Don and Audrey Wood

This family definitely has a sense of humor. All of their books make you smile. They even use their own pictures as some of the funny characters in some of their books.

As young people, both Don and Audrey were involved in the theater. This has helped their writing of picture books tremendously. Mr. Wood said in an interview, "Picture books are about drama." Being able to see the story acted out in your mind helps both the writing and the illustrating.

Can you write a play about something funny that has happened around your house? Act it out. This takes a lot of planning. Costumes, props, entrances, and exits all have to be carefully thought out.

Mr. Wood talks about his books and illustrating and son at this website. I was so impressed that this wonderful artist is still learning new techniques. He is using the computer to illustrate now!

This would be a great idea for you to try also. Every computer has some kind of paint program. Try using it to illustrate a story. (Please! No stamps! Boring! Use your own artwork. It may not look perfect to you, but it is much more interesting to your audience.)

Visit the Audrey Wood Clubhouse for lots of neat ideas and fun.

Audrey Wood said that her family had been artists for 4 generations. Visit some famous artists at the Boston Museum of Fine Arts.

Here is a site to practice the your own art no matter what age you are: KinderArt.com.

("Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up." -----Pablo Picasso)

Here are books by Don and Audrey Wood