SCBWI Tomie dePaola Contest

The Society of Children's Book Writers & Illustrators has a contest from Tomie dePaola. Every year he gives an assignment from one scene of a classic picture book and we illustrate it with our own vision. The one who impresses him the most wins a trip to the NYC SCBWI winter conference! You better believe I was interested in that prize!

Here's the scene to illustrate:

So they went along and went along until they met Turkey Lurkey

“Good morning, Goosey Loosey, Ducky Daddles, Cocky Locky, Henny Penny,
and Chicken Licken,” said Turkey Lurkey, “where are you going?”
“Oh, Turkey Lurkey, the sky is falling and we are going to tell the King!”
“How do you know the sky is falling?” asked Turkey Lurkey.
“Ducky Daddles told me,” said Goosey Loosey.
“Cocky Locky told me,” said Ducky Daddles.
“Henny Penny told me,” said Cocky Locky.
“Chicken Licken told me,” said Henny Penny
“I saw it with my own eyes, I heard it with my own ears,
and a piece of it fell on my tail!” said Chicken Licken.
“Then I will go with you,” said Turkey Lurkey, “and we will tell the King!”


I had 2 ideas, but could only submit one. :( Here they are:

Idea #1 was a conversation on FB with Turkey Lurkey & all his pals. I loved it, but wasn't sure it was right for the job. I was worried it was too much of a one-panel cartoon, and didn't have enough story telling - what happened before & what could happen next. So, I went with my second idea:

Idea #2 has more story, and I like the wall & the fact that it's not just a scene with the farm animals and that it's wordless. I also like the little doggie sidekick who seems to be the only one noticing the king collie.

This was so much fun to participate in. I hope I win the trip! At the least I've created some nice illustrations for my portfolio. ^__^ Hope you enjoy them too.