We’re thrilled to announce the publication of Katie Vernon’s We’re Having A Party (For Everyone!). Read our interview with Katie, below.
Contact us to assign or license art. We’re happy to help you find the perfect artist or gorgeous images for your project!
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| Katie writes:
Writing and illustrating “We’re Having a Party (for Everyone!) was a total dream– I’m still pinching myself that I got to include bigfoot, a giant tooth, t-rex, and a viking in one book! |
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| We’re Having A Party (For Everyone!), written and illustrated by Katie Vernon, published by Abrams Books.
Out now!
Buy it here.
“Bursting with color and quirky illustrations, We’re Having a Party (for Everyone!) teaches young readers about social etiquette, accommodating others, and how much fun goes into planning a shindig. With funny details on every page and an imaginative double-twist ending, young readers will be eager to host an amazing dinner party of their own.” |
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| What did you learn from doing this project?
I learned to trust my gut about a story idea. It’s hard to put your sense of humor out there, but when I presented it to Abrams, they totally got it and were on board. |
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| What do you love about this project?
The sheer amount of puns in some of the text. Also, getting to “hide” bigfoot in a lot of the spreads.
Right: Bigfoot from sketch to painty blob to final. |
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| Where did you find inspiration for this project?
I remember sitting at my dinner table with my mom and sister and said “What about a book about how to act if the queen was coming to dinner?” Asking that silly question got my mind going! |
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| What medium did you use for the illustrations?
Gouache, watercolor, procreate. I hand paint/draw most elements to get the texture, and then adjust the color digitally. |
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| How long did you work on writing your story?
The idea came to me maybe 5 years ago, and then it was during Lilla’s Artist Residency in 2023 that I created the full pitch (manuscript and dummy). I pitched it at a LRS speed art dating zoom event and Meredith Mundy at Abrams really liked it and it got picked up! |
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| What did you love about the characters, story or theme?
I really love the advice that Lana gives her dog Lemon about being a host. It’s not stuffy etiquette, but it’s about thinking of what would make your guests comfortable and appreciated. |
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| Were there challenges on this project?
In my first picture book, “Ari Arranges Everything” there was only one main character. In “We’re Having a Party (for Everyone!)” there are two main characters and 15 party guests. It was a lot of time spent making sure there was consistency between all the illustrations. |
| Left: Make sure you send your thank you notes! (Endpapers and back flap) |
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