PBParty Entry #48: Arlo and the Wish {ART}

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GENRE: *Diverse, Character Driven, Contemporary

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WORDS: 566

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Query:

Dear judges, agents, and editors,

Thanks for the opportunity to submit my work. I’m an author/illustrator who is also open to illustration-only opportunities. My illustration debut is coming this June in Archie and Pip: The First Day of School (Cottage Door Press, 2024).

ARLO AND THE WISH is a 566 word fictional picture book full of adventure and friendship. Arlo is a quiet, non-binary kid who loves to draw. But when they accidentally wish for everything they want at the art shop: everyone’s wishes appear! A clumsy monster named Izzie arrives as Arlo’s wish-come-true. Together they navigate rogue wishes and calamity, finding friendship along their way.

This quirky adventure is filled with the unique companionship of Real to Me (Minh Le and Raissa Figueroa), and the chaotic escapades of Llama Destroys the World (Jonathan Stutzman and Heather Fox). Full Dummy available by request.

In 2023, I made the Longlist for the British Searchlight Best Children’s Illustrated Picture Book Awards and I was a finalist in the PBParty competition. I’m an active member of SCBWI, the annual 12×12 challenge, and Storystorm. I’m also a freelance Illustrator and Toy Designer. You’ll find me sipping tea while sketching up all kinds of fun things for my regular clients: Jellycat and Nuby. I’ve won over 30 industry awards and created over 500 products with companies including Manhattan Toy, Target, Dr. Seuss, and more. When my daughter was born, I created and ran a successful blog focusing on kids design and crafts. With my MFA, I’m also an occasional adjunct art professor at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design.

Thank you for your time and consideration of my work.

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Excerpt:

Arlo loved art more than anything.
Making stuff was much easier than making friends.
Just one kid and their art.
It wasn’t lonely…
Okay, sometimes it was.

Arlo staggered through the art shop, arms full of supplies.
Mom said, “Just one!”

“I wish we could have every thing we wanted, I can’t choose just one!”
The entire shop froze…

Blip, pop, fizzzzzzzzz!
Everyone’s wishes appeared, one by one.

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What inspired you to write this story & what do you have in common with it:

I want to encourage kids to keep using their imaginations. It feels good to ask “what if?” and see where it can lead us. Seeing how hard it can be to make friends (in my own experience and my daughter’s) encouraged me to create a story that embraces creativity, our uniqueness, and understanding. Neurodiversity and gender identity can be part of asking “what if?” and staying open to new ideas. Someone very close to me is moving through those spaces now, and they inspire me every day.

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