Peter Taylor
@petertaylor.bsky.social
Author & illustrator of kids' & craft books; past SCBWI Coordinator & science & art teacher; calligrapher, photographer & artist's book maker. My agent for 10 years has retired...seeking new representation.
www.writing-for-children.com
www.writing-for-children.com
My book on calligraphy for greetings cards and scrapbooking was 'banned' before it was published. Scrapbooking groups wouldn't let me join—they believed the book would encourage people to d-i-y, & they had members with shops that sold products like rubber stamps with lettering.
Now out of print.
Now out of print.
October 6, 2025 at 8:18 PM
My book on calligraphy for greetings cards and scrapbooking was 'banned' before it was published. Scrapbooking groups wouldn't let me join—they believed the book would encourage people to d-i-y, & they had members with shops that sold products like rubber stamps with lettering.
Now out of print.
Now out of print.
The dark shading is the previous interpretation of the coast, with China extending below the equator, inhabited by Seres people.
The paler shading shows the new revised coastline with a little of Australia. I wonder who surveyed this #map, when (early 1700's?) and if anyone used it. Any ideas?
The paler shading shows the new revised coastline with a little of Australia. I wonder who surveyed this #map, when (early 1700's?) and if anyone used it. Any ideas?
September 20, 2025 at 12:07 AM
The dark shading is the previous interpretation of the coast, with China extending below the equator, inhabited by Seres people.
The paler shading shows the new revised coastline with a little of Australia. I wonder who surveyed this #map, when (early 1700's?) and if anyone used it. Any ideas?
The paler shading shows the new revised coastline with a little of Australia. I wonder who surveyed this #map, when (early 1700's?) and if anyone used it. Any ideas?
It's time to query a picture book.
Does anyone else buy hand-puppets of the characters before the book deal? It may never become a book.
Hmm, I think kids need to make up their own key to the map, based on the illustrated the scenery in the story.
#PB #AmQuerying
Does anyone else buy hand-puppets of the characters before the book deal? It may never become a book.
Hmm, I think kids need to make up their own key to the map, based on the illustrated the scenery in the story.
#PB #AmQuerying
September 10, 2025 at 8:43 PM
It's time to query a picture book.
Does anyone else buy hand-puppets of the characters before the book deal? It may never become a book.
Hmm, I think kids need to make up their own key to the map, based on the illustrated the scenery in the story.
#PB #AmQuerying
Does anyone else buy hand-puppets of the characters before the book deal? It may never become a book.
Hmm, I think kids need to make up their own key to the map, based on the illustrated the scenery in the story.
#PB #AmQuerying
Who broke Mrs. Moody's eggs? She’s so cross & cranky, the foxes are frightened & can only say ‘Yelp, yelp!’. She’s so angry & agitated, the pigs are petrified...
I only created these pictures for fun, but a publisher has requested a dummy. Maybe, with help? Wish I'd practiced sketching animals.
I only created these pictures for fun, but a publisher has requested a dummy. Maybe, with help? Wish I'd practiced sketching animals.
September 7, 2025 at 1:25 AM
Who broke Mrs. Moody's eggs? She’s so cross & cranky, the foxes are frightened & can only say ‘Yelp, yelp!’. She’s so angry & agitated, the pigs are petrified...
I only created these pictures for fun, but a publisher has requested a dummy. Maybe, with help? Wish I'd practiced sketching animals.
I only created these pictures for fun, but a publisher has requested a dummy. Maybe, with help? Wish I'd practiced sketching animals.
Yes, you can read the whole 1873 newspaper if you have good eyesight or a hand lens.
Was it meant to be read, or was it just an advert for Dallastype printing process, patented by Duncan C. Dallas?
For my proposed Book of Small Things for kids 11+
#Vintage #Typography #Typesetting #Kidlit
Was it meant to be read, or was it just an advert for Dallastype printing process, patented by Duncan C. Dallas?
For my proposed Book of Small Things for kids 11+
#Vintage #Typography #Typesetting #Kidlit
August 21, 2025 at 12:28 PM
Yes, you can read the whole 1873 newspaper if you have good eyesight or a hand lens.
Was it meant to be read, or was it just an advert for Dallastype printing process, patented by Duncan C. Dallas?
For my proposed Book of Small Things for kids 11+
#Vintage #Typography #Typesetting #Kidlit
Was it meant to be read, or was it just an advert for Dallastype printing process, patented by Duncan C. Dallas?
For my proposed Book of Small Things for kids 11+
#Vintage #Typography #Typesetting #Kidlit
Hoping that children will be encouraged to experiment and have fun with letters.
#WorldCalligraphyDay
#WorldCalligraphyDay
August 14, 2025 at 7:45 AM
Hoping that children will be encouraged to experiment and have fun with letters.
