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children's book illustration

Wings and Dreams the Legend of Angel Falls/ Alas Y Surenos: La Leyenda del Salto Angel by Irania Macias Patterson, Illustrated by Catherine Courtlandt McElvane - Novello Festival Press, 2010 - Colored Pencil on Colored Paper

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Children's Book Cover by Catherine Courtlandt

The highest waterfall in the world, Venezuela’s magnificent Angel Falls, is the backdrop for a folktale vibrantly illustrated with full-color original art. A dark shadow falls over the Pemones Indians as conquerors from the north invade the ancient land. A wise shaman sends young Takupi on a perilous journey to seek out safety for his people in a secret southern land seen only in the shaman’s dreams. It’s a place where man can touch the soft clouds, grateful eagles carry children on their backs, and rushing waters bathe a scorched and withering land. Armed with only a few token gifts to protect him, Takupi must face frightening obstacles in his quest. Along the way, he discovers, as everyone must, the depth of his own courage—and his destiny. 

Wings and Dreams unfolds in side-by-side English and Spanish for readers of either language. Lush illustrations on every page capture the people, places, animals, and vistas that make Angel Falls unique. An afterword tells the story of U.S. pilot Jimmy Angel, who was credited in the 20th century with “discovering” the falls—known for centuries to the Pemones.  

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Chipi Chipis, Small Shells of the Sea/Carocolitos del Mar by Irania Macias Patterson, Illustrated by Catherine Courtlandt McElvane - Central Piedmont Community College Press, 2005 - International Reading Association/Children's Book Council Children's Choices Winner 2006 - Acrylic Wash and Colored Pencil on Bristol Board

 

Nature, sea and wind take on a life of their own in this beautiful tale inspired by authentic Venezuelan family traditions. Original illustrations help tell the story of a young girl's trip to the Venezuelan beach resort Higuerote to collect tiny sea creatures called Chipi Chipis with her father while introducing the reader to a new language and culture. The book also features a receipe for Chipi Chipis soup.

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Simon and the Snowy Road by Martha Connerton A Dance-A-Story Book - Self Published 

 

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