Alice Ratterree | Children's Book Illustrator

Tag: Elise Broach

  • Yosemite National Park and THE WOLF KEEPERS

    Yosemite National Park and THE WOLF KEEPERS

    Today marks the release of THE WOLF KEEPERS, my most recent illustration project by author Elise Broach, published by Henry Holt and Co. You can read more about the book and see some sample interior illustrations in my last blog post, “THE WOLF KEEPERS: Book Release”.

    One of the most enjoyable moments I had bringing this book to life was creating the setting of Yosemite National Park. This was a vital element to the cover. In addition to representing Yosemite on the cover and in key moments of the story, we all agreed that a map of the valley – where Lizzie and Tyler experience their adventure – was definitely in order for the endpapers:

    Wolf Keepers Yosemite map Broach Ratterree
    Illustrated Map of Yosemite Valley, The Wolf Keepers (Broach)

    And as seen on the end papers:

    ratterree_wolfkeepers-endpaper

    I love creating maps, and it definitely was a humbling and challenging task to represent one of the most beautiful landmarks in the world. To view my other maps check out the editorial tab at the top of this page. If you’d like to read more about how I create digital maps from hand drawings, check out my blog post “How to illustrate a map in a hand-drawn style”.

    If you’d like to plan your visit to Yosemite or any national park, visit the Mountain IQ at https://www.mountainiq.com/. These two have done their homework and are a great resource to help you prepare for your next mountain experience.

    (For their take on the best way to trek Yosemite, navigate to https://www.mountainiq.com/guides/america/yosemite/)

    Happy Trails,
    aR+

  • THE WOLF KEEPERS: Book Release

    THE WOLF KEEPERS: Book Release

    wolfkeepers_broach-ratterreeMy latest illustration project by author Elise Broach with Henry Holt and Co. will be hitting the shelves on October 11!

    THE WOLF KEEPERS follows the adventures of Lizzie Durango and her new friend Tyler as they uncover a mysterious illness plaguing the wolves at her father’s zoo. In keeping with the tradition of many of her novels, Broach expertly underscores an exciting work of fiction with historical fact. The life and teachings of John Muir weaves through the narrative, impressing upon the young reader the wonders of the natural world.

    So many of the scenes were fun to create, but by far my favorite part was tackling the iconic El Capitan and Bridalveil Fall on the wrap-around cover. One thing that struck me was how light and color play on these magnificent rock formations. It was also important to communicate within the wrap the passing of time by transitioning from daytime on the front to twilight on the back – echoing Lizzie and Tyler’s overnight adventure into the heart of Yosemite.

    Here are some of my other favorite moments from the story:wolf-keepers-ratterree-broach-27wolf-keepers-ratterree-broach-12

    wolfkeepers-aliceratterree-elisebroach-6

    What reviewers are saying about The Wolf Keepers….

    Publisher’s Weekly (starred review)
    “Broach’s intrepid protagonists engage in sleuthing expeditions—moments Ratterree captures in evocative pencil illustrations of human interactions with the natural world. . . A gratifying, thought-provoking tale.”

    Kirkus Reviews
    “Despite the fast pace of [this] adventure—which climaxes in a harrowing 48 hours alone together at Yosemite—the text includes plenty of philosophical questions about animal rights and relationships of all kinds. Tyler’s wry comments about his race add further dimensions to a thoughtful, well-told tale, as do the pencil drawings. John Muir’s spirit hums along under a well-developed plot with likable characters.”

    Booklist
    “Part friendship story, part mystery, and part survival adventure, this engaging book makes the most of its two unusual settings. Fans of Broach’s Superstition Mountain trilogy will want to try her latest, with its western locale and intriguing jacket illustration.”

    Find your local independent bookseller:
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