#WorldCalligraphyDay
#WorldCalligraphyDay
In WWII, my uncle helped pay for a temple elephant to take part in a parade in Arokonam #Arakkonam in India on August 5, 1944.
I wonder if the parade is still held... #WorldElephantDay
I wonder if the parade is still held... #WorldElephantDay
August 13, 2025 at 12:06 PM
In WWII, my uncle helped pay for a temple elephant to take part in a parade in Arokonam #Arakkonam in India on August 5, 1944.
I wonder if the parade is still held... #WorldElephantDay
I wonder if the parade is still held... #WorldElephantDay
Traditionally created art that's different, plus self-illustration with photography
My agent for 10 years has retired...seeking a new one.
#BP, #MG & #YA author + how-to for adults.
#kidlitpostcard #kidlitartpostcardday #kidlitartpostcard
#calligraphy
My agent for 10 years has retired...seeking a new one.
#BP, #MG & #YA author + how-to for adults.
#kidlitpostcard #kidlitartpostcardday #kidlitartpostcard
#calligraphy
August 7, 2025 at 9:29 PM
Traditionally created art that's different, plus self-illustration with photography
My agent for 10 years has retired...seeking a new one.
#BP, #MG & #YA author + how-to for adults.
#kidlitpostcard #kidlitartpostcardday #kidlitartpostcard
#calligraphy
My agent for 10 years has retired...seeking a new one.
#BP, #MG & #YA author + how-to for adults.
#kidlitpostcard #kidlitartpostcardday #kidlitartpostcard
#calligraphy
Going through my grandmother's #scrapbook album from about 1885.
Not what we would send as a New Year card...
#Vintage #Antique #Victoriana
#AmQuerying my idea and sample sections for a Giant Book of Small Things children's parents, grandparents and ancestors may have owned or used.
Not what we would send as a New Year card...
#Vintage #Antique #Victoriana
#AmQuerying my idea and sample sections for a Giant Book of Small Things children's parents, grandparents and ancestors may have owned or used.
August 3, 2025 at 2:42 AM
Going through my grandmother's #scrapbook album from about 1885.
Not what we would send as a New Year card...
#Vintage #Antique #Victoriana
#AmQuerying my idea and sample sections for a Giant Book of Small Things children's parents, grandparents and ancestors may have owned or used.
Not what we would send as a New Year card...
#Vintage #Antique #Victoriana
#AmQuerying my idea and sample sections for a Giant Book of Small Things children's parents, grandparents and ancestors may have owned or used.
Working on THE GIANT BOOK OF SMALL THINGS: a self-illustrated #MG #YA compendium of tiny objects kids' parents, grandparents or ancestors may have owned or used, including world record holders for the smallest of their kind. #KidLit #NF #AmQuerying #Vintage Sample chapters & proposal completed.
July 31, 2025 at 7:38 AM
In about 1980, I was given these prints—taken off the original #ThomasBewick woodblocks.
Can anyone please tell me if they were printed in a book, or books, and which one/ones (not Select Fables or History of Quadrupeds, I believe)?
Thank you!
#Illustration
@sandbish.bsky.social
Can anyone please tell me if they were printed in a book, or books, and which one/ones (not Select Fables or History of Quadrupeds, I believe)?
Thank you!
#Illustration
@sandbish.bsky.social
July 29, 2025 at 8:17 AM
In about 1980, I was given these prints—taken off the original #ThomasBewick woodblocks.
Can anyone please tell me if they were printed in a book, or books, and which one/ones (not Select Fables or History of Quadrupeds, I believe)?
Thank you!
#Illustration
@sandbish.bsky.social
Can anyone please tell me if they were printed in a book, or books, and which one/ones (not Select Fables or History of Quadrupeds, I believe)?
Thank you!
#Illustration
@sandbish.bsky.social
Recorded family history is valued. Love my G-grandfather's diary of his wedding. Recorded anecdotes can later be used in stories, too.
My favorite activity for #schoolVisits:
Describe something funny a neighbor has done an add it inside a folding card of their house. We create a story streetscape.
My favorite activity for #schoolVisits:
Describe something funny a neighbor has done an add it inside a folding card of their house. We create a story streetscape.
July 28, 2025 at 1:46 AM
Recorded family history is valued. Love my G-grandfather's diary of his wedding. Recorded anecdotes can later be used in stories, too.
My favorite activity for #schoolVisits:
Describe something funny a neighbor has done an add it inside a folding card of their house. We create a story streetscape.
My favorite activity for #schoolVisits:
Describe something funny a neighbor has done an add it inside a folding card of their house. We create a story streetscape.
