Illustrator extraordinaire David Gardner and I have been pals ever since our book Sarah Gives Thanks was first published in 2012.
He and I live about 1,000 miles apart, so we’ve never met face to face, but we are friends nonetheless—often emailing, occasionally phoning, and annually exchanging Christmas cards.
Perhaps most awesomely, we send each other our latest children’s books.
One of David’s more recent efforts is a picture book biography of the great songwriter Irving Berlin. I highly recommend it. Leslie Kimmelman’s story is fantastic and, as always, David’s illustrations are a sight to behold.
Take a look!
Berlin as a young man singing in a saloon…
Berlin composing songs to improve wartime morale…
And look at this amazing page depicting the exhilarating hubbub of the Lower East Side!
Isn’t it cool?
Wait. Hold on.
That last illustration…
I think I…
I think I saw something…
GASP!
I have been immortalized!
Thank you so much, David!
And keep your eyes peeled, my friend. Someday, when you least expect it, I shall return the favor!
Hey, Look! A Writer Fellow! 
That is just so cool.
I know! I got giddy when I first saw it.
Nifty. And isn’t allegra a musical term for “brisk” or “fast pace” which makes sense for a bustling city street.
Allegra also stands for an allergy medication. Perhaps Irving Berlin had the sniffles?
Neither one of you is a personage to sneeze at. Hmm, that sounds like a Why We Say entry…
That is a good “Why We Say!”
WAY COOL DUDE!!!
Can I buy one of your candles?
I concur.
And my Allegra ancestor sold candy, not candles.
ARE YOU SURE???? *digs out magnifying glass*
I NEED A SECOND OPINION ON THAT! Your candy would probably taste like waffles….
Allegra Waffles may have better suited my personality, but methinks there weren’t any waffle joints at the turn of the 20th century on the Lower East Side.
You’ve done extensive research? Are you sure? When were waffles invented and how? Who came UP with that ingenious food???
It certainly looks a lot like candles. That’s what I read at first too.
This is SO incredibly cool, I, too, GASPED! Wow, Mike! 😀 😀 😀 And David’s work is absolutely stunning. Thanks SO much for sharing (which, I, by the way, will now do on TWITTER…you know, that place you still haven’t shown up on! :-p). Seriously…LOVE this 😀
David’s stuff is incredible. I can only hope and wish that he and I will work together again.
Excellent!
I concur.
A worthy composer to write about. The drawings are glorious.
All of David’s books are beautiful. Rettie and the Ragamuffin Parade is another winner.
I love to see picture books about famous musicians. Good introduction for children. Love David Gardner’s illustrations are warm and inviting. Love how he honored your friendship! Cool!
The guy is awesome through and through.
Oh, and I haven’t seen this book, either! Congrats on being immortalized! Will have to take a look at this one.
It’s a wonderful book. You will not be disappointed.
I commented, and then it disappeared. At least I think that’s what happened. Perhaps I’m hallucinating. Perhaps I’m in awe of your immortal self. Perhaps I need to pack it in for the night. Will def take a look at this book.
You’re in awe of me? Now, I KNOW that isn’t true.
David’s illustrations are tremendous! Now… What kind of candies? Inquiring minds want to know. 🍭 🍬
You’re gonna have to ask David. I didn’t even know my ancestors resided on the Lower East Side!
🤔😊
Super cool. Wonderful illustrations, and I totally saw the Allegra before you pointed it out. That’s really fun! What a great friend!
David didn’t even tell me about it. So I’m unwittingly looking through the book thinking, “These paintings are beautiful. These paintings are—WHAAA?!”
I can imagine how big your smile must’ve been.
That IS cool! I hope there are some chewy caramel candies among the selection 😀
I’m sure that can be arranged.
Wonderful illustrations and your name in lights! Well, not in lights exactly, but on a marquee. Well, not a marquee exactly, but above an Awning! And you have the perfect musical name for a book about Irving Berlin. 🙂
And my name would be *especially* perfect if Irving Berlin suffered from allergies!
This is super cool, Mike! I also think the book and illustrations look great! I love it when kids can learn something from a story book.
A good picture book biography is an amazing thing.