France 2011

I had a great opportunity to speak to over 400 children in 3 cities (Gien, Vannes, Montauban: France) about book creation and illustration. It was really a great time, and the kids gave back as much as I gave them. Great learning experience; it was my first time to speak French when presenting formally and in front of a crowd. I hope to have the opportunity to do more of this in the future.

O'Doodle's in Chestnut Hill

O'Doodle's in Chestnut Hill picked up Ollie and Tugg (and Pemba Sherpa). Thanks guys!
8335Germantown Avenue, Chestnut Hill., PA 19118

Tomi Ungerer is the man

A legend and a hell of a nice guy. I brought a copy of Ollie and Tugg to give him and when I asked if he would want it, without hesitation replied, "and you must sign it!" Humble and so down to Earth, my only regret was that we didn't have a few hours to talk. He was, for me, one of those rare and incredibly rich, 2 minute encounters that is difficult to let go. In any case, it was a thrill. Thanks Tomi!

Desktop caledar for June

This one is a beginning stage of one of the final illustrations. Enjoy!!

Click here for the full version!

Academy of Natural Sciences in Philadelphia

A nice bit of news; Ollie and Tugg has made it's way in to the Academy of Natural Sciences book store! It's a pleasure to be there and if you go to the Academy, and don't have a copy already...ask for one!

http://www.ansp.org

At the Big Blue Marble

Saturday, May 21, 12:00pm-3:30pm.
Local Author Day! Children's Book Showcase. Join us in Big Blue Marble's cafe for a selection of local author readings, featuring children's books. Featuring Sunn Byrd (The Players) and Gary Bernard (Ollie and Tugg).

With a slamming week, at the last minute just before lunch today, I thought it would be fun to draw Ollie holding a blue marble and print some out for any kids that show. I could sign and date it ("Judgement Day", hahah) and it would be a little take away. Only thing, I was rushed and had no reference so I wasn't really satisfied. But hey, it's free.

May desktop calendar

Free for the taking. Click the image to see the full sized background. Right click and save to desktop.

Jeff Buckley International Newsletter mention

SPOTLIGHT ARTIST:
"Jeff Buckley: Amazing Grace"
Author Gary Bernard's
TUGG & OLLIE
*********************************************************
Poet and painter Gary Bernard, wrote a book of poems and accompanying oil paintings inspired by singer Jeff Buckley. The book was featured in the documentary "Jeff Buckley: Amazing Grace" and was praised by Jeff's mom, Mary Guibert. In 2009 Bernard illustrated the story "Pemba Sherpa," a book that won the Junior Library Guild Selection award.
Bernard has written a new children's book, "Ollie and Tugg." His mother painted frequently when he was young, and he finished his first oil painting when he was 10 years old. His interest grew from there, shaped by a disinterest in his regular academic classrooms. He eventually made his way to the Rhode Island School of Design for illustration. where he worked with renowned professors and artists such as Chris Van Allsburg, who wrote and illustrated "The Polar Express," "Jumanji" and other children's books.

He is now trying to compile his work from his time abroad into an illustrated travel log.

Says Bernard: "Being part of the Amazing Grace project was and still is a thrill for me. Since it is mentioned, I hope that Jeff is smiling and raising a Guinness wherever he is." Read the full interview at Mt. Airy Patch
Learn more about Gary Bernard at www.gbernard.com

2011 Annual Benefit Reception & Auction—Support Center for Child Advocates

I was pleased to have been a part of this silent auction for this award ceremony. The copies of Ollie and Tugg (and Pemba Sherpa) were snapped up early on and way before the auction ended. Here are 2 very poorly taken photos from my phone's camera. Looking forward to contributing more for more charities in the near future. A big thanks to Liz Wagner for thinking of me and for the phone call.
For anyone interested;
"The Support Center for Child Advocates provides free legal and social services for abused and neglected children in Philadelphia. Since 1977 SCCA has trained 3,500 volunteer attorneys to help more than 6,000 children in crisis. For further information, please call 267-546-9200."

