Backpack and Messenger Bag Cats

Everyone has a book bag preference...

Here's some of my work in progress:

Below is the (quick) sketch I started out with.

I redrew my sketched cat and made some improvements.

I knew the cat needed a friend, so I added in another one.

I began to add color...

And more color along with fur and some gradations...

Then I did the same for the other cat. After that I brought in a background to complete the piece!

A Boy and His (Skeptical) Cat

Kelev's Journey- My Latest Chapter Book Illustrations

I recently illustrated a book called Kelev's Journey about a dog digging up his Jewish roots, and his exploits among the neighborhood dogs, cats and other animals. A fun, gently satirical read. "...Ed Shems' art adds the perfect touch, amplifying humor and adding extra heart to Kelev." Amazon review Written by David Hammerstein and published by Wyndebirk Books.

And some sketches:

You can check out the book on Amazon.

SCBWI Book Launch Party for Elephitten

Today, The Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators launched a new section of their website highlighting books that have been published in 2015.

My most recent book, Elephitten, is one of the launched books! It's a story of a boy trying to find the perfect pet so he creates interesting amalgamations and this third book in the Petimals series takes an interesting turn.

Click the images below to go to the launch page (and click the like button!). To see all 450 of the books in the launch, just click the "Return" button at the top of the Elephitten page.

Power Girl Chapter Book Cover

Chapter book cover illustration