Benjamin Nye and Katherine Tupper Nye celebrate their new house in 1678.
It is now the Nye Museum at 85 Old County Road, Sandwich, Massachusetts
Jana Dillon in 2015
Above, Little Red Riding . . . Beret?
Actually, it's a painting of my sister.
To the right, this is me, sitting in my window with
Lucky O'Leprechaun and Jeb Scarecrow, who
join me for school visits.
Actually, it's a painting of my sister.
To the right, this is me, sitting in my window with
Lucky O'Leprechaun and Jeb Scarecrow, who
join me for school visits.
Lucky O'Leprechaun Comes to America
Lucky becomes an accidental immigrant!
Award: Children's Book Council "Books Mean Business" Award
Reviews: "With a touch of Irish brogue, a brush of legend and a dab of Gaelic, Dillon delivers an emerald of a children's tale. What do {the O'Brien girls} wish for? Reading aloud to a group of children ages 5 to 8 is one way to find out. The text's gentle Irish cadence is tailor-made for story time." Today's Librarian
"The Irish dialect and vivid watercolor illustrations integrated throughout the story add richness to this charming tale." Childrenslit.com
"This story gently explains the immigration process through the lively adventures of Lucky O'Leprechaun." Children's Book Council
"This prequel to Dillon's Lucky O'Leprechaun takes readers back to the days when the great-aunties introduced in that book--Bridget, Kathleen, and Moira--were wee lasses in Ireland. Children will enjoy the humor in the story. A gentle introduction to American immigration." School Library Journal
Listed as a Teacher's Pick on Amazon for classroom use.
Reviews: "With a touch of Irish brogue, a brush of legend and a dab of Gaelic, Dillon delivers an emerald of a children's tale. What do {the O'Brien girls} wish for? Reading aloud to a group of children ages 5 to 8 is one way to find out. The text's gentle Irish cadence is tailor-made for story time." Today's Librarian
"The Irish dialect and vivid watercolor illustrations integrated throughout the story add richness to this charming tale." Childrenslit.com
"This story gently explains the immigration process through the lively adventures of Lucky O'Leprechaun." Children's Book Council
"This prequel to Dillon's Lucky O'Leprechaun takes readers back to the days when the great-aunties introduced in that book--Bridget, Kathleen, and Moira--were wee lasses in Ireland. Children will enjoy the humor in the story. A gentle introduction to American immigration." School Library Journal
Listed as a Teacher's Pick on Amazon for classroom use.
Lucky O'Leprechaun
Meg and Sean O'Sullivan set a trap for the leprechaun in their grand-aunties' garden.
Reviews: "{a} delightful children's picture book. The art work is entrancing: careful eyes will spy Lucky hiding on many pages. Lively colors and expressive characters bring the story to life. Design students will enjoy how color is used to unite the text and illustrations." Book Worm
"The charm of this story owes much to the three doting aunts, while the language of the tale captures the Irish lilt and mannerisms. The book's illustrations are in intense, contrasting colors and express the emotions and quirks of all the characters . . . " Children's Literature
". . . imaginative, magical tale . . . The bright, colorful illustrations express the mischief of the leprechaun and those who manage to capture him." Children's Book Review
"An entertaining addition to the holiday shelves. The clever "little manny" is hiding in some of the pictures--peeping through window, crouching in bushes--making the hunt and capture even more fun." School Library Journal
"Lucky O'Leprechaun is a beautifully illustrated, bright and lively tale." The Midwest Book Review
Listed as a Teacher's Pick on Amazon for Classroom use.
Lucky O'Leprechaun in School
The new boy helps his classmates trap the class leprechaun, Lucky.
"This is an entertaining and aesthetically pleasing book. The pages are full of color and have excellent detail. The Irish folktale style gives a sense of authenticity to the story. Northern Latitudes Literacy Network
"Find out about a special character in Lucky O'Leprechaun in School. The story starts in a classroom with students noticing that someone has been nibbling on their treats. At first they think the new boy has {eaten} the food, but then they realize that a leprechaun has come to their classroom. They work together to set a trap for him. When they capture him, they ask him to grant them a wish." The Courier-Times
"{Among} picture books produced to help youngsters appreciate various cultures . . . {is} Lucky O'Leprechaun in School, part of a series written and illustrated by Jana Dillon. Fore Word, Reviews of Good Books Independently Published
The new boy helps his classmates trap the class leprechaun, Lucky.
