I’m thrilled to do the cover reveal for illustrator Ashley Belote today! Her picture book, Frankenslime, authored by Joy Keller, is the story of Victoria Franken, a slime scientist extraordinaire, who loves to experiment in her lab. Her sidekick, Igor the dog, lends a paw when he can. One dark and stormy night, the pair receive a shock when one of their elaborate experiments comes to life! This fun story for ages 4-7 is sure to inspire young scientists and slime enthusiasts everywhere!
Let’s learn a little more about Ashley Belote!
What inspired you when you illustrated Frankenslime?
As the illustrator, I was inspired by this story because I could relate so well to Victoria Franken. I was always drawing, experimenting, and sneaking away to work in my own self-proclaimed laboratory in my room. I brought a lot of myself into the art with this book and filled the walls with Victoria’s handwritten notes, drawings, and few special pieces created by Igor. Joy’s writing lends itself extremely well to an imaginative space, so I felt free to explore what Victoria’s creative world would look like. Most importantly, I had fun!
What is the role of humor in children’s book illustration?
I’ve been drawing my entire life so I consider my study of illustration to be a lifelong journey. I love to bring humorous elements into my work so I focus on the funny whenever possible. I think, especially now, that the world needs all the humor it can get. I believe it’s my purpose to provide that through my artwork!
What’s next for you?
I live in Davidson, NC, with my husband and a house full of art supplies! I enjoy getting outside to think of ideas for stories. I find walking through the woods is great for this, the animals who live there are quite inspiring! I’m currently writing and illustrating a few of my own projects and working on the sequel for FRANKENSLIME titled, VALENSLIME! I’m thrilled to be working on these clever books with Joy, my agent, Moe Ferrara from BookEnds Literary, and the incredible team at Feiwel & Friends. This entire experience is a dream come true.
How can people find you on social media?
Twitter: @AshleyBelote1
Instagram: @AshleyBeloteIllustration
Website: AshleyBelote.com
And now …
Ta da!
The cover reveal of Frankenslime!!!
p.s. Related posts:
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Halloween Fake Fingers to Get Kids Reading
Halloween Notebook Novels for Boys
Favorite Halloween Books for Kids
Halloween Picture Books and Chapter Books
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My books:
Food for the Future: Sustainable Farms Around the World
- Junior Library Guild Gold selection
- Selected as one of 100 Outstanding Picture Books of 2023 by dPICTUS and featured at the Bologna Children’s Book Fair
- Starred review from School Library Journal
- Chicago Library’s Best of the Best
- Imagination Soup’s 35 Best Nonfiction Books of 2023 for Kids
Amazon / Barefoot Books / Signed or Inscribed by Me