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  • Illustrator Spotlight: Natasa Kostovska

    The Day I Went to Space

    It is no surprise to hear that we at Bryson’s Books love a good drawing! As the first way children can consume books, we think drawings are a vital part of any children’s book. Our newest book, The Day I Went to Space, features the vibrant and highly-detailed artwork of Natasa Kostovska. We asked her a series of questions to get to know her a bit more. To see more of her artwork, check out her website here!

    CREATE ART

    Bryson’s Books: Who is your favorite artist?

    Natasa Kostovska: Marc Chagall. I love the naive approach in his paintings. There's a sense of innocence in them that reveal his child-like soul.

    BB: What is your favorite children’s book?

    NK: Peter Pan. I've always been drawn to the fantasy of living like a child that never really grows up, in an imaginary and magical world where anything is possible.

    BB: How did you get into art and illustration?

    NK: Ever since I can remember I was holding a pencil, drawing, and designing. I was also constantly captivated and amazed by all the wonderful illustrations in my fairy-tale books. Even though I later graduated as an art historian, I spontaneously ended up doing what I loved the most - drawing cartoons and illustrating for children. Through illustrating children's books, I can awaken the child's imagination and I can most easily visualize my imaginary world, as well as the worlds of the writers whose texts I am reading.

    BB: Favorite art supply or material?

    NK: Watercolors and brushes

    Natasa Kostovska 

    SHARE LIFE

    BB: What are some of your non-art hobbies?

    NK: Now that I think of it, I'm not sure if I even have any non-art hobbies :) I love to swim and to cook. I also occasionally love to lose myself in a good movie or TV show.

    BB: What is your favorite food?

    NK: Cookies and ice cream. Anything with a sweet, sugary taste. My one and only vice, I guess.

     

    INSPIRE OTHERS

    BB: What advice would you give to up and coming artists?

    NK: Be unique and original. Aim to develop your own artistic style and don't be afraid to experiment. When it comes to children’s illustration, always exaggerate and draw wacky characters that feel "alive". And never stop to creating!

    BB: Is there anything else you would like to tell our readers?

    NK: Make sure to let your kids read as many illustrated books they can from an early age. The books enrich their imaginations, teach them to think visually and develop their creativity.

     

    Thank you so much, Natasa!

     

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  • Bryson's Books, Shelter Partnership and The Day I Went to Space!

    the day i went to space artowkr and charity logos

    In our most recent book, The Day I Went to Space, we follow the fantastic journey of a boy who shoots off the space one night as he is lying in bed. You may notice that before the story begins, the book opens with the following dedication: “Every child deserves a wonderful bedtime story. It is estimated that 21% of children in the U.S. are living below the poverty line. So, we dedicate this book to those children. Keep your eyes on the stars and never give up!”

    When writing our children’s books, we think about sweet little faces curling up with a storybook at night before going to bed. What we often forget is that many children do not have this important bedtime ritual. For many children, books are not available and the adventures we dream up are never seen by these children. Poverty and its numerous effects on children do not make for the most pleasant bedtime reading material but it is so important to remember the children who live without the very things that make childhood so magical.

    We dedicate The Day I Went to Space to the many children living below the poverty line in the U.S. with the hope that we can do something to improve their lives. That is why we donate 25% of our profits to organizations that help children in need. In honor of that commitment, we will be working with Shelter Partnership to do our part to help eliminate poverty and bring more books into the lives of children in need.

    Shelter Partnership works in a variety of ways to help prevent and solve homelessness; donation distribution, technical assistance to community organizations, public policy research and advocacy and community education. Since 1989 they have secured new donated goods from over 600 companies and has distributed over $210 million worth of goods to more than 550 agencies that serve the homeless and very poor. Bryson’s Books is honored to work with Shelter Partnership and spread the word about their vital programs. To learn more about the work they do and how you can help, visit www.shelterpartnership.org.

     

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  • Bryson’s Books at the Los Angeles Starry Night 5K for the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation

    On Sunday, September 24th Bryson’s Books will be participating in the Starry Night 5K in support of the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation. This family-friendly event raises funds for medical research, education and support programs for children and families affected by childhood brain tumors.  “As the world's largest nonprofit solely dedicated to children and teens with brain tumors, the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation’s mission is to care for families along their entire journey, find a cure for the deadliest childhood cancer, and help families and survivors thrive.” After more than 25 years, the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation has invested more than $29 million in research programs at places like the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, the Mayo Clinic, and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

    The Starry Night name comes from the lantern ceremony that follows the run. Children affected, the “Shining Stars”, and participants light up hundreds of lanterns in the evening sky to honor those who have passed and celebrate those children that live to fight another day. The event promises to be a beautiful and uplifting way to support these children and their families. For more information about the family services, research goals and nationwide events for the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation visit http://www.curethekids.org/.

    An important part of Bryson’s Books’ mission is finding ways to help people in need. We discovered the Starry Night event through the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and knew that the local 5K was a great way to help support an important cause, spread the word about their work and encourage others to do the same. As of today, we have raised $1,235.00 and hope to do more before the 24th! If you would like to make a donation to the cause, you can donate on our fundraising page here or on the company’s website here. Thank you for your support!

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  • The Mouse Who Lost His House featured on All Done Monkey!

    We are delighted to have one of our first books, The Mouse Who Lost His House, featured on the lovely culture and education blog All Done Monkey! Our book was included in a list of great children's books that showcase friendship and what it really means. Check out the variety of book lists and fun activities created by Leanna at All Done Monkey and its related site, Multicultural Kid Blog!

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  • Why Sacrifice Style for Kid-Friendly Decor? Black and White Nursery Prints

    Here at Bryson’s Books we have a few *crazy* ideas. We think that you can make purchases you want that still make a positive impact on the world. We also think you can buy products that you and your kids will enjoy. Call us crazy but we think a fun kid’s room and a stylish kid’s room do not have to be mutually exclusive.

    Shop a variety of black and white prints to suit you and your little one! And remember, 25% of our profits are donated to charities benefiting children and families. Happy Shopping!

     

    Top Row: Panda, I Love You To the Moon and Back, Black and White Triceratops

    Middle: Robot with Bird, Robot with Snail

    Bottom Row: Black and White Brontosaurus, Today is a Good Day, Zebra

     

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