"This is an entertaining and aesthetically pleasing book. The pages are full of color and have excellent detail. The Irish folktale style gives a sense of authenticity to the story. Northern Latitudes Literacy Network
"Find out about a special character in Lucky O'Leprechaun in School. The story starts in a classroom with students noticing that someone has been nibbling on their treats. At first they think the new boy has {eaten} the food, but then they realize that a leprechaun has come to their classroom. They work together to set a trap for him. When they capture him, they ask him to grant them a wish." The Courier-Times
"{Among} picture books produced to help youngsters appreciate various cultures . . . {is} Lucky O'Leprechaun in School, part of a series written and illustrated by Jana Dillon. Fore Word, Reviews of Good Books Independently Published
Jeb Scarecrow's Pumpkin Patch
Jeb saves his beloved pumpkins from the crow's big bash.
Awards: Book Sense "Book of the Year" Finalist (Book Sense is the organization of independent booksellers.)
Nick Jr. Family Magazine "Best Book of the Year" Finalist
Reviews: "entertaining . . . triumphant conclusion. In her first book for children, author-illustrator Dillon shows a facility with caricature and mood, a way with color that extends from subtle shading to electric color combinations and an ability to create a style that looks new yet recalls an earlier era of picture book illustration. Best of all, here's an original story that demonstrates an understanding of the dynamics of picture books as well as a knowledge of what children like. Libraries deluged each October with requests for Halloween read-alouds will want multiple copies of this satisfying picture book." Booklist, starred review
"A clever alternative to ghoulish Halloween tales. The vibrant illustrations of an amiable scarecrow family tormented by colorfully individualistic crows should appeal to all audiences. . . . a pleasing read-aloud or a satisfying read-alone for young readers ready for a challenge." School Library Journal
"Artwork that fits like a glove. The artist's illustrations are unusual and full of interest for a child. Jana Dillon has used such vibrant hues that the pages of the book are really alive with color." Weekly Reader Book Club Selection
"Dillon's illustrations are singular and noteworthy . . . painterly use of tertiary color . . " Publisher's Weekly
Listed as a Teacher's Pick on Amazon for classroom use.
For years amused parents have said to me, "I didn't know why my son/daughter started calling me Mommo/Daddo until I read the book." Three times while I was watching Gene Simmon's Family Jewels, I heard their son Nick call his mother "Mommo." I wonder . . .
Jeb saves his beloved pumpkins from the crow's big bash.
Awards: Book Sense "Book of the Year" Finalist (Book Sense is the organization of independent booksellers.)
Nick Jr. Family Magazine "Best Book of the Year" Finalist
Reviews: "entertaining . . . triumphant conclusion. In her first book for children, author-illustrator Dillon shows a facility with caricature and mood, a way with color that extends from subtle shading to electric color combinations and an ability to create a style that looks new yet recalls an earlier era of picture book illustration. Best of all, here's an original story that demonstrates an understanding of the dynamics of picture books as well as a knowledge of what children like. Libraries deluged each October with requests for Halloween read-alouds will want multiple copies of this satisfying picture book." Booklist, starred review
"A clever alternative to ghoulish Halloween tales. The vibrant illustrations of an amiable scarecrow family tormented by colorfully individualistic crows should appeal to all audiences. . . . a pleasing read-aloud or a satisfying read-alone for young readers ready for a challenge." School Library Journal
"Artwork that fits like a glove. The artist's illustrations are unusual and full of interest for a child. Jana Dillon has used such vibrant hues that the pages of the book are really alive with color." Weekly Reader Book Club Selection
"Dillon's illustrations are singular and noteworthy . . . painterly use of tertiary color . . " Publisher's Weekly
Listed as a Teacher's Pick on Amazon for classroom use.
