I love excavators

There is something about excavators or as I called them when I was a kid "steam shovels". I know that all little boys love construction machinery, but I was obsessively fond of these guys.

Little Dump Truck variations

Here are some of the variations I went through as I was developing the character.  The top image shows the one I settled on and then the tweeking that I did based on the publisher's comments.  They wanted him to look a little younger.

Hard Hat Pete

I had to make sure that Hard Hat Pete, the story's lead person, didn't look like Builder Bob. He of course had to be wearing a Hard Hat.

Little Dump Truck sample

Here is a sample from the opening of the book. I like the juxtaposition of the tow truck lifting the car and the worker lifting the lumber.

A few close ups

My own little Dharma van

End pages

I think one of my favorite parts of the book are the end pages.

New Book coming

I have a new book coming out this fall called "The Little Dump Truck". It was written by Margery Cuyler and will be published by Henry Holt. I got the OK to share it, so I'm glad to get back into the blogging thing.

I hope I remember how to do this.

Bob has been a bad blogger
Bob has been a bad blogger
Bob has been a bad blogger
Bob has been a bad blogger
Bob has been a bad blogger
I promise to try harder. Actually have been insanely busy. 2 books behind schedule and a real job. I'll be back soon. - bob