How could I forget Don Tate? Because when I was thinking about friends with upcoming books, I was thinking of his Effa Manley and Duke Ellington books, and of his debut as an author, all of which we still have to wait a while for.

But I forgot about his artwork for Ron’s Big Mission, which should be out any day now.

You should also know, if you don’t already, about your opportunity to support the Texas Library Association Disaster Relief Fund (think Galveston and other Gulf Coast libraries) by purchasing a $5 raffle ticket to win Don’s portrait of Ellington. To learn more, check out these interviews with Don and TLA librarian Jeanette Larson.