For years amused parents have said to me, "I didn't know why my son/daughter started calling me Mommo/Daddo until I read the book." Three times while I was watching Gene Simmon's Family Jewels, I heard their son Nick call his mother "Mommo." I wonder . . .
Upsie Downsie, Are You Asleep?
Upsie Downsie wants to play, not sleep!
Reviews: "Little Pig Will Win Hearts of Readers. Upsie Downie is a very animated little boy pig in blue pajamas who will jump right off the cover of the book and into the hearts of those . . . reading and enjoying the pages. The recurring theme . . . will allow a child to anticipate and look forward to the next round of characters who will each in turn attempt to assist in getting the little pig settled down for bed. The colorful illustrations will surely capture the attention and imagination of young storybook lovers. This book would make an excellent bedtime story . . ." Daily Record
"Best Reads: Upsie Downsie, Are You Asleep? !!! Very Good" Today's Books
"A cute bedtime story. Exemplary artistic presentation. Strong literary qualities." Northern Latitudes Literacy Network
"Best Reads: Upsie Downsie, Are You Asleep? !!! Very Good" Today's Books
"A cute bedtime story. Exemplary artistic presentation. Strong literary qualities." Northern Latitudes Literacy Network
Little Thumb
by Wanda Dionne, illustrated by Jana Dillon.
One little girl's thumb tells her there are better things to do than suck her thumb.
Award: "Books Mean Business" award from the Children's Book Council.
Reviews: "In this rhyming story a little girls' thumb explains to her why it doesn't belong in her mouth. The thumb doesn't include just the usual parent's admonition about germs . . . but it tells all the wonderful things that it will help her do--tie a knot, bounce a ball, and hold a sandwich--to name a few. The thumb also explains that it has whorls and lines that make the little girl unique.
"This unusual story could be used for story time in a pre-kindergarten or kindergarten class. Dillon's brightly colored realistic illustrations will appeal to children. Dionne's message will appeal to parents, especially those with a child who sucks his/her thumb."
Sasha's Matrioshka Dolls by Jana Dillon, illustrated by Deborah Nourse Lattimore
Reviews: "Dillon's literary legend explains the origin of the tiny matrioshkas ('little mothers'). A delightful tale destined to delight readers . . " Kirkus
"A lively story of how matrioshka dolls might have come to be. The text provides lots of teasing interplay between Sasha and her grandfather as they carve and paint and chase after the dolls. Booklist
Dillon crafts an imaginative and touching fable . . . The plot is clever and the topic has automatic appeal for doll lovers. What may be most striking, however, are the insight and nuance Dillon brings to the relationship between Boxer and Sasha. Teasing banter reveals their joy in each other's company . . . A most satisfying tale. Publishers Weekly
"Children who are unfamiliar with this art form will be charmed by the idea." School Library Journal
"A charming intergenerational story. . . . the story line . . . will intrigue five to eight year olds and their parents too!" Jewish Journal
"Sasha's Matrioshka Dolls is lovingly done by both the author Dillon and the illustrator . . . Children aged 5 to 8 are sure to make this book a must-read bedtime tale." Las Vegas Senior Press
Exemplar presentation for literary and artistic qualities, and for accessibility to audience, and overall rating Northern Latitudes Literacy Network
To order, email me at JanaDillonHamby@gmail.com. It will cost $15 including postage, which is usually $3 to $4, depending on where you live. I will sign and dedicate it to whomever you are giving it.
"A lively story of how matrioshka dolls might have come to be. The text provides lots of teasing interplay between Sasha and her grandfather as they carve and paint and chase after the dolls. Booklist
Dillon crafts an imaginative and touching fable . . . The plot is clever and the topic has automatic appeal for doll lovers. What may be most striking, however, are the insight and nuance Dillon brings to the relationship between Boxer and Sasha. Teasing banter reveals their joy in each other's company . . . A most satisfying tale. Publishers Weekly
"Children who are unfamiliar with this art form will be charmed by the idea." School Library Journal
"A charming intergenerational story. . . . the story line . . . will intrigue five to eight year olds and their parents too!" Jewish Journal
"Sasha's Matrioshka Dolls is lovingly done by both the author Dillon and the illustrator . . . Children aged 5 to 8 are sure to make this book a must-read bedtime tale." Las Vegas Senior Press
Exemplar presentation for literary and artistic qualities, and for accessibility to audience, and overall rating Northern Latitudes Literacy Network
To order, email me at JanaDillonHamby@gmail.com. It will cost $15 including postage, which is usually $3 to $4, depending on where you live. I will sign and dedicate it to whomever you are giving it.
