Bestie Art Connection

A Moment Of Prime Daddying

A small lovely moment today to write about.

As you all know, my essay The Lights Can Always Shine is currently out on news-stands in New Hampshire Magazine. The piece was published here as well last week. If you like, you can click above to have a look.

I mention it again because the magazine ran a beautiful little blurb not just on Peter Noonan, the illustrator of the essay, but also on his daughter, Isla.

Here’s the back-story. Isla is only ten months younger than Uma, and I’ve known and have been friends with Peter since way back in our early Hippo days. Peter has illustrated many of my stories for various publications over the years.

We live right around the corner from each other, so of course, Isla and Uma are besties. When Isla discovered that Peter was doing some art about her best friend Uma, she asked if she could take part. Peter, cause he’s not just talented, but a cool dad, said sure! So the illustration that appeared with the essay was co-drawn by Uma’s best friend.

You can see the little blurb as it appeared in the magazine above. And to the right, I included the finished illustration and a little blurb from the essay.

I know, I know, stuff like this doesn’t change the world, but it’s a testament to a fine moment of daddying over an important connection that matters to both kids. To be able to take what we do professionally, the art we create, and extend that - or facilitate that interest - to Isla or Uma is often a challenge, but when the opportunity presents itself you have to jump at the chance.

Isla WILL remember that - working with her dad to create something for her best friend. It’s all good stuff.

Anyway, please visit Peter’s Website, keep supporting local artists and… oh yeah, happy fall everybody!