Interviewer: Jennifer LeBrun

Don’t you miss the old fashioned comic strips? What if you came across one that wasn’t only funny, but informative and educational? That’s exactly what author and cartoonist Drew Aquilina accomplished with Green Pieces: Green from the Pond Up. Through the main characters, Iggman, Radic, Roc, and Cabby, the reader is made to feel like they are right at home at the pond. Drew has been interested in nature since he was a young boy and always wondered what the animals were thinking while looking at us humans. Green Pieces is written from the animals’ perspective which lends a comical twist to this comic strip. Not only do you follow the four main characters throughout the book, but are also introduced to other animals such as geese, sheep, and deer. These lend a bit of a break in the main story lines that kids and parents alike will appreciate.

Aquilina’s illustrations are unsurpassable. He truly brings to life the animals at the pond. These days, being green is the new “it” thing. Though Green Pieces deals with environmental issues like human waste and pollution, it does so in a way that doesn’t make the reader feel bombarded with “going green” demands. He uses the main characters to bring these issues to light through their eyes.

I can’t say enough good things about Green Pieces: Green from the Pond Up or about Drew Aquilina. This book should be in every home and every classroom across America. It will soon be released in full color which will only further bring these animals to life.

For a daily dose of Green Piece check out www.greenpiecescartoons.com.

Interviewed by Amber Guno Cloutman and Taylor Burns

As a boy growing up in Worcester, MA, Jarrett drew constantly.  He was never without papers and pencils as he created characters and worlds for them to live in.  In 9th grade, Jarrett saw his work in print for the first time when he won a contest with the local newspaper.  Seeing his work published gave Jarrett a charge and furthered his passion to create.  Jarrett later attended the Rhode Island School of Design in Providence, RI, where he obtained a BFA in illustration.  Jarrett’s professional career began just before leaving school in 1999, when he illustrated educational books for McGraw Hill.  After graduation, Jarrett spent another of many wonderful summers working at the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp and in September moved to Boston, MA.  He immediately began to send his work out to book publishers and in December landed his first two contracts for books he had written.

On June 12, 2001, Jarrett saw his childhood dreams materialize when he walked into a bookstore and discreetly purchased a copy of his first published children’s book, Good Night, Monkey Boy.

Currently, Jarrett is working on a number of book projects and teaches Illustration and Children’s Book Illustration courses at the Montserrat College of Art.  His books have landed on recommendation lists by Newsweek, The New York Times, USA Today, Publisher’s Weekly,  and The PBS Teachersource.  In the March/April 2003 issue ofPrint magazine, Jarrett is featured as one of their 20 most promising new visual artists.

Visit Jason’s website at http://www.studiojjk.com/