Tag: Picture Book Reviews

Picture Book Review: How the Sea Came to Be by Jennifer Berne (illustrated by Amanda Hall)

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Author: Jennifer Berne
Illustrator: Amanda Hall
Eerdmans Books for Young Readers
25 April 2023
56 pages

This month’s PB review is by Ryan G. Van Cleave (Owner/​Operator of Only Picture Books) and Florida-​based author/​illustrator Loreen Leedy.

 

–Ryan’s Review of the Writing–

Jennifer Berne’s new picture book, How the Sea Came to Be, is an evocative and captivating exploration into Earth’s aquatic history. The storytelling (divided into three parts—The Birth of the Sea, The Birth of Life, and All That the Sea Came To Be) combines elements of geology, oceanography, biology, and evolution. Written in rhyming verse quatrains, the narrative is as much a lyrical journey as it is an educational resource, offering readers an overview of over 4.5 billion years of oceanic history. Yeah, that’s a lot of room to cover, and she manages it on in a robust 56 pages.

The vivid imagery created by the text grips from the outset, with descriptions that bring to life the primal chaos of the earth’s formative years. I’m also a fan of how Berne goes beyond rhyming to include alliteration (“They blazed and they blasted and boomed”) that add to the meter (mostly iambic) which makes this a fun read-aloud.

Accompanying Berne’s textual journey are Amanda Hall’s mixed media illustrations. I’ll let Loreen dive deeper into those (like the watery pun?), but I find them to be integral components of the learning journey, adding richness to the storytelling. The layout of each spread invites exploration and appreciation, with the varied marine life forms being depicted in their natural, multi-​layered aquatic habitats. I wish there were clearer labels directly on the art, but most of what’s shown is either in the main text or the extensive back matter. The full-​page notes from both creators, glossary, full-​spread chart of “Ocean Creatures Over Time,” and recommended readings and resources adds an extra layer of depth (is that another ocean pun?) that will no doubt be a welcome addition for the home school and classroom market.

It’s a challenge to simplify and present complex scientific concepts in a way that’s both accessible and engaging to young readers. For the most part, that’s what happens here. Ultimately, this picture book inspires curiosity and invites questions about our world’s natural history, making it a solid resource for young scientists or anyone with a keen interest in the marine world.

4.5 out of 5 pencils

 

–Loreen’s Review of the Illustrations–

The rhyming text and impressive illustrations in this nonfiction book present a whirlwind tour of the earth’s oceans from the earliest moments in prehistory up to the present day. Colorfully complex endpapers give a sneak peek of the visual delights to come. Every page invites readers to explore the vastly different environments that once existed (or still exist) on our planet.

Earth’s early period of cosmic bombardment and erupting volcanoes appear in dramatic compositions of orange, black, and white. Monochromatic scenes depict a cooling, rainy world with brand new oceans full of crashing waves. Life begins microscopically small yet with pulsating energy, pictured as tiny circles/​cells that expand into more numerous and complex forms. Soon, simple but more recognizable animals such as sponges and jellyfish cling to rocks or float in the salty waters.

A delightful close-​up view of a worm wriggling along the ocean floor conveys an important milestone in the history of life: the ability to travel in a desired direction. Hard-​shelled arthropods scuttle and swim through a viridian and magenta frieze. One illustration requires a 90-​degree turn of the book to explore the dark depths of the sea where unusual, even glowing creatures dwell. Each spread moves forward in time as cephalopods, fish, reptiles, and whales wander the seven seas in their turn.

The animals are drawn and painted in a lightly stylized, realistic way with a hint of friendly charm. Technical jargon is avoided in the main text, while the back matter provides additional in-​depth information such as an illustrated fold-​out chart of geological eras. Curiously, plants are not mentioned despite their vital role in the food chain. Aside from that quibble, this is a terrific book to engage young readers in learning about major ocean-​related developments in prehistory. The beautifully designed artwork is outstanding throughout with numerous details for young readers to examine and enjoy.

4.5 out of 5 crayons

Loreen Leedy is the author and illustrator of over 45 picture books for children. Most of them include educational content such as math, science, language arts, and social studies topics, presented with humor and enthusiasm. Her titles include My Teacher Is a Dinosaur and Other Prehistoric Poems, Jokes, Riddles, & Amazing Facts; Fraction Action; Measuring Penny; and Crazy Like a Fox: A Simile Story. She lives with her husband on a rural property in central Florida.

