Author Gina Bazer and Illustrator Andrew Day visit Beye Discovery!

Hi Families,

On March 15th, we had two very special visiting professionals join us in Beye Discovery: Gina Bazer and Andrew Day are the author/illustrator team* of the very clever children's book "Now Hiring, White House Dog". The story features two young girls in the White House who advertise for their very own dog. One by one, a cast of dog characters ring the doorbell to the White House and "apply" for the position by stating the attributes of its breed through the use of rhyme.

*along with Gina's friend and co-author Renanah Lehner

We began with Gina reading her book to the children and answering questions from her very attentive audience. Next, Andrew showed the students how to create quick sketches as a way to generate and refine ideas, especially when faced with a big project like this one! Then Andrew demonstrated how to draw a dog, step by step, beginning with the dog's snout. The students worked hard and drew dogs that rival that of any illustrator. We've documented the students' progression, so be sure to scroll down to see their completed drawings : )

Gina reading from her book "Now Hiring, White House Dog"

an attentive audience!

Andrew demonstrating quick sketches to develop and refine a story

Andrew draws the snout and the head of his dog first

Andrew's tip on how to illustrate a wagging tail: add lines above and below the tail!

adding the underside (notice how it dips down and then back up)

adding the hind legs (they tilt back at a diagonal)

Elizabeth

Porter

Joseph

Saul

Emerson

Dexter

Hayden

Emily

Hugo

Joseph

Liam

Emerson

Saul

Dexter

Saul and Gina

Signing the work

Emerson

Liam

Andrew's second dog

Andrew answering questions like "How did you get to be so good at drawing?"

Andrew's answer to the above question: He spent lots of time drawing since he was a child!

Andrew's running dog

Dexter

Joseph, 3rd dog

Joseph: practice makes perfect (note the dog running for the bird). Way to go Joseph!!!

Gina with parent Tim Blackwell

PS: If you are curious as to which dog is hired to be the White House Dog in Gina and Andrew's book, see if your child will "spill the beans". If not, "Now Hiring, White House Dog" is also available at Barnes and Noble : )

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/now-hiring-gina-bazer/1102239788

A super big thank you to Gina and Andrew for such a wonderful afternoon!!! We had a terrific time listening to the story and learning how to draw dogs!