The text is done for Pioneers & Pirouettes: The Story of the First American Nutcracker, my 2015 title being published by Millbrook, and now it’s time for the illustrator to do her thing.

But first, how about if I tell you who the illustrator is?

Cathy Gendron
will be providing the images for this true story of how small-town Utah brothers Willam, Harold, and Lew Christensen got into dancing and passed through vaudeville on the way to turning an old Russian ballet into an American holiday tradition.

I’m excited as can be about the talent that Cathy brings to this project. I’d say that I can’t wait to see how she brings the Christensens alive on the page, but the fact is that I do have to wait. And you do, too.

So, in the meantime, here are some of my favorite pieces from Cathy’s portfolio:

Izzy Makes Waffles

Izzy Makes Waffles

Cleaning House

Cleaning House

Night Owl

Night Owl

Waiting for a Kiss

Waiting for a Kiss

River Walk, San Antonio

River Walk, San Antonio

Bayou Boogie

Bayou Boogie

The Whatchamacallit

The Whatchamacallit

Spreading the Love of Food

Spreading the Love of Food

Welcome aboard, Cathy!