Picture Book Reviews: Here I Can Be Mindful (Ally Condie); Oh No, the Aunts Are Here (Adam Rex); Stinkbird Has a Superpower (Jill Esbaum); Weather Together (Jessie Sima); When You Can Swim (Jack Wong)

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Things went sideways at OPB this month, so instead of offering a normal picture book review where I write about the story and a pro illustrator writes about the art, we’re going a different route this time. We’re doing five-​word reviews for five picture books.

If you like this zippy new format, maybe we’ll try it again from time to time.

 

Here I Can Be Mindful
Author: Ally Condie
Illustrator: Jamie Kim
Viking Books for Young Readers
2 May 2023
32 pages

Five-​word review: Peaceful voyage through mindful awareness.

4.25 out of 5 Zen koans

Oh No, the Aunts Are Here
Author: Adam Rex
Illustrator: Lian Cho
Chronicle Books
23 May 2023
40 pages

Five-​word review: Boisterous, loving family reunion tale.
4.25 out of 5 family photos

Stinkbird Has a Superpower
Author: Jill Esbaum
Illustrator: Bob Shea
G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers
16 May 2023
32 pages

Five-​word review: Unique charm amid stinky adventures.

4.25 out of 5 stink waves

Weather Together (Not Quite Narwhal and Friends)
Author: Jessie Sima
Illustrator: Jessie Sima
Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
2 May 2023
56 pages

Five-​word review: Unicorns explore emotional weather together.

4.75 out of 5 rainbow swirls

When You Can Swim
Author: Jack Wong
Illustrator: Jack Wong
Orchard Books
2 May 2023
48 pages

Five-​word review: Diverse, empowering, aquatic joy ride.

4.5 out of 5 diving boards

Picture Book Review: The Night Tent by Landis Blair

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Margaret Ferguson Books
18 April 2023
40 pages

This month’s PB review is by Ryan G. Van Cleave (Owner/​Operator of Only Picture Books) and OPB friend, Rebecca Zomchek.

–Ryan’s Review of the Writing–

From the first page of Landis Blair’s debut picture book, readers encounter a scenario we all know–a child in bed is uncomfortable when considering all the worrisome things that MIGHT be lurking in the dark. The more he tries not to think about it, the more he does.

Then the child (his name is Watson) notices an odd light coming from beneath the covers, so what else can he do but check it out? Once he ducks beneath the covers, he finds himself under a giant tent where the roof is covered with stars (thus the title, one assumes).

It’s more than a tent, though–there on the ground before Watson is a magical pathway weaving its way to a strange forest. Yes, there are unmistakable Where the Wild Things Are vibes here as Watson encounters creatures among the trees. We already know he’s scared of creatures in the night, so it’s no shocker that he hides at first, but after giving us the ongoing refrain (“and since Watson wasn’t sleepy”), which justifies his decision to proceed each time in the face of potential peril, he joins them as “he ran and played with them along the forest path.”

Despite Watson’s insistence that he’s not tired, he looks sleepier by the page as he gets on a trolley and “traveled through an ancient city, along treacherous cliffs, and over the sea to a tiny island with a very tall tower.” Up he climbs as his eyes droop and his shoulders slump, and then he crawls out from under the cover and is zonked–way too tired to worry about monsters or darkness or anything except sleep.

I’ll let Rebecca explain how the art steals the show here, but I can see where parents might be pleased how this story demonstrates how a child can find their way to sleep on their own. Yeah, it’s Maurice Sendak with kid gloves, but the dreamlike art, gentle mood, and quiet, comforting language will be welcome fare for many families.

4 out of 5 pencils

 

–Rebecca’s Review of the Illustrations–

I first became aware of Landis Blair’s work from his illustrations for From Here to Eternity by Caitlin Doughy. His pen and ink work interested me then as I am a fan of both his style and influences, and I was very excited for the opportunity to see and review his debut picture book.

In a layered style full of strong ink values and hatch marks, reminiscent of both Edward Gorey and Tove Jannson, Blair takes on a night-​time adventure with young boy Watson and how his imagination takes him from being afraid of the darkness in his room into a sprawling Where the Wild Things Are type of adventure through a magical landscape.

