Cover Design, Eating, and Leaving Your Comfort Zone (To Save Our Planet!)

food and diet for a changing climate

by Laura Otto Rinne, Senior Art Director, School Library Division

Like many of us, I annually resolve to eat better—less junk, less fast food. So, I was pleasantly surprised to find a new vegan restaurant in my city that makes a perfect knock off of “the-franchise-which-must-not-be-named” signature hamburger.  In place of the two all-beef patties was a mix of wheat and soy protein. It was tasty and sustainable; proof that it is possible to satisfy a fast food craving without the heart disease or carbon footprint. Read More

Hello, Melon My Old Friend: Rediscovering Crayola® Colors While Designing Books

Crayola crayons

By School & Library Art Director Laura Rinne

A few months back, Crayola made headlines with the news that they were retiring the crayon color Dandelion, and a colleague of mine marveled at how much attention this seemingly minor decision was receiving. After all, products come and go all the time. So why was retiring a crayon color provoking such an outpouring? Read More