISBN 9781590789353. LC 2013938848.

Gr 2-4 –In school, when your surname begins with “Z,” it means being last at everything. Last to be called on. Last to go to lunch. Last to leave at the end of the day. But Lola Zuckerman’s desire to go to the head of her class is the focus of this winning, environmentally themed book. Competing to win the coveted “green” vest by coming up with the best recycling project, the second grader anxiously watches as her classmates nab all the best ideas. The vest was previously won by her older brother, so Lola really feels the pressure. She is also competing against her former best friend, Amanda. The characters are fully developed, each with their own delightful quirks. For example, her teacher, Mrs. Denedebetti, loving refers to her students in candy terms such as “Jujubes” and “Gummy Bears.” However, when they cause a food fight in the cafeteria, they’re just “class.” Children will root for Lola as she tries to mend fences, save the planet, and come out on top. The lessons of recycling are creatively explored, showing readers big and small ways to help our planet. Those who have enjoyed “Clementine” will welcome this contemporary tale as it tackles family, competition, friendship, and the environment. The pencil drawings are energetic, and the list of Lola’s classmates gives a real sense of what the child is up against. A great choice for early chapter-book readers.–Sada Mozer, Los Angeles Public Library

WWUSA North Dakota for Highlights for Children

I just wrapped up sketches for another book from the Which Way USA series, here are two of my favorite images from North Dakota.

This one is a "What's Wrong©" Picture,
plenty plenty things that are wrong in this one…

And this takes place at the Høstfest, a Scandinavian Festival in ND

While waiting on feedback, I'll be working on the second LOLA book for Boyd Mills, and some other fun things. Then later this month, I will return to North Dakota and start working on the finishes.

Which Way USA: Hawaii

My next book from the Which Way USA series for Highlights for Children is available now, this time it's Hawaii! This one was fun because the palette was a little different. Some of the pieces even made it into my recent show at the German Consulate General.


Here are some of the interiors:

You can order all the Which Way USA books from Highlights for Children through their website or through the magazine.

Thanks again to the lovely folks at Highlights and my art director Michele Weisman!

Publishers Weekly reviews Last-But-Not-Least LOLA

Thanks very much to Publishers Weekly for reviewing the first book of Last-But-Not-Least Lola! I especially love that they call my illustrations feisty.

Last-But-Not-Least Lola Going Green

Christine Pakkala, illus. by Paul Hoppe

Boyds Mills, $15.95 (192p) ISBN 978-1-59078-935-3

Outspoken second grader Lola Zuckerman is tired of being last in her classroom, where alphabetical order rules the day. She’s also tired of former best friend Amanda, who used to live next door but has upgraded homes and friends. School isn’t all bad, though: there is the environmentally focused “Going Green” contest that Lola is eager to win. Of course, the students’ ideas are shared in alphabetical order, but Lola manages to come out on top. Winning doesn’t bring Lola the glory she’d hoped for, however, since her brother outshines her by getting an award on the same day. Along the way, Lola comes to recognize her own role in her falling-out with Amanda, navigates family problems, and learns to control some of her more impulsive tendencies. Debut author Pakkala handles sibling rivalry and the pain of losing a friendship with intuition and a light touch, while Hoppe’s feisty b&w spot illustrations subtly enhance Lola’s overall enthusiasm. Deadpan humor and a charming heroine carry this breezy read, first in a planned series. Ages 7–10. Author’s agent: Tina Wexler, ICM. Illustrator’s agent: Rebecca Sherman, Writers House. (Sept.)

If you'd like to get this for your little ones, you can get a signed copy from me personally at New York Comic Con next week! My table is BB5 in the Artist Alley, October 10th-13th.

Last-But-Not-Least LOLA is out now!

My latest project is out now: Last-But-Not_Least Lola, an early readers' chapter book series written by Christine Pakkala. After comics, children's books and a graphic novel, this is yet another kind of illustrated books that I'm tackling for the first time.