Watson tries and fails to sleep while being afraid of his dark bedroom. After discovering a light coming from under his covers we and Watson go on a starlit journey through deep forests, meeting friendly monsters, and traveling down a winding path to a high tower. These are all depicted in cool blues, greens and purples, with pops of muted yellow and black crosshatching applied to add depth and texture. This helps with both the nighttime feeling and both the idea of being outside and inside a dream.

We and Watson discover just how far our imaginations can take us and how the power of creativity and thinking of positive things can help us overcome our fears and find peace and rest.

Blair balances his many armed and mix and match animal/​monsters and darker color palette with whimsy, and inviting smiles, managing to side-​step being scary and creating a world that feels very dream-​like. The story itself is simple and straightforward but is warm and gentle which helps balance the surreal world he creates. Watson also being one of the warmest elements in the books helps draw our eye to him and the many long paths create fun eye movement as you move through the story.

I hope this book lulls many children to sleep while following Watson’s journey, just as it did for him. I also hope anyone enjoying the book is able to twinkle with their own stars when faced with worries and fears, remembering that our thoughts and dreams can be there for us when things are dark.

4.75 out of 5 crayons

Rebecca Zomchek is a children’s book illustrator who has worked as a concept artist and cartoonist. She earned her BFA from Syracuse University and her MFA from The School of Visual Arts; she is now the Associate Dean of Entertainment Design at the Columbus College of Art and Design. Rebecca loves watching the stars and going on adventures through the woods.

Visit her at www.rzillustration.com.

Picture Book Review: Bear Is Never Alone by Marc Veerkamp

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Author: Marc Veerkamp
Translator: Laura Watkinson
Illustrator: Jeska Verstegen
Eerdmans Books for Young Readers
4 April 2023
32 pages

This month’s PB review is by Ryan G. Van Cleave (Owner/​Operator of Only Picture Books) and Florida-​based freelance illustrator Gladys Jose.

 

–Ryan’s Review of the Writing–

Veerkamp’s English-​language debut (which Laura Watkinson translated from the Dutch original) in an interesting one. Here’s the story.

From page one, everyone in the forest knows that Bear’s piano playing is magnificent. The forest creatures crowd around to hear every delicious note. So good!

Suddenly, there’s a YAAAAAWWWWWNNNN!

Who’d be so rude as to interrupt this wonderful concert? Not Monkey. Not Squirrel. Not Turtle.

Was it…Bear?

Yep, Bear is done with music for now and simply wants a break. He just wants to be alone, though that’s a real problem because the others aren’t okay with it. The way the animals stalk him and insist on more music–like he owes it to them!–seems to be vaguely reminiscent of how paparazzi swarms celebrities and expect them to deliver 24⁄7.

Eventually, Bear shakes his pursuers and ends up alone. Or so Bear thinks. But look–Zebra is nearby (and I can’t help but note how Zebra’s stripes are newsprint–so cool). Zebra’s not pushy or demanding, though. In fact, Zebra wants to do something in return for Bear playing such beautiful music. Zebra offers to read Bear a story.

No way, decides Bear because all he wants is to be left alone. But…being told a story is pretty good. Is there somehow a way for both animals to get what they want?

I won’t spoil the final spread, but it’s a cute, satisfying moment.

Introverted readers will see themselves in how powerfully Bears years for silence and solitude. Others who perhaps aren’t as attuned to that angle will likely see this as a story about respecting boundaries or showing kindness.

Regardless of how apparent the social-​emotional lessons are to readers, this simple story with captivating art is thoughtful and welcome. I look forward to seeing more of Veerkamp’s work being translated into English.

4.5 out of 5 pencils

 

–Gladys’ Review of the Illustrations–

The art for Bear Is Never Alone is absolutely stunning!

The illustrations for this book are rendered in brilliant silhouetted black and white figures and shapes, with a bold red color for small details. The use of negative space was used so thoughtfully throughout. It’s the type of art readers will want to take time and look through slowly, as there are little details hidden throughout. In some places the negative space is actually other imagery, another animal, or elements of the forest.

The lone zebra character’s “stripes” being text is a creative and lovely touch, tying in to the book that they were hoping to comfort bear with–the same way that the bear’s solid bold silhouette mimics the grand piano.

