![](\"http:\/\/blaine.org\/jules\/rascal1.jpg\")
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<\/p>\n You may have already read Fuse’s fabulous-as-always review of it<\/strong><\/a>: <\/p>\n Thirty-two poems cover every aspect of all things cat. From their tendency to attack feet from within paper bags to their dislike of leashes to their less than brave encounters with the native squirrel population, Franco endeavors to cover this cat related topic by using a variety of different poetic techniques. Complementing her efforts is debut illustrator Michael Wertz who captures perfectly not only the feline physique and manner, but also its attitude, quirks, and personality. Set against a colorful background constructed out of monoprints and Adobe Photoshop, this is one poetry book destined for every library collection.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n She nailed it. The poetry’s great; the design of the book is stellar; and Michael’s art is eye-poppingly good. Here’s the big, bad brawl between Lenny and Patch:<\/p>\n Michael creates art for books, designers, ad agencies, musicians, publishers, and movie trailers. I hope he does more children’s books, because his art in Franco’s title, started in pencil and finished using monoprints and Adobe Photoshop (as Fuse points out), completely pulls the reader in and dazzles and enchants. His site does<\/em> indicate that there may be more<\/strong><\/a> in his future. Goody! <\/p>\n Oh, and you’ll see that he mentions below a children’s book about dogs. Not that the below image necessarily comes from that (though it is<\/em> a sketch from a children’s book, so perhaps so); I just thought we’d give a canine a fair share of the spotlight today, since we opened with cats. This is I Can Tie My Own Shoes<\/em>:<\/p>\n I’ve got more of Michael’s art below, but first I’m going share Michael’s interview with himself. When I asked if he’d like to say anything about his art work, the new title, etcetera, he sent me this, which pretty much made my day:<\/p>\n Wertz:<\/strong><\/font> Hi there. Thanks. This mirror is a tad distorted, but I *do* look good today, don’t you? My hair is slightly less crazy looking than usual. Looks like you’re going for a Wayne from the Flaming Lips look.<\/p>\n Wertz:<\/strong><\/font> Yes. Pronouns are confusing. What are you up to these days? And is it appropriate for children?<\/p>\n Wertz:<\/strong><\/font> A lot, and probably not. But let’s move on.<\/p>\n Wertz:<\/strong><\/font> A lot?<\/p>\n Wertz:<\/strong><\/font> I have a children’s book out now, hot off the presses. It’s called A Curious Collection of Cats<\/strong><\/a><\/em>, and it was written by Betsy Franco<\/strong><\/a> and published by the kind folks at Tricycle Press. I’m working on some designs for sippy cups for kids<\/strong><\/a> for the folks at Camelbak, and some book covers for the the Developmental Studies Center. I’m also producing a hand-printed book<\/strong><\/a> with my friend Carolee at the San Francisco Center for the Book<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n Wertz:<\/strong><\/font> Sounds fun. What’s your favorite kind of work to do?<\/p>\n Wertz:<\/strong><\/font> I’m enjoying all of it. I love a variety of mediums, a variety of styles and jobs. Right out of art school, I got very interested in screen printing, and that has informed a lot of my work. I wish I could do all my work as silk screened prints, but tight deadlines don’t really allow for it. I love flat color, and I love the endless possibilities that silk-screening provides. I feel like I’m just scratching the surface here, and that there’s lots more to discover. I love pulling paint, and making multiples so I can give them as gifts (and make a bit of extra cash).<\/p>\n Jules interrupts Michael’s interview with Michael to say: Here is Michael in his silk screening studio, creating posters for the 2008 year-end Cracker\/Camper Van Beethoven shows:<\/em><\/p>\n![](\"http:\/\/blaine.org\/jules\/ccc.jpg\")
Back when I took part in my half of 7-Imp’s blog identity crisis<\/strong><\/a>, I decided to no longer accept review copies of titles for a while. Well, after that while passed, I came to discover a more fine-tuned focus, I guess you could say, here at 7-Imp — for my part. And that would be that I love talking to illustrators, and I love love LOVES me some good picture book art. So, while I no longer accept review copies of novels, I find it hard to turn down—and, it turns out, will gladly accept—advance copies of new picture book titles that I think look exciting. All of that is to say that I keep wanting to say to you all, have you SEEN<\/em> Betsy Franco’s<\/strong><\/a> new collection of concrete poems, A Curious Collection of Cats<\/strong><\/a><\/em>, illustrated by Michael Wertz<\/strong><\/a>? I’ve been wanting to say that for a while. And then I have to stop and remind myself that it’s not out on bookshelves and in libraries yet. But guess what? Yup, you got it: It’ll be out in April from Tricycle Press, and April is wow<\/font>wheredoes<\/font>thetimego NEXT WEEK. In honor, then, of National Poetry Month<\/strong><\/a>, which will be here oh-so soon, I’m finally going to show you some illustrations from this engaging book. <\/p>\n![](\"http:\/\/blaine.org\/jules\/lenny_vs_patch1.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![](\"http:\/\/blaine.org\/jules\/michaelwertz.jpg\")
This is Michael’s picture-book debut, but he’s already a hard-working, well-established commercial artist<\/strong><\/a>. He’s pictured here with the booklet he designed for this Camper Van Beethoven CD<\/strong><\/a>. (Incidentally, this June will be the 25th anniversary of the band’s existence. JUMP BACK. Now I officially feel old. This is neither good nor bad. Just an observation.) <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
![\"'Peace](\"http:\/\/blaine.org\/jules\/peaceflower.jpg\" "\\"'Peace")
Wertz:<\/strong><\/font> Hi, Michael. Nice to see you. You’re looking good!<\/p>\n