Julie Chen Photography

{the crazy Chens with the even crazier Dan Santat! Yes, my hubby is wearing a shark suit.}

Yesterday we had the PURE JOY of meeting the 2015 Caldecott Winner Dan Santat. For a few years now we have followed his work, devoured his books, and greatly enjoyed his artwork. If anyone knows me, you know what a big deal this is. {Remember these encounters with my pal Laura Huliska Beith?!} Some people dream of meeting their favorite movie star, rock star, or sports hero, while I dream of meeting my favorite children’s book illustrators. Maybe it’s because illustration is what I studied in college so I deeply appreciate their skills, or maybe it’s because I design books for a living and I love working with illustrators, or maybe it’s just because I am a child at heart.

In any case, it truly was a dream come true.

{Now I would like to come see his home studio! hee hee hee}

Dan is so much more than a Caldecott winner. He deeply loves his family, is so passionate about art and creativity, is full of life and humor. We became even more endeared to him when we learned he is going to comicon with his boys, loves video games, comic books, and our kids’ favorite movie, The Iron Giant.

For the event, my family decided to dress as their favorite characters he has illustrated.

{Dan Santat & Pumpkin Poos}

Pumpkin Poos went as Beekle. She was too much. In the car on the way to the event, she said, “Mommy, I feel so scared.” {being dressed up in front of people while NOT on Halloween to meet an author was a bit much for her.} All I could think was, “How do you think your father feels?! He is driving in a minivan wearing a shark costume!”

In any case, it is The Adventures of Beekle The Unimaginary Friend that was the 2015 Caldecott winner & it is such a sweet, fun story. Go pick it up!

{Dan Santat & Sunshine Girl striking a Ricky pose}

Sunshine Girl went as Ricky the mouse from Dan’s series that he illustrated for Dave Pilkey, Ricky Riccota’s Mighty Robot. They were signing that series at the event. Sunshine’s FAVORITE Dan Santat book though would definitely be Sidekicks. She has read it at least 10 times and has been known to sleep with it tucked under her pillow.

{Dan Santat & My Favorite Little Mister in their best picture day pose}

My Favorite Little Mister tried to get his best hat head & put on his silly faces for his favorite Dan Santat book Picture Day Perfection. OK, this is like full circle for my son, as he literally tried pulling this off for his 6th grade photos in the fall, but the photographer made him re-do the picture. So fun. Go for it son!

{Dan Santat & Sam the shark}

Sam went as a shark in honor of Dan’s Carnivores book. Yes, full out. Bought the costume this week. It was all his idea. When Dan released Carnivores, he did a fun little promo video which you can see here. PLEASE go watch it. You will not regret it. And BUY THE BOOK. It is so funny.

OK, so Sam & Dan are like brothers from another mother. While Dan was describing his childhood, I could not help but laugh: asian parents who wanted them to grow up to be doctors?! check. Video games?! check check. Comic books?! check. check. check. They would so be friends. If only we lived in sunny California.

We left our meeting very happy campers with a whole stack of books signed. I only wish I could have brought his Always Lots of Heines at the Zoo, but I could not find that one anywhere. Boo. Next time Dan.

Here is a small sampling of Dan’s work. Be sure to pick them up for your reading pleasure, ahem, I mean for your KIDS’ reading pleasure! And, don’t forget to shop local.

Again, you can follow Dan here.

Grace & Peace,

Julie

P.S. A Chicago Tribune reporter was there & we might make the Printer’s Row section of Sunday’s Tribune. Ha! So fun!