New Book Illustration Project, Chapter 4

Here is Chapter 4 of my original illustration work for author Karen Meyer. These drawings are 5 1/2" x 7," pencil on paper, for her children's book, The Young Man From India.

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

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Chapter Four – The Carving Job

Spencer found several small boards he thought were the same size that Mr. Thorton had used when making his sign. This way, it would be easy to hang and fit onto the short chains that held the sign needing replacement.

Spencer remembered much of the way Mr. Thorton had taught him to carve, so it was going good until the piece of wood cracked for some reason. Maybe it was too old, or had gotten wet. It was a shame because he had done so well. Now, he had to start over. He remembered what his father had said-- the first one is usually a practice one. But it wasn’t his fault that the wood had cracked.

Spencer began on another piece of wood. He was pleased that he seemed to remember so much. He had heard it said that once a person learned to ride a bicycle, he never forgot how. Maybe that applied to carving wood as well.

When he was finished, he wondered if he had spelled Mr. Clifford’s name correctly. He thought there was only one way to spell it, but did Mr. Clifford want Jim or James on his sign?

He had carved, “Jim Clifford.” He would save the other piece of wood in case Jim wanted James on the sign instead. Or, if he wanted “The Clifford Ranch” instead. Spencer was proud that he had not needed his father’s help. And the first one had not been a bad carving job, it was just a problem with the wood.

Now, the morning would drag. The carving job had gone fast and his chores were all done. He had remembered to stain the letters carefully with a Q-tip. Now, nothing Spencer could think of seemed like anything he wanted to do. He didn’t want to sit and wait for the morning to pass either. He would see what his mom was up to.

Mom wasn’t in the kitchen. She was in the living room knitting a blue and yellow baby blanket. It was going to be for Connie’s baby. They knew they were having a boy.

Spencer was glad he didn’t have to wait for this little one to grow up to be a friend. Quincy had moved in and Spencer knew they were going to have so much fun together. He could feel a connection.

Of course, he liked babies. They were cute. They were funny, too, when they learned to walk. They made funny sounds and had funny expressions on their faces when they were excited. Spencer was entertained by babies. Maybe he would be asked to babysit. Would he be paid? He didn’t receive pay for any of the chores he did at home.

“Mom, can I have computer time this morning? I want to play a few games to help the time pass. Quincy’s father said he thought Quincy and I would be able to do something together this afternoon. He seemed to think they would have enough of their unpacking done by then.”

“I suppose,” his mom answered. “I know you find it hard to wait. I hope you like Quincy as much as you think you will.”

“I KNOW I will!” Spencer exclaimed.

“I’m sure you will, but I don’t want you to be disappointed if you two don’t agree on everything,” mom cautioned.

The computer games did help pass the time and soon it was time for lunch. Spencer made himself a sandwich because his dad was working in town and wouldn’t be home for lunch. His mom wanted to eat later. She was on a roll with the baby blanket.

Finally it was one o’clock. Spencer figured he could check on Quincy by now. He whistled for Red. He always had a sugar cube in his hand for Red. That way he knew Red would be anxious to come. Spencer managed to get the board across the saddle for Jim to check out. This time he opened the gate and he walked Red. He didn’t let him trot or gallop on their way either. He sure didn’t want anything to happen to his board. He didn’t need another one that cracked.

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Hope you're enjoying this story and the drawings so far. Have a blessed day and I'll be in touch!

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