By Kate Reardon
Herald Writer
A hundred tiny mouths blowing air mimicked the sound of whistling wind as illustrator Richard Jesse Watson took them on a verbal adventure at an event in Langley recently as part of a kickoff to Sno-Isle Library’s summer reading program.
"Let’s go on a walk. Start to listen to the sounds," Watson said to the audience.
Throughout Watson’s tale, children and some adults in the audience performed the sound effects of the ducks, pigs, coyotes and rain in Watson’s interactive tale. Oh, and don’t forget the opera singers.
If you missed Watson’s presentation, don’t worry; he’s in town this week for some more.
Watson, a renowned Port Townsend illustrator, will share his stories and talents with children and families in Snohomish County as part of Sno-Isle’s Summer Reading Adventure.
"Books are more than just words," said Mary Kelly, community relations manager at Sno-Isle Regional Library System.
That’s why the system asked Watson to participate.
During his presentation, Watson explains how an idea and pictures become a book. He also talks about the role illustrators have in developing a picture book.
Watson, who sometimes spends months at work drawing for a book, said he likes talking to children because they capture the ideal of what life ought to be.
"If you can enjoy the little things, I think you’re at your highest point," Watson said.
Watson’s art often captures his mood. He uses color and artistic techniques to capture those moods.
"The ideal picture book can speak on different levels," said Watson, whose work is featured in various books including:
Watson gives hope to aspiring young artists.
Preston Ossman, 8, said he hopes to one day become a graphic artist.
Preston, who lives in Freeland, is serious about his art and carries around a notebook full of his sketches.
"I draw lots of pictures of smiles," Preston said.
His mother, Judith Walcutt, said Watson’s presentation was wonderful.
Walcutt said she knows Preston enjoyed the presentation too because he was drawing in his notebook the entire time.
"You know he’s listening if he’s drawing," she said.
Participants in the summer reading program may choose to read either a number of books or a number of 30-minute reading blocks.
Children who reach the halfway mark earn tickets to an Everett AquaSox game. Children who make it all the way to their goal earn a free paperback book.
Watson’s limited edition print "A Northwest Summer" is featured on summer reading materials and may be purchased with a $50 donation to the Sno-Isle Regional Library Foundation. All the prints are signed and numbered.
The picture is of a small boy in a rowboat reading a book while a black bear rows him around.
You can call Herald Writer Kate Reardon at 425-339-3455 or send e-mail to reardon@heraldnet.com.
Illustrator Richard Jesse Watson will share his stories, talents and creativity at Sno-Isle Libraries:
For more information, contact Mary Kelly at 360-651-7030.
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