By Kate Hill
Staff Writer
Earlier this month, local illustrator Megan Baratta released her first traditionally published children’s book, “Most Days.”
Written by Michael Leannah and published by Tilbury House, “Most Days” is a book about enjoying the here and now and noticing the beauty in ordinary life.
“In these days that feel fast-paced and chaotic, I think it’s an important book about slowing down and being mindful,” said Baratta. “I love how it highlights the joy that can be found all around us every day; like a hug, or the delicious smell of a bakery, or morning sunshine coming through the window.”
The book is currently available for purchase at amazon.com.
“Moving from morning to night, the narrator becomes, by turns, boy or girl, of ever-changing ethnicity and ability, inhabiting city, country, or suburb,” the Amazon description states. “They are all children everywhere, opening themselves to the gift of time.”
Baratta illustrates using traditional media like pencil, ink and watercolor; sometimes she uses the software Procreate for digital pieces.
She holds an art degree from Houghton College and has been a freelance illustrator for the past four years. Her list of clients includes Two Leaves + a Bud, Wild Birds Unlimited, Missional Wear, Mograce Publishing, the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, and Uppercase Magazine.
In “Most Days,” Baratta used a combination of watercolor and pencil to create a “soft, simple style” of illustrations.
According to her father, New Woodstock resident and award-winning fine artist Daniel K. Tennant, Baratta has always loved to draw.
“Throughout her school days she embellished her notebooks with drawings of people and animals,” Tennant said. “She has always had a talent for drawing human expressions . . . She has worked hard at mastering watercolors and the results in the book show how successful she has become. Her mother and I love the book and are proud of her wonderful illustrations.”
Leannah, who holds a master’s degree in creative writing from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, writes fiction and nonfiction for both children and adults.
He worked as an elementary school teacher for more than 30 years and created We Think With Ink, an instruction manual for educators.
His children’s fiction has been published in magazines in the United States such as “Highlights for Children,” and “Ladybug.” His work has also been published in Australia. His latest children’s picture book, “Most Days,” is a follow-up to “Most People” (Tilbury House, 2017).
According to Baratta, she and Leannah had no contact throughout the illustration process.
“I was given the manuscript and from there I created a dummy book with rough pencil sketches to show the publisher,” Baratta said. “Once that was approved, I painted the final artwork . . . All art direction was between me and the publisher, Tilbury House.”
To learn more about Baratta and her work, visit barattastudio.com.
