Audrey Wood’s desire to become an author got her into trouble in fourth grade when she crossed out her favorite author’s name and wrote in her own.
"I loved Dr. Seuss and wanted to follow in his footsteps," she said.
Forty-nine books later, Wood has more than accomplished her goal and likely inspired the next generation of children with her work.
Her most recent title, "Blue Sky" (The Blue Sky Press/Scholastic, $16.99), which she authored and illustrated, shares the many personalities of the sky. From sunny skies and starry nights to thunderstorms and rainbows, whimsical illustrations bring the book to life. Simple words are used throughout the book, leaving much to the imagination. "My mission in life is to inspire children to read," Wood said.
She got her inspiration for the book while lying in the grass and looking at the sky at her home on Hawaii island.
"Clouds are amazing and continually generate shapes," she said. "If you take the time, you can see illustrations in the sky, remarkable drawings."
"Blue Sky" evolved after she spoke with a teacher who was trying to encourage kids to look at the sky and see how it changes. "I enjoy doing all of my books, but this one was a magical experience for me," she said.
Wood was raised by professional artists, so it’s not surprising that she illustrates many of her books. "My great-grandfather, grandfather and father were all professional artists," she said.
"I illustrated all of the words in this book, too. Ink seemed too harsh, so I used colored pencils on pastel paper."
Her father painted murals for the Ringling Bros. Circus when she was a toddler.
"We lived there while he was painting and restoring artwork for two years. My father would set up his easel in front of Gargantua the Gorilla’s cage and paint," she said. "I’d watch tight-rope walkers and sit on the fat lady’s lap. If my parents needed a baby sitter, the little people would carry me around."
Her mother was an artist, too. "I had my little art supplies. I didn’t need to take any lessons. I grew up in their studios," Wood explained.
Wood’s not sure what her next adventure will be, but it may very well come from her "idea box."
"I jot down anything that interests me — a title, idea or drawing. When I want to be inspired, I just go through the box."
