I have to admit to a love of illustrated children’s book. One of my favorite illustrators is Jim LaMarche, and I finally popped for one of his books, Up, from Chronicle Books

I love LaMarche’s current work. It’s acrylic wash under pastel and color pencil. It’s very fresh and filled with light. The story’s a little odd, though, about a boy who can magically lift things. But he can only lift them little bit. They don’t move side to side, only up.

The little boy is about 5 or 6 and he wants to go out on the fishing boat his dad operates. Ok, good dream, but I lived with a commercial fisherman for many years, and I know how dangerous it can be. I’d never let my kid out on one of those boats.

But I suppose that little boys would dream of fishing with their fathers. And having a magical ability might get you out of trouble on a boat. And he does save a whale.

Anyhow, the drawings are lovely. I’m feeling about ready to tackle some pastel work, and I want to study how LaMarche painted these illustrations.

Oh, and by the way, I bought it at a local bookstore, The Linden Tree. I know, I know, it would have been cheaper to buy it online, but frankly, I haven’t had such good luck with buying art books online, especially children’s books. Often the color is bad, the printer’s registration is off, or the binding is so bad it obscures parts of the picture—even, sometimes, the text.

Best, as always, to buy from someone you trust. And that often means buying locally.