Our July read, Basil & Dahlia: A Tragical Tale of Sinister Sweetness has an eye catching cover and fun illustrations sprinkled throughout the novel. We decided we had to have Shane Cluskey, the illustrator, on our show. This episode will give you a glimpse into the process of book covers and artwork in books as well as a look at how Shane creates his art. You can also scroll further down to see his wonderful artwork that is featured in the novel.
You can listen to our talk with author, Joy McCullough here:
You can listen to the podcast above or on Apple Podcasts. We also have transcripts available if listening is not for you. Note: Transcripts on Substack are only available in the web version, not the app.
Discussion
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Art Challenge
Recreate a book cover of a favorite book OR create a book cover for your own work. You could use magazines or Pinterest and print images you love to create a collage as your cover or draw, paint, or digitally create. Let down your guard and have fun.
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Music credits: Will Saulnier
Basil and Dahlia: A Tragic Tale of Sinister Sweetness
With interior illustrations by Shane Cluskey
Two orphan siblings with truly terrible luck battle an evil celebrity chef in this uproarious illustrated middle grade romp with the dark humor of A Series of Unfortunate Events and The Beast and the Bethany.
It’s hard to imagine things could get worse after one’s parents die in a greenhouse explosion. But that is precisely what happens to Basil and his younger sister, Dahlia. They escape from the social worker who wants to split them up to different foster homes by jumping off a moving train, only to find themselves wounded (Dahlia) and bedraggled (Basil) and without a soul to care for them. What’s more, they’re lost in the wilds of New York City.
Famished and alone, they wander into Cravings, the delectable bakery owned by Laurel Fox, disgraced celebrity chef with a soft spot for poor, hungry orphans. When she offers them luxurious accommodations and all the éclairs they can eat, Basil and Dahlia dare to hope their luck has changed at last. But the savvy reader will know it can’t be as simple as all that! Laurel Fox is out for redemption, and she’ll do anything to get the sinister secret ingredient she requires.
Artwork by Shane Cluskey
Looking Ahead
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