Many years ago, I had an idea for a character that would help me entertain and educate (I call this Edutainment) children around the world, about the wonderful world we live in. The character had to be a bird with the freedom to fly from country to country, telling his/her (my) story.
The name of my main character is Alook, which comes from the name of our publishing company, Koolamundo. Koolamundo (thumbs-up), was one of my favorite expressions as a child. You may have already figured it out, but “Koola” is “Alook” spelled backwards! This is Alook in his debut book.
The name of my main character is Alook, which comes from the name of our publishing company, Koolamundo. Koolamundo (thumbs-up), was one of my favorite expressions as a child. You may have already figured it out, but “Koola” is “Alook” spelled backwards! This is Alook in his debut book.
This is Alook!
Having had the pleasure and privilege of living in nine countries and traveling to more than 60 others, I thought about how I could share all of the wonderful things I experienced in my travels with others, especially children.
Having dreamt about this concept for many years, I am happy to be able to bring this dream to an amazing reality. Little did I know that I would be working with a brilliant pair of women from two different continents on my first two projects.
Allow me to personally introduce you to them. Apoorva, is from the east coast of India, she is a gifted young illustrator who is also an animator. This is how we work together. I create the vision and illustration ideas for every page of the book. Then Apoorva works her magic by first sketching and then coloring the sketches to create bright, colorful and engaging illustrations, like you see in our Klara The Cow books. This is a brief example of how the illustration process works.
Author instruction to illustrator: Klara is making a final bow to the readers of the book. (Two page illustration. Left page 28, right page 29.)
Having dreamt about this concept for many years, I am happy to be able to bring this dream to an amazing reality. Little did I know that I would be working with a brilliant pair of women from two different continents on my first two projects.
Allow me to personally introduce you to them. Apoorva, is from the east coast of India, she is a gifted young illustrator who is also an animator. This is how we work together. I create the vision and illustration ideas for every page of the book. Then Apoorva works her magic by first sketching and then coloring the sketches to create bright, colorful and engaging illustrations, like you see in our Klara The Cow books. This is a brief example of how the illustration process works.
Author instruction to illustrator: Klara is making a final bow to the readers of the book. (Two page illustration. Left page 28, right page 29.)
This is a sketch (first look) from the illustrator.
Author Feedback: We need a strong ending for our special cow. Can you put a crown on her head and make her a celebrity?
Final illustration from our wonderful Apoorva!
The other talented woman I work with is Carol. She was born in California and currently lives in Canada. Carol has worked on Broadway as an actor, singer and dancer. She is a Mum, a talented artist and composer. Once I have written the song lyrics, we then collaborate on various ideas for the sound track. Once we have an initial plan agreed, Carol goes to work and produces and composes the song. The Klara The Cow Sing-along song can be heard here. Our very NEW Koolamundo theme song is the second project we completed. Have a listen here.
I am so honoured to be working with these remarkable ladies. Klara The Cow Who Knows How To Bow was a collaboration of three artists from three different continents and cultures, and all three of us have the same passion for working with, educating and entertaining children around the world.
I look forward to releasing our next book, Alook's Dance in France, this September 2015.
I am so honoured to be working with these remarkable ladies. Klara The Cow Who Knows How To Bow was a collaboration of three artists from three different continents and cultures, and all three of us have the same passion for working with, educating and entertaining children around the world.
I look forward to releasing our next book, Alook's Dance in France, this September 2015.
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