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My last new photo is of Beloved Nona, a sculpture in my collection, STORY TIME: a Kids' Lit-Inspired Sculpture Series. This colorful work is inspired by Tomie dePaola's classic Strega Nona. The colors have a translucency and depth that is new, as I tried out a new line of underglazes on it made by Kiwi. I like the effect and will continue to use these underglazes together with the others by Amaco, Mayco and Spectrum. Love this book for several reasons, one of which is how my hubby -- and Italian American -- related to it when he saw it. <3

PLEASE tell me you have read Richard Scarry's books?!? Since creating this sculpture last year, I have run into a larger-than-expected number of folks who have NEVER heard of Richard Scarry or seen his work! How is that possible? ANYWAY, I grew up dreaming about the apple car and the little mice and wishing I could live in his busy little world. Maybe that is part of the source for the love I have for little quirky houses. What do you think? So I couldn't settle on one book to represent Scarry's work, thus this column/pedestal of books and happy little critters is another favorite piece from my collection, STORY TIME: a Kids' Lit-Inspired Sculpture Series. Oh and I have loved Lowly Worm for many years.

For the inspiration behind this sculpture, I leaned heavily on Mary Engelbreit's and Tomie DePaola's illustrations and then added in my leaning toward little houses. If you have never been to the gallery on The Clay Lady's Campus, you haven't seen hundreds of little houses in their natural habitat -- my Wee Little Houses are a popular item, and no wonder. Apparently, I am not the only one who likes tiny houses! ANYWAY, choosing a Mother Goose was not easy as there have been SO many iterations over hundreds of years...I am happy with my mish-mash mother. =}

Now tell me if you didn't just start reciting "chicka chicka boom boom will there be enough room..."! haha I do it everytime! Part of my collection, STORY TIME: a Kids' Lit-Inspired Sculpture Series, this cheerful sculpture is based on the kids' classic Chicka Chicka Boom Boom.

So this one, based on The Golden Compass, is a bit older as far as the intended audience... it is a book I still read from time to time. It is also a part of my collection, STORY TIME: a Kids' Lit-Inspired Sculpture Series. There is something timeless about the story which is why I chose to sculpt it.

A golden oldie here! This brand new photo of Mr. Popper's Penguins (from my collection, STORY TIME: a Kids' Lit-Inspired Sculpture Series) makes me want to touch the iceburg to see if it really is cold haha.

Another new photo of a piece from my collection, STORY TIME: a Kids' Lit-Inspired Sculpture Series. This cheerful sculpture is based on the Good Night, Good Night Construction Site series of books. What a warm and encouraging series these are!

Another new photo of a piece from my collection, STORY TIME: a Kids' Lit-Inspired Sculpture Series. This happy piece is based on the Curious George series by H.A. Rey. I identified greatly with Curious George as a child. My poor parents!!

Another new photo of a piece from my collection, STORY TIME: a Kids' Lit-Inspired Sculpture Series. This sweet one is based on an oldie, The Velveteen Rabbit. I used the cover art from the original version and just love the button eyes!

Another new photo of a piece from my collection, STORY TIME: a Kids' Lit-Inspired Sculpture Series. This is based on Madeline, a favorite book of mine since my childhood.

Another new photo of a piece from my collection, STORY TIME: a Kids' Lit-Inspired Sculpture Series. This is based on a book that is part of an alphabet series by Jerry Pallotta called The Victory Garden Vegetable Alphabet Book.

Another new photo of a piece from my collection, STORY TIME: a Kids' Lit-Inspired Sculpture Series. This is based on the book Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day. I love the skateboard as much as the quilt and all the things stuffed under his bed!

Another new photo of a piece from my collection, STORY TIME: a Kids' Lit-Inspired Sculpture Series. This is based on the Bluey series of books about the coast, Bluey: the Beach.

Another new photo of a piece from my collection, STORY TIME: a Kids' Lit-Inspired Sculpture Series. This is likely my favorite -- everything about it makes me happy. Based on the Olivia series of books, I find myself falling in love with this cutie pie every time I look at it!!

Another new photo of a piece from my collection, STORY TIME: a Kids' Lit-Inspired Sculpture Series. This is Ms. Dog from Go, Dog. Go! "And NOW do you like my hat?"

Another new photo of a piece from my collection, STORY TIME: a Kids' Lit-Inspired Sculpture Series. This is Dog from PD Eastman's Go, Dog. Go!. I have him resting atop a couple of Dr. Seuss's books as a bit of an Easter egg, you see, because many folks thought they were one and the same...they are not. haha

Another new photo of a piece from my collection, STORY TIME: a Kids' Lit-Inspired Sculpture Series. This is from Eric Carle's amazing book, The Very Hungry Caterpillar.

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