I appreciate how the lone zebra was actually introduced from the start of the book, but never mentioned through the text and you could see he was different than the other animals and would play a bigger role eventually.

In conclusion, I thoroughly enjoyed this picture book. Both the words and art were lovely! It’s definitely a book worth having on your shelf and worthy of re-reads.

5 out of 5 crayons

Gladys Jose is an illustrator and storyteller. She graduated from the University of Central Florida in 2012, where she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, specializing in graphic design. She’s the illustrator of the Fresh Princess series (HarperCollins), The Elephants’ Guide to Hide-​and-​Seek (Sourcebooks), and Clayton Parker Really Really REALLY Has to Pee (Abrams), as well as other upcoming books.
She lives in the sunny state of Florida with her supportive loving husband, energetic brilliant daughter, and a very sweet pup named Miles.

Picture Book Review: My Baba’s Garden by Jordan Scott

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My Baba’s Garden
Author: Jordan Scott
Illustrator: Sydney Smith
Neal Porter Books
7 March 2023
32 pages

This month’s PB review is by Ryan G. Van Cleave (Owner/​Operator of Only Picture Books) and new OPB friend, Olga Herrera.

–Ryan’s Review of the Writing–

Jordan Scott’s My Baba’s Garden promises to be an unusual–perhaps magical–journey right from the start when the first-​person narrator states “My Baba lives in a chicken coop beside the highway” and that chicken coop is near a sulfur mill that’s “shaped like an Egyptian pyramid.” Pretty cool!

What we quickly realize is that the young boy narrator has an imagination that’s as wide as the ocean. By the second spread we see it in action again as he notices distant mountains that “look like whale bellies.” Of course, Sydney Smith obliged with terrific art that has the right undulations and curves that do suggest whale-ish-ness.

It’s interesting that Dad regularly drops off the child to spend the day with the child’s Baba who is “hiding in the steam of boiling potatoes.” I’ll bet plenty of young readers know life situations like this that are anything but the Leave It to Beaver family that just isn’t realistic any longer. Seeing this kind of alternative childcare situation should prove welcome to those readers.

While Baba lives in a tiny space that indeed might’ve once been a chicken coop, it’s “crammed with food from her garden,” and food becomes a way to connect grandparent and child. “We don’t talk very much,” the boy observes, and it seems clear that there’s a language barrier that’s easily overcome by food, tenderness, and familial love.

After feeding the boy breakfast, his Baba walks him to school. When it rains, however, she pauses and loads up a glass jar with all the worms she can find wriggling on the pavement and in the grass. Later, we find out that she releases the worms in her garden where they do their worm-​work that’s healthy and welcome for any vegetable garden. It’s one of many quiet but important lessons that Baba teaches the narrator (and readers).

But one day, Baba “leaves her chicken coop home and moves in with us.” The reason why isn’t explained, though it’s easy enough to infer that it’s for the health reasons. Leave it to this observant boy to notice that a new big building now stands where her house used to be, and her garden has turned into an uncared-​for jungle.

I won’t spoil the ending, but even though their situation has changed, the boy and his Baba continue to have a special, tender relationship that’s wondrous to witness. Coupled with Sydney Smith’s fine art, the ending of this book is delightful and full of heart.

Even without knowing Jordan Scott’s background as a poet (I recommend his debut collection Silt), I’d recognize the careful, precise use of language one expects from a wordsmith. With sound repetition (“sees worms squirming” and “kneel next”) and vivid similes (“My Baba hums like a night full of bugs when she cooks”), this story is a pleasure to read.

It’s no surprise that an Author’s Note reveals that the narrator had a Baba in his life that did most of the things the book’s Baba does. We should all be so lucky as to have a loving Baba like that in our lives.

Well done, Jordan and Sydney.

4.5 out of 5 pencils

 

–Olga’s Review of the Illustrations–

Sydney Smith’s illustrations in My Baba’s Garden perfectly complement this beautiful and emotional story.

Sydney has painted memories!

Looking at the illustrations in My Baba’s Garden, I feel I’ve entered her home and should whisper as I read this book. Sydney’s loose watercolor helps us see these memories through sometimes teary eyes or when the sun comes through a window and causes you to squint a bit. His expert use of lighting is dramatic and impactful, and so beautiful. In every scene, the light is like a friend, welcoming.

