Talented local artist and business owner Elaine Jerome has finally achieved one of her lifelong goals of bringing a children’s book to life with her illustrations. Released October 31, ‘The Woodcutter’s Gift/El regalo del leñador’ is written by Lupe Ruiz-Flores, who lives in Texas, and illustrated by Elaine, who lives in Truckee.
The book, in both Spanish and English, tells a touching story of a talented woodworker who takes a fallen mesquite tree, which most of his neighbors tell him is useful only as firewood, and turns it magically into his town’s pride and joy. The illustrations by Elaine are soft and soothing, rich with detail and color. With a caring touch, Elaine captures the mood and emotions of the characters.
Arte Público Press, the Houston-based publisher of the book, brought the author and illustrator together, rightly assessing that it was a great match. This is Elaine’s first published work. ‘I am really grateful for the opportunity and am especially pleased that my first work is bilingual,’ she said.
Elaine began drawing from an early age, ‘since she could hold a crayon,’ and spent hours imagining stories and drawing life into her characters. She has traveled all over the world and is most passionate about multi-cultural education and its integration into modern society. Elaine is co-owner of Java Sushi, in Truckee. Her artwork can be found at Riverside Studios.
Find ‘The Woodcutter’s Gift/El regalo del leñador’ locally at the Bookshelf stores and both New Moon locations.
