back from a big city adventure and back in the studio!
there's no place like home... or new york.
oh, to be constantly full of bookstores & exquisite croissants!
my fellow-artist husband nathan and i spent the first two weeks of march in new york city! he had his debut solo show at dacia gallery, which meant in between collector appointments and dinner reservations, i was lingering in unique bookstores and strolling through endless art museums. (and countless bakeries, tbh.)
i saved two highlight reels on my instagram page if you want to flip through any (or all) of the fun!
pictured above: my favorite go-to children's bookstore, books of wonder. and albertine (a french & english bookshoppe on 5th ave!)
yes, i took a behind-the-scenes tour of the new york public library. yes, it was amazing. and yes, that's a portrait nathan painted of me in front of my bookshelves at home that hung at the show. ;)
welcome to the crayon box!!
one year in, and we've got a new name!
last month you guys recommended ideas and i'm pleased to announce the new & improved name for my "halthegal patreons!" now when you pledge $3 or more a month, you're a unique member of the crayon box! :D
join this month for a big ol' welcome package full of exclusive art and new stickers, and stay tuned for more fun stuff launching soon! thank you for your support!
here's to the books.
^ february's reading highlights.
when you get the chance, by emma lord: by the author of tweet cute, it's a ya contemporary romance novel full of all the broadway references and jokes you could hope for.
hummingbird, by natalie lloyd: coming this august from one of my favourite children's book authors! hummingbird is the story of olive who has a rare bone disease that makes her terribly fragile. but all she wants is a BFF-- and thinks if she goes to real school, even with all its dangers, she's certain to find one. it's disability and friendship and family and theatre and it's charming and powerful and personal and wonderful.
i must betray you, by ruta sepetys: i don't read ya historical fiction that often, but i cannot recommend this book highly enough. set in the 1989 revolution in romania, it's not just true, but still relevant 30+ years later. sad, inspiring, and little bit scary in light of current events to know it can and still happens.
sky hunter, by marie lu: if you're in the mood for epic battles and scary monsters and let's-overthrough-the-government for the good of the outcasts, this book is for you! full of action and feelings, dystopian states, and solid representation of a more-than-capable deaf heroine.
^ reading next.
the girl who fell beneath the sea, by axie oh: this was my february signed indie pre*order, and it arrived while i was out of town! it's currently calling to me from my TBR cabinet, because just look how pretty!!
a magic steeped in poison, by judy i. lin: my march pre*order, and again-- look how pretty!! i'll be sure to let you know how it goes. :D
you can shop my favorite books by genre on my bookshop.org page and support independent bookstores across the country while you're at it! and of course, tune in to my weekly reading book reviews for more recommendations and story feelings!
all that to say: sending you your own sweeping adventure stories and cozy jazz hand hugs this month!!
there's even more (BIG) travel coming soon, so i appreciate you following along! i'm busy revising my middle grade novels, shipping your etsy orders, creating new art & stories for the crayon box, and working on some freelance illustration projects, too. sure glad you're here.
with peace, love, and many colourful reads to you,
*hallie :)