Decisions, Decisions! Students make final decisions on images that will appear in both the Whimsie Lee Books and Animation!

The Girls make some important decisions about our character's design.

The girls and I in the library after working on our Picture Book!

Zacharia Ohora's Visit to the Spring School's, Young Authors Guild

Even though it was March 2012 when we met Author, Mr. Zacharia Ohora, we are no less excited and inspired by his words of encouragement and enthusiasm about our student, Picture Book project. His words of encouragement remain with us as we finalize our book, "Whimsie Lee's Spectacular Picture Day Surprise"

The Spring Young Authors Guild (children ages: 7 to 12) were so honored and excited to meet Mr. Ohora!! Mr. Ohora gave us a step-by-step presentation on how he began to write his Picture Book, "Stop Snoring Bernard!" We were in awe of Mr. Ohora's early illustrations of Bernard and learned a lot about how the book, "Bernard Stop Snoring!" evolved.

Mr. Ohora then listened to the first draft of the beginning of our book, "Whimsie Lee's Spectacular Picture Day Surprise" and offered us some very encouraging words and advice! We continue to follow his example.
Our sincere thanks to Mr. Ohora!! We look forward to more adventures with Bernard!

Students decide on the "Whimsie Lee and Friends" merchandise to be sold on their site. Also, please take a moment to read about our fundraiser.

Students decide on the "Whimsie Lee and Friends" merchandise for their site.

A Bit of History About Our Project ...

Hello everyone and welcome to our Whimsie Lee and Friends Blogspot!

We're glad you've taken time to visit and read about our latest, children's book character, Whimsie Lee Carter!

My name is Sheena Garcia and I am a longtime Visual Arts teacher for children grades: Preschool through 6th. Some of you already know that during the 2011 and 2012 school year, ten of my students ages: 7 to 12 from the Spring School of the Arts here in Philadelphia, have created a picture book called, "Whimsie Lee's Spectacular Picture Day Surprise". The Picture Book project was an art class assignment that I facilitated for my students at the Spring School of the Arts, during the 2011/2012 school year. 

How It All Began ...

Back in the Summer of 2011 my students and I had the opportunity to visit Penguin Books in New York City! We were inspired by the many children's book authors this legendary publishing house represents! Our Art class project was inspired by great children's book authors such as Don Freeman and Ezra Jack Keats. 

During 2011/2012 school year, I began the picture book class to introduce the art of storytelling first, through illustration and then through words, expressing those visual ideas. After working collaboratively with this talented - ten, I was able to help compose a cohesive story that expressed both their visual and literary ideas. Readers will find that through the Arts, our main character, Whimsie Lee finds effective solutions to some of the distinct, challenges of childhood.

Our story has been edited professionally and the illustrations are in progress for our book. The designs are derived from a compilation of drawings that my students have submitted from their storyboards.

Here is why we are fundraising ... 

Sadly, on December 21, 2012, the Spring School of the Arts closed after 33 years of impeccable service in education through the arts. At that time, my students and I were midway through our book project and planning for our book launch and party. Aware that we weren't going to see each other regularly at school, my students and I made a promise to meet on Saturdays at our local Library to make sure that this wonderful project continued to fruition! We have successfully completed our library meetings and are almost finished with illustrations! The children and I plan to have the book self-published by early Spring. 

Now, here is where we could use your help ...

Without an existing school, we have chosen to do Crowdfunding here on our blog and on Gofundme for our fundraising needs. Currently, we could use donations that could help pay for printing costs as well as marketing materials such as: Whimsie Lee and Friends product bags, games, pencils, post cards, posters, etc. We are also planning for our first book launch to take place in New York City. For this, we'd like to be able to pay for space rental, entertainment, plus food and refreshments to be served at our book signing event. 

Please know that any donation to our project is welcome and is greatly and sincerely appreciated. For your donation, we have some wonderful gifts of gratitude to show our thanks. We thank you in advance for your support of our project! 

Dedication and Thanks!

We wanted to take a moment to thank Editor, Ms. Joy Peskin for believing in us 
and inciting us to create this wonderful project!