![](\"http:\/\/blaine.org\/jules\/MAP_Endpapers.jpg\")
<\/a>\n
(Click to enlarge)<\/center><\/p>\n
I don’t know about you, but I could look at the illustrations of Lauren Castillo<\/a><\/strong> all day. So, I’m happy this morning to have some artwork from her here at 7-Imp. <\/p>\n Last week, I chatted over at Kirkus<\/em> with author Kate Banks<\/a><\/strong>, whose latest picture book was illustrated by Lauren — City Cat<\/a><\/em><\/strong>, released by Frances Foster Books\/Farrar Straus Giroux just this week. So, more on the book and my chat with Kate is here<\/a><\/strong>, but today I follow up with Lauren, who is sharing (in her words) “a little of everything: cat studies, on-location drawings, early sketchbook studies, some reference inspiration, final sketches, and final art.” <\/p>\n Incidentally, Lauren has also blogged about this book. She took a trip to Europe in 2009 to “gather inspiration through sketches and photographs.” Here<\/a><\/strong> are those posts. (Here<\/a><\/strong> also is the book’s trailer.)<\/p>\n Enjoy the art, and many thanks to Lauren for sharing. <\/p>\n
\n
\n
\n<\/a>
\n
(Click last image to enlarge)<\/em><\/center><\/p>\n
\n
\n
“City Cat heads for the street. Sprinting, striding City Cat.”<\/em>
(Click each image to enlarge)<\/center><\/p>\n<\/a>
\n
(Click to enlarge)<\/center><\/p>\n<\/a>
\n
She sits on piers with perked-up ears and gazes out to sea.
The waves, they tumble, rise, and rumble, beckoning City Cat.
Floating, boating City Cat.
Where are you drifting, City Cat?”<\/em>
(Click to enlarge spread)<\/center><\/p>\n<\/a>
\n<\/a>
\n
“City Cat slinks through market stalls, where vendors sell their wares.
She pounces, prances, rolls around, and disappears without a sound.”<\/em>
(Click each image to enlarge)<\/center><\/p>\n<\/a>
\n
(Click to enlarge)<\/center><\/p>\n<\/a>
\n
(Click to enlarge)<\/center><\/p>\n<\/a>
\n
until wakened by a gentle rain. She heeds the call of the midnight train. …”<\/em>
(Click to enlarge)<\/center><\/p>\n<\/a>
\n
(Click to enlarge)<\/center><\/p>\n<\/a>
\n
Green eyes slanting, sitting proud, she joins the starlings’ evening dance.
Then in a trance she watches the Changing of the Guard. …”<\/em>
(Click to enlarge)<\/center><\/p>\n<\/a>
\n
(Click to enlarge)<\/center><\/p>\n<\/a>
\n
She searches for a bite to eat then curls among the evening post,
happy to have found a host. …”<\/em>
(Click to enlarge)<\/center><\/p>\n<\/a>
\n
(Click to enlarge)<\/center><\/p>\n<\/a>
\n
hears a clock chime overhead and stops to watch a couple wed. …”<\/em>
(Click to enlarge)<\/center><\/p>\n<\/a>
\n
(Click to enlarge)<\/center><\/p>\n