Our Featured Illustrator
Mark Ludy

Mark Ludy, Illustrator

Mark, we know you’ve written and illustrated a number of books that have received praise from critics and young readers alike all across the country. May we ask why you do what you do?
To inspire and encourage lives is my joy and I believe that story is the best means of communicating with people. So to craft a great story and then couch it in quality illustrations--that not only entertains but it also has substance…This is not only a fun thing to do but meaningful and wonderful all at once. I feel truly blessed.

What are the projects you’ve been working on?
It’s been a busy season for me as I have been tackling two books at the same time. The first, just released, is The Flower Man, a book that has been my labor of love over the last 11 months. Inspired my grandpa who said to me, “Everyone’s got a story… you jus’ gotta find out what it is.” There are no words to guide you, as it is wordless. The book starts off black and white and by the end it bursts with color, but the beauty of this book is in the details. Every window tells of a different story and there are some 40 different subplots working through this book. Definitely the best book you’ll never read.

There is a second book that is at the printer now and will be out in September. When I Was A Girl…I Dreamed, is the companion to When I Was A Boy…I Dreamed, (my previous work). This one was written by the amazing Margaret Baker and JP Matott and illustrated by myself. I cannot be more pleased with how it came out. The writing really came together nicely and the illustrations are very fun. The purpose behind this work was to encourage girls to be all they were intended to be--whatever that might be. For the grandmother, mother, sister, daughter, or anyone you would wish to encourage.

May we ask what is ahead?
Right now I am just enjoying the fact that these two books are out and they came out the way they did. But it is true, there are so many projects I’m eager to chomp my teeth into but have had to keep them on the back burner. What is next I believe is, JuJo, the Jungle Boy. I’ve been sitting on this one for over 10 years and I think it is high time for me to get it out. The time is ripe for it.

For more information about Mark Ludy, visit his website: www.loodles.com.