The series is written by Christine Pakkala and tells the adventures of a young girl called Lola Zuckermann. Because of her last name, she is always called on last by the teacher, but that's not her only problem. In her class, there is a "Going Green" contest, so she has to come up with a great idea to preserve the environment. And since she'll have to go last again, she hopes not all the good ideas will be already taken…

It's been a blast illustrating this first book of the series. The humor and the relatable characters gave me a lot of ideas what to depict. I do love this format: The book has a lot of illustrations (most spreads have one), but they are light and simple, with focus on characterization. I'm grateful for the opportunity to work with Christine's wonderful script and with the awesome people at Boyd Mills.


The book is out now, it's perfect for 2nd and 3rd-graders, or to be read for even younger kids.
I'll have it with me at New York Comic Con Artist Alley, if you'd like a signed copy. Or get it at any book store, or from the publisher  as well as Amazon or IndieBound starting NOW!

Books of Wonder event recap

Here are some photos from Cool Teen Reads at Books of Wonder (see also my previous post). All the participants were authors of teen novels. Here is the line-up: Shawn Goodman (Kindness for Weakness), Corey Ann Haydu (OCD Love Story), Jennifer Lyne (Catch Rider), Michael Northrop (Rotten), Lili Peloquin (This Side of Jealousy), Lindsay Ribar (The Art of Wishing), Evan Roskos (Dr. Birds Advice for Sad Poets), Katie Sise (The Boyfriend App) and some dude called Paul Hoppe.

It was really interesting to hear about everybody's books which were about a wide range of topics. They also talked about how it is to be a writer, which was really inspiring.

Most of the other authors were reading from their books, but with PEANUT being a graphic novel that's tricky. Also, let's not forget, I didn't write the book, it was Ayun Halliday! When it was my turn, I talked about being an illustrator, told the plot (without giving away the end!) and also about the process of making such a book. All while also doing a "live" drawing of Sadie, our main character.
All in all I was a great day. I was very honored to be part of this group and this event, at such a great place. Many thanks to the friends and colleagues who came for support (especially Dingding Hu and Jen Hill for taking some of these photos) Books of Wonder did also a recap with some photos, which you can see here.

You can buy signed copies of all the books that were featured in the panel, including PEANUT, online or in store, and I also signed a lot of HATs for them. Please support this great place. Cheers!

Books Of Wonder event: Cool Teen Reads

I'm part of an event at Books of Wonder this Sunday, August 11th, from 1-2:30 pm:

Cool Teen Reads for Summer will be a panel of YA novelists, featuring Shawn Goodman (Kindness for Weakness), Corey Ann Haydu (OCD Love Story), Jennifer H. Lyne (Catch Rider), Michael Northrop (Rotten), Lili Peloquin (This Side of Jealousy), Lindsay Ribar (The Art of Wishing), Evan Roskos (Dr. Birds Advice for Sad Poets), Katie Sise (The Boyfriend App), and yours truly! I will be talking about my graphic novel Peanut (written by Ayun Halliday, who can't join us this time).

We'll be introducing our books, answer questions from the audience, and sign copies of our newest and other books. Ages 12-16.

Books of Wonder (18 W 18th St,  NY, NY) is a lovely store entirely dedicated to children's books and young readers. This is my first event at Books of Wonder, and am thrilled to be invited. Would love to see you there!

Peanut Review by The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books (circ: 4,000) did a very nice review of Peanut. Thanks so much for the kind words!

"Anxious about fitting in at a new school, sophomore Sadie Wildhack tries to seem more interesting by inventing one little lie about herself: a severe peanut allergy. Soon she is telling elaborate stories of near-death experiences, vigilantly avoiding peanut products, and dodging the school nurse who wants medical forms signed by Sadie’s mom. When she starts to make real friends and catches the eye of a cute boy who is interested in more than her allergy, Sadie wants to leave the lie behind but can’t find a way to come clean.

A simple, honest, yet light-hearted story about a small misstep becoming a big deal, this graphic novel strikes just the right balance between charm and seriousness. Sadie and her friends are eminently likable and real, and readers will enjoy watching Sadie grow more confident amongst her peers, even as she grows increasingly anxious about her lie. Her relationship with boyfriend Zoo is sweetly supportive, even in the face of her eventual humiliation, and understanding adults help temper the impact when her lie is revealed.

