On July 19th, local author/illustrator, Janis Pacileo read us her book, "A Shrimp Called PeeWee", and taught enthusiastic children and adults alike how to draw its main character. This book uses rhyming verse and cute characters to relate to children the dangers of human pollution as well as the effects of being different for a young person. In the story, PeeWee's mother seems unaffected by the Gulf Coast oil spill, until PeeWee is born weak and without a shell. The sturgeon surgeons work hard to save him, and ultimately they build him a beautiful new shell. At first PeeWee is proud that he is different, but then he starts to feel uncomfortable with all the stares and murmurs. His family loves and supports him, however, he learns that it's okay to be different.
After reading her book, Janis demonstrated how to draw not only PeeWee, but other animal characters as well, both from the land and the sea. Children and adults present found themselves becoming instant artists under Janis' direction, and a few lucky winners were able to take home Janis' over-sized originals. Janis stayed to answer questions and autograph smaller drawings of PeeWee for all the children. We're looking forward to her second book, which is coming out in October.
Click on any picture to see a larger version.
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