The #vintage Marigold Painting Book by #KateGreenaway gives very sophisticated instructions for adding colour to the outlines provided.
#Illustration.
...cold colours which are to serve as shadows to warmer colours should be laid on first.
How many kids are taught that today in colouring books?
#Illustration.
...cold colours which are to serve as shadows to warmer colours should be laid on first.
How many kids are taught that today in colouring books?
July 28, 2025 at 1:30 AM
The #vintage Marigold Painting Book by #KateGreenaway gives very sophisticated instructions for adding colour to the outlines provided.
#Illustration.
...cold colours which are to serve as shadows to warmer colours should be laid on first.
How many kids are taught that today in colouring books?
#Illustration.
...cold colours which are to serve as shadows to warmer colours should be laid on first.
How many kids are taught that today in colouring books?
From my British grandmother's #vintage #Antique #scrapbook album (1880/90s I think). At least the top half of the scrap matches #KateGreenaway's 'Under the Window' cover picture.
Did she design and sell the scraps herself or through her publisher, or...?
Did she design and sell the scraps herself or through her publisher, or...?
July 27, 2025 at 10:12 PM
From my British grandmother's #vintage #Antique #scrapbook album (1880/90s I think). At least the top half of the scrap matches #KateGreenaway's 'Under the Window' cover picture.
Did she design and sell the scraps herself or through her publisher, or...?
Did she design and sell the scraps herself or through her publisher, or...?
Hablot Knight Browne, Phiz, provided #illustration for several authors, usually did three watercolours a day & etched 1,603 plates for #Dickens. Some wore out and he redid them: spot the differences. As a commission he also painted watercolours of all the etchings for the Dickens' works.
July 20, 2025 at 11:33 PM
Hablot Knight Browne, Phiz, provided #illustration for several authors, usually did three watercolours a day & etched 1,603 plates for #Dickens. Some wore out and he redid them: spot the differences. As a commission he also painted watercolours of all the etchings for the Dickens' works.
Love this, and how his trees seem to take an active part in the story. I believe it would have been printed on a three colour press, and he developed and limited his watercolour palette to suit.
July 20, 2025 at 11:52 AM
Love this, and how his trees seem to take an active part in the story. I believe it would have been printed on a three colour press, and he developed and limited his watercolour palette to suit.
Help, please! When did adding a type letter & painting over it stop?
Is it 1470s Nicolas Jenson type as ascenders of 'd' extend below the baseline—how long was his type used after he died? Johann Amerbach is supposed to have printed the first Roman face—whose type?
Thanks!
#typography #typesetting
Is it 1470s Nicolas Jenson type as ascenders of 'd' extend below the baseline—how long was his type used after he died? Johann Amerbach is supposed to have printed the first Roman face—whose type?
Thanks!
#typography #typesetting
July 14, 2025 at 11:38 PM
Help, please! When did adding a type letter & painting over it stop?
Is it 1470s Nicolas Jenson type as ascenders of 'd' extend below the baseline—how long was his type used after he died? Johann Amerbach is supposed to have printed the first Roman face—whose type?
Thanks!
#typography #typesetting
Is it 1470s Nicolas Jenson type as ascenders of 'd' extend below the baseline—how long was his type used after he died? Johann Amerbach is supposed to have printed the first Roman face—whose type?
Thanks!
#typography #typesetting
Not sure of the age of these leaves I own - about 1600?
How did they manage to cut the punches so small...and the paper is incredibly thin!
#Typography #Typesetting
How did they manage to cut the punches so small...and the paper is incredibly thin!
#Typography #Typesetting
July 14, 2025 at 9:53 PM
Not sure of the age of these leaves I own - about 1600?
How did they manage to cut the punches so small...and the paper is incredibly thin!
#Typography #Typesetting
How did they manage to cut the punches so small...and the paper is incredibly thin!
#Typography #Typesetting
Encouraging children and adults to read, write, and be creative.
Seeking commissions and a new agent - my last one for 10 years has retired. Please investigate my www.writing-for-children.com website!
#kidLitARTpostcard #illustration
Seeking commissions and a new agent - my last one for 10 years has retired. Please investigate my www.writing-for-children.com website!
#kidLitARTpostcard #illustration
June 5, 2025 at 12:47 PM
Encouraging children and adults to read, write, and be creative.
Seeking commissions and a new agent - my last one for 10 years has retired. Please investigate my www.writing-for-children.com website!
#kidLitARTpostcard #illustration
Seeking commissions and a new agent - my last one for 10 years has retired. Please investigate my www.writing-for-children.com website!
