Something New! Chirp Magazine: Take a Trip--A Space Museum Illustration

I had the pleasure to illustrate this October 2021 issue of Chirp magazine’s “Take A Trip”, featuring the Comosphere Museum in Hutchinson, Kansas. I had to really think about how to rearrange the reality of the space and most important items (lunar rovers, space capsules, etc.) to fit on a two-page spread! I did a lot of research and picture browsing to get things fun and cartoony, but with enough accuracy to be distinct to the items/space. All in all, I am pleased how it turned out! And the entire issue is about space so chocked full of interesting things to learn in a fun and informative package! Thank you, Owlkids, for your outstanding work, and letting me be a part of it so many times!

Below is the magazine spread, the original, and each page close up.

Something New! Chirp Magazine & Farmers' Market Puzzle Spread!

I get such fun projects! This is a magazine spread illustration for Owl Publishing’s Chirp magazine, the April ‘21 edition, depicting a farmers’ market, with a few puzzles built in. I debated over whether to use an outline/cartoonish style or not, and in the end went without. I like working both way and this one I felt would be just fine to do either way, so it was just a in-the-moment call. Since it’s still the covid era with restrictions, we opted to not do a large crowd, so that kept it simpler. I also added fun textures all over. Hope kids enjoy the puzzles and learn! I always do!

Something New! Highlights Hidden Picture Cover & Puzzle!

I love all the projects I do for Highlights for Children, and this time, I had the opportunity to do a little something different—a reverse hidden picture, which would also be used for the cover! This is a Christmas holiday themed book so Santa in his sleigh being pulled by reindeer was the theme! It was a bit novel to do this in reverse, but I think it turned out well. There are many other illustrators who contributed their talents to the book as well! This is an item any child would enjoy, I am sure! Maybe even adults! Thanks again, Highlights!

Something New! High Five Magazine Spread: "School Supplies"!

It’’s always special to do anything for Highlights For Children, and when the art director asked me to create an illustration spread for the September 2020 issue of High Five magazine, I of course said yes! This is for their “That’s Silly!” segment in each magazine, where kids find as many “silly” items in the scene as they can. It is a good educational tool which is fun and humorous as well! Below are samples of the spread as well as closeups. I hope the kids had a few laughs as they looked over this scene! I know it was pretty fun to create!

Something New! Magzine Spot Illustrations/Cartoons -- The Great Bear Rainforest!

It’s always a pleasure to work with Owlkids Publishing and Owl magazine on their many educational projects. This time, I did a spot illustration/cartoon & map for an article about The Great Bear Rainforest, located in British Columbia, Canada. It looks like a wonderful place to check out and perhaps hike and enjoy other activities. Someday I will go! In the meantime, I hope the kids enjoy learning about this place, and that the bear cartoon and map add to their fun of learning! Samples are below. The second bear was one of the sketches I sent to see what would be best to put in that spot. The bear sitting up was chosen, but the other is just too cute to not include! And please check out Owlkids and all the books and magazines they have to offer! Your kids will be glad you did!

Something New! High Five Magazine "That's Silly!" Spash Park Spread Illustration

It’s always a treat and blessing to do work for Highlights and High Five magazine! This “That’s Silly!” spread is for the June 2020 issue, and features a splash park full of kids keeping cool—along with unusual and “silly things. See if you can find the “sillies” yourself! Below are close-ups of the illustration to make it easier to see. Have fun and have a happy, cool, safe summer! And be sure and check out High Five and Highlights magazines and books. They care about your kids and do a wonderful job of making it fun to learn—or just plain have fun!

Something New! "It's An Animal News Flash!" Spot Illustrations/Cartoons!

I created a few spot illustration/cartoons for the May 2020 issue of Owl Magazine’s “Incredible!” section, which is always so fun—and so informative! Presently, we’re living with the consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic and they aren’t sending sample copies at this time, so I have the spots mocked up in the spread. Sometimes the final changes a little, and certainly the designer makes it more sharp, clean, & clear, so thank you for overlooking these flaws on my samples!. : )

(c) Owl Magazine/Paula J. Becker 2020