By Lisa Von Drasek

Ariane Dewey illustration

Antarctic Antics written by Judy Sierra, Illustrated by Jose Aruego and Ariane Dewey, Harcourt 1999. Watercolor, pen and ink.

Antarctic Antics rocketed to the New York Times Picture Books Bestseller list after it was read by Scott Simon and Daniel Pinkwater on National Public Radio’s Morning Edition. The two of them were cracking up as they read the poems to each other.

View the Hatchling’s Song produced by Weston Woods in the ALA award-winning video.

Illustration of bright and multicolored beaks of over 60 black and white penguin bodies as they jump from iceberg to iceberg.

In this illustration, bright and multicolored beaks top over 60 black and white penguin bodies as they jump from iceberg to iceberg. They are playful and the vivid colors of the watercolor help capture their antics. The subtle blue of the ocean behind them and the delicate pink sky and sun in the background show another way watercolor can be used for muted, almost pastel colors.

About Ariane Dewey

Ariane Dewey in the Kerlan Children’s Literature Research Collections Workroom

Dewey’s work as an illustrator of picture books has been admired for her use of bright, bold colors. Dewey is best known for the long-term collaboration with author/illustrator ex-husband José Aruego. From the beginning of their picture book careers, José would draw the lines and Ariane would paint the color.

Ariane was also responsible for the color separations that were an essential part of the printing process of the time. (see The Making of Picture Book Illustrations: What is Preseparated Art?

For more about the art and Ariane Dewey, see Children’s Book Art: Techniques and Media.

Antarctic Antics book cover

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