#kidLitARTpostcard #illustration
TIP from my potential book on improving handwriting:
Sit on a wedge-shaped cushion, or raise the chair's rear legs to spread your weight over your thighs. It's no longer on the base of your spine—far more comfortable ...for drawing and typing, too.
And a sloping board helps.
#writing #amquerying
Sit on a wedge-shaped cushion, or raise the chair's rear legs to spread your weight over your thighs. It's no longer on the base of your spine—far more comfortable ...for drawing and typing, too.
And a sloping board helps.
#writing #amquerying
June 4, 2025 at 11:19 PM
TIP from my potential book on improving handwriting:
Sit on a wedge-shaped cushion, or raise the chair's rear legs to spread your weight over your thighs. It's no longer on the base of your spine—far more comfortable ...for drawing and typing, too.
And a sloping board helps.
#writing #amquerying
Sit on a wedge-shaped cushion, or raise the chair's rear legs to spread your weight over your thighs. It's no longer on the base of your spine—far more comfortable ...for drawing and typing, too.
And a sloping board helps.
#writing #amquerying
Banknotes are easily hidden in a wallet, and potential subjects for my proposed GIANT BOOK OF SMALL THINGS.
Does anyone else have few trillion dollars in their wallet?.
(From Zimbabwe, 2007-8)
#KidLit #MG #AmQuerying
Does anyone else have few trillion dollars in their wallet?.
(From Zimbabwe, 2007-8)
#KidLit #MG #AmQuerying
May 31, 2025 at 6:08 AM
Banknotes are easily hidden in a wallet, and potential subjects for my proposed GIANT BOOK OF SMALL THINGS.
Does anyone else have few trillion dollars in their wallet?.
(From Zimbabwe, 2007-8)
#KidLit #MG #AmQuerying
Does anyone else have few trillion dollars in their wallet?.
(From Zimbabwe, 2007-8)
#KidLit #MG #AmQuerying
Thanks, Sheri! No, I only want trad pub for my PB texts (one pub'd). I'm just not a 'traditional PB illustrator'—no people or animals. I do word art, photos, & illustrate my n-f crafts books (pub'd).
But if someone else draws the animal outlines, I'd offer cut & torn paper illos for my goose story.
But if someone else draws the animal outlines, I'd offer cut & torn paper illos for my goose story.
May 20, 2025 at 1:47 PM
Thanks, Sheri! No, I only want trad pub for my PB texts (one pub'd). I'm just not a 'traditional PB illustrator'—no people or animals. I do word art, photos, & illustrate my n-f crafts books (pub'd).
But if someone else draws the animal outlines, I'd offer cut & torn paper illos for my goose story.
But if someone else draws the animal outlines, I'd offer cut & torn paper illos for my goose story.
I write & illustrate non-fiction how-to (pub'd), & write picture book texts (pub'd). I don't illustrate PBs the traditional way...though I would like to calligraphically illustrate an alphabet book. I wonder, can I query agents who want author-illustrators?
#kidlit #amquerying #illustration
#kidlit #amquerying #illustration
May 17, 2025 at 11:47 PM
I write & illustrate non-fiction how-to (pub'd), & write picture book texts (pub'd). I don't illustrate PBs the traditional way...though I would like to calligraphically illustrate an alphabet book. I wonder, can I query agents who want author-illustrators?
#kidlit #amquerying #illustration
#kidlit #amquerying #illustration
Diverge😆...my agent for 10 years has retired before me. I've begun querying my proposed photographically self-illustrated book of antique and vintage small things kids' parents, grandparents, and ancestors may have owned or used. Hope you are soon open again and like it!
May 17, 2025 at 11:27 PM
Diverge😆...my agent for 10 years has retired before me. I've begun querying my proposed photographically self-illustrated book of antique and vintage small things kids' parents, grandparents, and ancestors may have owned or used. Hope you are soon open again and like it!
Happy birthday from Australia! A query has been sent.
Please post & show us interesting items from your ephemera collection. I'm hoping to include paper ephemera in my proposed Giant Book of Small Things. Here are late 1800s trade cards from my hoard. I believe they were given away in stores.
Please post & show us interesting items from your ephemera collection. I'm hoping to include paper ephemera in my proposed Giant Book of Small Things. Here are late 1800s trade cards from my hoard. I believe they were given away in stores.
May 7, 2025 at 7:09 AM
Happy birthday from Australia! A query has been sent.
Please post & show us interesting items from your ephemera collection. I'm hoping to include paper ephemera in my proposed Giant Book of Small Things. Here are late 1800s trade cards from my hoard. I believe they were given away in stores.
Please post & show us interesting items from your ephemera collection. I'm hoping to include paper ephemera in my proposed Giant Book of Small Things. Here are late 1800s trade cards from my hoard. I believe they were given away in stores.