The effect of this dramatic lighting is most pronounced when we meet Baba, the grandmother in the story. The spread where we first see this important character is filled with gorgeous pops of bright gouache color on a muted background and grounded by the strong shadow cast by the grandmother. This spread said everything you need to know about the character, her lifestyle, and her routine. It is breathtaking how much detail is available to us without the use of line.

The simplicity of the character design and the objects themselves balance the complexity of the illustration. Sydney provides just enough information to allow your eye to finish the rest of the story.

I found his use of color, predominantly yellow, very intentional in each panel. It is sparingly used and reserved for areas that are meant to call our attention. In a muted palette, the spots of vibrant yellow and a few reds are gorgeous and feel to float and be more solid than the rest of the painting. These pops of color are like the gestures of love the grandmother shows her grandson with no need for words. It’s no accident when you realize the color yellow is reserved for the boy’s raincoat.

In the spread where the boy explains what has happened to his grandmother’s unique home, we are invited to sit quietly with him in deep thought. It is such a powerful moment–expertly illustrated. The boy’s isolated eye draws us in while we slowly take in the information of what is happening outside of the room, all through reflections on the window. It is breathtaking.

Throughout the book, you will find patterns on cloth, or dishes, that give you a clear understanding of the rich tradition of the grandmother.

The gesture of kissing the food when it falls down is a tradition I am familiar with in my own family, and that moment when the boy kisses the apple slice made my heart ache. Sydney conveys emotion so well, and he does it quietly and elegantly. Speaking of quiet moments, the panel where the close-​up of Baba’s face with lighting from the window and the love in her eyes is gorgeous and wasn’t lost in me how juxtaposing it with the rain scene below ties the two characters in different worlds now. The noisy rain versus the quiet room. And both characters see each other.

In these two connecting scenes, the red of her smiling lips bounced on his boots and cheeks. Once again, a splosh of color balances the sadness of the scene with the love of the relationship.

Painting emotion is one of Sydney’s fortes, and My Baba’s Garden is the perfect harmony of nostalgia and love.

5 out of 5 crayons

Olga Herrera (she/​her) is an author and illustrator of children’s books. She earned her bachelor’s of Fine Arts from the Ringling College of Art and Design with a major in Illustration.

Olga’s hilarious and endearing debut picture book, The Unwelcome Surprise, will be published in April 2023 by Feiwel & Friends, Macmillan.

One of her passion projects is the podcast she co-​founded, Illo Chat, a podcast about the journey into professional Illustration and the world of children’s book publishing.

As a long-​time member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI), she has served as a writing and illustration mentor for her regional chapter (MD/​DE/​WV) and has won several illustration competitions.

Olga is multicultural, Cuban and Ecuadorian, and is bilingual in Spanish and English. She was born in Miami, Florida, and grew up in Ecuador, a beautifully diverse country that remains close to her heart. As a teenager, she returned to the United States, where she began her interest in the arts. She is a visual storyteller, often looking for a napkin and pen to jot down some fantastic idea that is sure to disappear in the blink of an eye. When she is not creating her content, she teaches Illustration in traditional and digital techniques or creative writing for fiction picture books.

She lives in the picturesque state of Maryland with her husband, two children, and too many pets who patiently listen to her ideas.

You can find out what projects she is working on by following her on Instagram @olgachildrensillustrator, and on Twitter @OlgaIllustrator.

Her website is www.OlgaHerrera.me

Picture Book Review: Wombat Said Come In by Carmen Agra Deedy

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Wombat Said Come In
Author: Carmen Agra Deedy
Illustrator: Brian Lies
Peachtree
6 October 2022
48 pages

This month’s PB review is by Ryan G. Van Cleave (Owner/​Operator of Only Picture Books) and Ringling College of Art and Design Illustration Professor (and OPB pal) David C. Gardner.

 

–Ryan’s Review of the Writing–

Give most writers a story about hiding out from an Australian brushfire and you might have a scary story. Not so with Wombat Said Come In. From the start, Carmen Agra Deedy is playing with language as you can see with the sound repetition in “Wombat was not worried,” or “Walleeooooo, Wombat!” That’s fun. And to ensure young readers aren’t worried, there’s “Fire had passed over his burrow before.” Whew. That distances the danger even more, so we can focus on the “crazy quilt” or the tea and cookies in Wombat’s hands.