The illustrations keep the focus on Sadie, leaving her the only spot of color (she’s always in a bright red top) amid the otherwise black and white scenes. This tale of a lie gone very wrong will strike a chord with readers who have fudged the truth to get attention."  AM

PEANUT Reviews RoundUp

PEANUT, my graphic novel that I was working on for about 3 years and which is written by Ayun Halliday and published by Schwartz & Wade / Random House, got some very nice reviews from respected publications and also online. Here is the lowdown!

Earlier in the year, we got two (!) Starred Reviews, from Publishers Weekly and from School Library Journal, and a super-nice review from The New York Times, who calls it "…a smart, affecting graphic young adult novel…"

I've also already posted about the very nice reviews in The Horn Book and in the Cleveland Plain Dealer.

Additionally, we were very happy that The Miami Herald featured PEANUT in its Spring graphic novel round up, calling it "…a terrific all-ages effort. Halliday’s bittersweet script is expertly illuminated by Hoppe, whose savvy camera angles and naturalistic layouts add inestimably to the experience."

Also The Buffalo News  wrote a very nice review, calling our book "…a page-turner from beginning to end, as Sadie learns there were probably easier ways to get comfortable with new people in a new place."

VOYA (Voice of Youth Advocates) wrote:
“Emphasis is put on the importance of Sadie having friends, which will resonate with teenage girls who put popularity at a premium... The black-and-white illustrations are well drawn, with the choice to depict Sadie wearing a red top in each frame a symbolic color for her situation... This is a good selection for both public and school libraries with graphic novel collections.”

There was also a nice endorsment by The Eisenhower Public Library, saying that "…Sadie’s friends are not two-dimensional. Instead, they are slow to forgive and continually transform. The storyline is simple, but Sadie is a complex girl spinning lies with big consequences."

There were also some very kind reviews online / on blogs:

Reading Rants said it "…will feel very familiar to anyone who’s ever tried to break into a new table in the cafeteria…"

On the PlayBack Blog, the Love Fool column said it was "…thought-provoking on a personal level."
And then there was this great mention in Bust magazine:

Many thanks again to the reviewers for spending time with our book, and for the kind words!
If you have reviewed Peanut and you're not on the list, let me know and I'll post it here!

My big project for Highlights: Which Way USA

Since last year, I've been continuously working on a series of books for Boyd Mills / Highlights for Children and finally wanted to give a scoop about it.

The project is called Which Way USA and is a series of puzzle books about the 50 States. I have signed up to do at least 8 of these books, three of which are already done (Illinois, Ohio and Hawaii). Other states will be done by other artists.

The way they're set up is that 4 teams of characters are racing through these states, solving puzzles and exploring the particular State, little bit like the Amazing Race.

A What's Wrong® picture, at the Honolulu Zoo. Can you spot the silly things?

The protagonists, Tripp and Scout, are based on photographic reference. The competing teams have been created by me, based on directions from Highlights.

It's a complex project because it includes not only researching and visualizing locations but also creating mazes, hidden pictures and other visual riddles and games. But I enjoy creating atmospheres and backgrounds, and I can bring a lot of my humor into the books.
I enjoy coming up with funny characters and silly situations.

Luckily my brain can manage to come up with these riddles and puzzles. I was told that I have "a puzzler's brain".

Since the content is sometimes complicated, and the schedule is pretty tight, I chose to keep the drawings light and use a simple line with flat computer coloring. The resulting images are very much "me", which is very satisfying.

The books can be ordered like in a book club. You get the first one free, and if you like it, you can subscribe to more.

It's an interesting experience to be part of such a big undertaking. It certainly provides great stability, and I still can do some freelance projects, though I do have to be economic with my time.

All of this wouldn't be possible if it wasn't for Creative Director Robbin Gourley who suggested me for this project, and my art director Michele Weisman who is coordinating all 50 books, so thanks again for making me part of the Highlights family!