I've had this book for more than 25 years. I've read every. single. page of it. It was a christmas gift from my parents when I was in middle school. I poured over it as a teenager. Some chapters I've read many times over the years. I've stared at and studied the images so many times and for so long that I can't even remember anymore which of the many I've actually copied and which ones I've just scrutinized to the point that the lines feel as familiar as if I'd drawn them mys

Every time I attend a local scbwi meeting, I want to ask the other illustrators what they listen to as they work, or who their illustration heroes are. I love comparing notes on things like that. I think it gives you a fun glimpse into who that person is. Alas, there never seems to be time because I find myself equally anxious to see what everyone's been working on. Also, I'm an introvert, and its much easier to talk to the person next to me (or not talk at all) than attempt