The story quickly becomes one of constant interruptions. First, Wallaby hops by because he can’t get safely back to his own home. Whether you recall the title or not, of course Wombat invites Wallaby inside his cool, safe underground home. Soon, we’ve got Kookaburra, Platypus, Koala, and Sugar Glider joining the group–one after another–in the safety of Wombat’s home.

Worse, they’re making a mess, sleeping in his quilt, wearing his slippers, and using his handkerchiefs. The art does a splendid job of showing how displeased Wombat is growing. Eventually, “days passed,” and finally it’s safe to go outside. Wombat might like the guests, but he says it plainly: “GO HOME! It’s safe for you to rove and roam, and time for me to be alone. Skedaddle! Shoo! Go home!”

That seems like the end of things, but Sugar Glider (who is oh-​so-​cute in the art) says, “No home-​home to go to-​to.” So, of course, Wombat responds with, “Come in.”

It’s a story of gentleness and generosity, though it’s also about setting limits. You could also easily use this story as a launching point for discussions on gratitude, patience, and how house guests should behave. I’m also a fan of how this book quietly presents the challenges of dealing with a natural disaster without letting that aspect overpower the story.

There’s a lyrical read-​aloud quality to this book, too, that will help make young readers want to hear Wombat’s story again and again. Perhaps Wombat’s inviting refrain will inspire others to be equally generous in times of need.

4.5 out of 5 pencils

 

–David’s Review of the Illustrations–

Acclaimed author Jane Yolen maintains that the best children’s book illustrations don’t just decorate the book. They deepen it.

Brian Lies does just that in Wombat Said Come In. He wordlessly builds anticipation and sets the scene for the story even before the title page. In a clever cross-​section of Wombat’s underground home, Wombat is reading in his cozy den. You could spend an afternoon exploring the illustration’s charming details, a Lies trademark. Next, a double spread takes a striking high-​angle view of the path leading up to Wombat’s front door. In the red Australian soil, assorted animal tracks suggest the animals we’ll encounter by the end of the book. A welcome mat is an important detail. The single image conveys one of the themes: All are welcome here.

In addition to his use of clever, fresh, and surprising details, Lies is known for his capturing of light, which is especially strong throughout. His technique of layering acrylics and sculpting with light and shadow, using vibrant colors so delicious, I had to catch my breath at a few page turns. The light is so convincing at times, the characters seem to leap off the page.

When the story begins, Wombat answers the door with his comfy quilt and cookies and tea, which makes the interruption of all his animal neighbors all the more disruptive and funny. The pictures are consistently lighthearted, painted in vibrant jewel tones. Lies conveys Wombat’s growing frustration amidst his neighbors’ chaos with a light touch, so the character never comes across as mean. And the fire blazing outside is never shown, only indicated by smoke, so the book is never scary.

Every page is fun. The pictures bounce with variety, inventive layouts, and plenty of action. They send us tumbling forward along with Wombat, building to the requisite climactic party scene, a striking spread with a background of rich orange, the burrow’s wall, characters flying everywhere, and a single line of text. Poor Wombat is hopelessly trapped underground with the craziness. Could things get any worse?

In fact, things get better.

Wombat emerges the next morning. The fire has died. It is safe for his neighbors to leave. Lies adds a lovely grace note, deepening the text again: a tiny, green seedling catches the light. The light on the final welcome mat illustration, repeated from the beginning of the book, has gone rosy and warm with morning, sprigs of new grass sprouting. Lies beautifully extends the hope in the text, hope that springs from Wombat’s kindness, with this final image of new growth.

5 out of 5 crayons

David C. Gardner is an award-​winning illustrator and visual development artist. A former artist for Walt Disney Animation Studios, he has illustrated numerous picture books, including Write On, Irving Berlin! by Leslie Kimmelman (which appeared on OPB in May 2018). Published by Sleeping Bear Press, that book won a 2021 Charlotte Award from the New York State Reading Association. It tells the true story of little Izzy Baline, who immigrated to New York City in 1893 and grew up to become Irving Berlin, one of the most well-​known composers of popular music in America. David teaches illustration at Ringling College of Art and Design.

To learn more about David’s own work, please visit FlyingDogStudio.com.