Marla Frazee

Thank god this trail from Chantry Flats to Sturtevant Falls in Santa Anita Canyon is open. It closed after the Bobcat Fire in 2020, recently reopened, only to have other areas within this hiking system newly closed because of the Eaton Fire. But today, in the foggy drizzle, it was beautiful to be back in a canyon with a stream, waterfall, sweet cabins, and trees. Then I got a coffee at @adamspackstation for the drive home. I feel reset. 💚

Two illustrated collections of poetry, two upcoming events, and my two grandsons spotting both books at @moppsbooks yesterday! Please come celebrate the publication of HOW ELEGANT THE ELEPHANT, with poems by Mary Ann Hoberman. I’ll be joining Matthew Burgess and Doug Salati as they celebrate the publication of WORDS WITH WINGS & MAGIC THINGS. Saturday, March 22nd • Vroman’s •. Pasadena, CA 11am (Reading, kid-friendly activity, & signing) Tuesday, March 25th • Once Upon a Time • Montrose, CA • 7pm (Reading, conversation, Q&A, signing) @matthewburgessj @dougsalati @littlebrownyoungreaders @tundrabooks @vromansbookstore @onceuponatimebkstore

Well, this was the 25th Family Reading Night in Washington, MO, and as you can see they aren’t slackers when it comes to celebrating books and reading. Dawn Kitchell of Neighborhood Reads Bookstore kicked off the evening. Mayor Doug Hagedorn dressed like Where’s Waldo, the police reenacted Boss Baby with props (including a giant pacifier), my friend Scout (who makes a great mini bouquet) posed for a photo with me, and there was just so much happening I can’t even describe it! Thank you to the whole sweet town of Washington, Missouri. You’re so great. Photos by @jmw180

HOW ELEGANT THE ELEPHANT is an actual real book! I can hardly believe it. Thank you to the folks at @littlebrownyoungreaders for the care you’ve given to it at every stage of production. It’s quite upbeat, with 79 poems and pictures about animals and insects! I’m honored to be the illustrator of yet another book by the one and only Mary Ann Hoberman, master of word play. Coming out March 11!

It was fun to be with you, @westridgeschool! Thank you to @karahgr for putting it together (and for what you said below about picture books). ・・・ 📖 Children’s book author and illustrator of 40 books (one you may recognize is Boss Baby, which inspired the movie by the same name!) Marla Frazee joined us for our annual All School Read this week to share her one of her three Caldecott award-winning books, “In Every Life,” which focuses on what we all have in common: universal truths such as love, wonder, and comfort. Frazee shared her process of creating picture books (including her first book, created with her friend Lisa in the 3rd grade) including the pacing of a picture book, the function of page turning, and the importance of small details in illustrations to match a child’s strong visual literacy—an insightful discussion for avid readers and budding authors alike. “I thought the text was beautiful, inspiring, and accessible to everyone in our community, regardless of their age or background, and the illustrations convey story in such a profound way and remind us that picture books can be deeply impactful and intellectual,” remarked Middle School English Teacher Kara Ramirez. Thank you, Marla! 📚💚

I just extracted these three drawings out of water damaged frames (my water heater is done for). They are by my three sons when they were each 6 years old. Not at the same time! They aren’t triplets! The drawings are a little soggy but I love them and they’re so on brand. 1. Graham’s chess board, drawn from close and careful observation 2. Reed’s upcoming 6th birthday party, drawn with anticipation and excitement 3. James’s flowers, drawn from his imagination and whimsy @a.plus.type @reedwestonbradley @jamesjbradley

Want to preorder HOW ELEGANT THE ELEPHANT!? It’s coming out pretty soon! If you do, the link is in the bio. As you can see, it’s a pretty serious book about very serious matters. It has lots of poems by Mary Ann Hoberman and lots of pictures by me and lots of animals on vacation. (I want to go on vacation. Don’t you?)

“Nest, bird, feather, fly All the world has got its sky” Reading ALL THE WORLD to Arthur and Lewis last weekend was just exactly what I needed. Thank you, @lizgardensalad, for the words. @beachlanebooks @simonkids

I like to start the new year with a longer than usual hike in the hills. Today I headed up to Inspiration Point in Altadena which sits high above LA. The light today was stunning and it was quiet and peaceful all the way up and all the way down. A great way to greet 2025.

So long, 2024! Hello, 2025! Come on in! Photo credit: @fox.jennphotos (Thank you, Jenn!)

I hope you’re doing okay. I hope you’re finding a pocket of peace. I hope the stars are twinkling in your sky. xo Marla

Greeks say that “grandchildren are your children twice over.” There really isn’t a better way of describing what it feels like to see your own children again through them. This nugget is Lewis. ♥️