Children’s author: from France to Mt. Airy, with love

Posted on 02 February 2011 by Erik Hubbard in Philadelphia
By Jean-Bernard Hyppolite (Excerpts from article)

“Can T-Rex dinosaurs swim?” is the question that his 4-year-old son, Goran, asked of his father.
It was then that Gary did some research and discovered that, according to experts in the field, the T-Rex most likely could swim (although he probably did not win any Olympic medals). This information gave Bernard the idea for a children’s book he both wrote and illustrated that emphasizes the moral of believing in oneself in order to contribute to society in a positive way. (We’re really not sure if the T-Rex believed in himself or contributed much to dinosaur society, but that’s another story.)
“I wanted to consolidate all that and make it into a book that would have a message for not only my son, whom I was writing it for at the time, but also to children everywhere; you know? Being able to cross boundaries, there’s no racial issues, there’s nothing; it’s more like a story of human interaction, rather than the story of a dinosaur,” said Gary, who added that he would love for parents and children to read the story to each other.

“Ollie and Tugg” focuses on the relationship between Ollie, a dinosaur who can’t figure out how to swim, and Tugg, a pelican who meets Ollie through controversial circumstances. They develop a friendship out of adversity, and allow for each other to have a shot at redemption, another message that Gary aimed at his young audience.
“Everybody has that ability to at least try and correct their wrongs,” he said.

Ollie and Tugg’s notion of unity, companionship and openness is not only an extension of a message that Gary wants children to learn; it also represents what he has learned throughout his life thus far.

Gary has had the opportunity to travel to places such as Japan, France, Sweden, Yugoslavia and more. This exposure has allowed him to see other cultures and attitudes, which has directly and indirectly helped with his storytelling.
“In retrospect, I’m looking at it thinking people are people, regardless of what their culture and languages are. Most people I’ve come across in my travels, apart from cultural differences, have been pretty much the same,” said Gary."

“Ollie and Tugg” holds a special place among Gary’s other projects. “It has a lot of meaning to me because I was writing it to my son. It wasn’t until my daughter, who wasn’t born at the time, became 5 or 6 years old, and the publisher started to ask me to re-write certain parts that I felt as though I was speaking to my daughter as well as my son. I am sending a clear-cut message to my children and others: never quit.”

Gary’s influences include artist Frank Frazetta and classic children books such as “The Five Chinese Brothers,” “The Giving Tree” and “Where The Wild Things Are.” Examples of his works can be viewed at gbernard.com. A trailer for “Ollie and Tugg” can be seen on YouTube, which is also linked on his website. It can be purchased on Amazon.com. Gary, a fan of Jeff Buckley, was inspired to create a book of poems and oil paintings based on the late singer. His efforts were featured in the documentary film, “Jeff Buckley: Amazing Grace.” In addition to being an author and illustrator, Gary works as a freelance graphic designer."

Free Wallpaper Calendar for February

2/3/11 in Pennsauken NJ

From the press release;
"The students of UrbanPromise in Camden will have the opportunity to meet Gary Bernard, a local children’s book author and illustrator on Thursday, February 3rd.

Bernard, a professional artist, has written two children’s books: Pemba Sherpa (Junior Library Guild 2009 Fall Selection) and Ollie and Tugg.
“The students are looking forward to meeting the author and have to opportunity to learn more about how he created the books,” says Denise Baker, principal of UrbanPromise’s CamdenForward School. “What a great way to get the kids excited about reading!”
The seventh grade art class will also have the unique opportunity to meet with Bernard to discuss his illustrations.
“We have many young talented artist,” explains Julie Kring-Schreifels, Art Director at UrbanPromise. “I believe meeting a professional artist and author with inspire our students to think about pursuing art as a possible career choice,”"

It was a great time and I thank Urban Promise for the opportunity of speaking with so many great kids!

"My Kindergarten students loved Mr. Bernard! They were so excited to meet a real author/illustrator. He read his book to us, and answered a lot of questions. He also showed the students his sketchbook, with many other drawings he’s made. The children really enjoyed him, he was very patient with the young ones. He conveyed the lessons of his story nicely, and kept things on their level well. We really enjoyed his visit!
~Mrs. Arkainno"

It's Finally Out!!!

Ollie and Tugg has finally hit the "shelves" of Amazon!!! Grab a copy and share the wisdom of the dinosaur that wouldn't quit!
Enjoy!!

Link to Amazon to purchase your copy or read more about the book.

Description: "Ollie the Dinosaur wanted to swim. But, he had very small arms, which were not really fit for swimming. His brain was the size of a pea, but his heart was the size of a watermelon, and every bit as sweet."