Ms. Broomstick's School for Witches
If a student doesn't listen to the teacher in magic school, she can cause a lot of trouble!
Reviews: Five Stars "Whether she's changing her kitten into a skunk or performing a handstand on her broom, little Pandora can't seem to stay out of trouble at Ms. Broomstick's School for Witches. A charming tale guaranteed to delight little ghouls and goblins." Good Reads
If a student doesn't listen to the teacher in magic school, she can cause a lot of trouble!
Reviews: Five Stars "Whether she's changing her kitten into a skunk or performing a handstand on her broom, little Pandora can't seem to stay out of trouble at Ms. Broomstick's School for Witches. A charming tale guaranteed to delight little ghouls and goblins." Good Reads
I get many letters when I visit schools, but since I don't have the parents' permission, I can't print them here, but here are three I can. Opal from Oregon wrote me the first letter, below. Scroll down to find one from Brittany who reads her daughter the copy of Jeb Scarecrow's Pumpkin that I signed when I visited her school many years ago, and another from Matthew Pungitore, who still remembers my visit, has the book, and is now writing his own books. Scroll down to read them.
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To Miss Dillon,
My name is Opal. I am six. I love your leprechaun book! I like when Lucky tricks Meg and Sean! Every year we make a leprechaun trap. Why do you like leprechauns? I like that they are tricky. I like your illustrations! Love, Opal Opal, I love leprechauns for the same reason you do! Jana |
Could she be any cuter? I don't think so!
Hello Ms. Dillon,
My name is Brittany and I found your contact email through your website. I wanted to reach out to you about your book Jeb Scarecrow's Pumpkin Patch.
You visited my school, Dennett Elementary in Plympton, MA, sometime in the early 90's. I remember meeting you and I have a signed copy of your book. I can't tell you how much my mother read this book to me growing up but I know it was a significant amount. I continued to read it on my own for many years to come and always loved the beautiful illustrations.
Time has passed and I now have a beautiful 2 year old daughter of my own. When my parents downsized, my sister and I got boxes upon boxes of our old things to sort through to decide what we wanted. My sister's boxes were full of stuffed animals, mine were full of books. Eventually in one box, I unearthed my worn, loved, and dog-eared copy of Jeb Scarecrow's Pumpkin Patch. It's in surprisingly good condition considering the years that have passed.
My daughter, Penny, also loves books and we read tons of them all day long. I decided to read her your book and she absolutely loves it. We read it at least 4-5 times per day. It's so special to see something I loved so much passed on to someone who will love it as much as I did. I was so happy to see from your website that you still do school appearances. I hope you still will by the time my daughter is in school and I can put the bug in their ear to have you visit there. Thank you so much for your literary contributions as they have touched and spanned multiple generations and fostered my love of reading.
All the best to you and yours,
Brittany (Oheim) Reese
My name is Brittany and I found your contact email through your website. I wanted to reach out to you about your book Jeb Scarecrow's Pumpkin Patch.
You visited my school, Dennett Elementary in Plympton, MA, sometime in the early 90's. I remember meeting you and I have a signed copy of your book. I can't tell you how much my mother read this book to me growing up but I know it was a significant amount. I continued to read it on my own for many years to come and always loved the beautiful illustrations.
Time has passed and I now have a beautiful 2 year old daughter of my own. When my parents downsized, my sister and I got boxes upon boxes of our old things to sort through to decide what we wanted. My sister's boxes were full of stuffed animals, mine were full of books. Eventually in one box, I unearthed my worn, loved, and dog-eared copy of Jeb Scarecrow's Pumpkin Patch. It's in surprisingly good condition considering the years that have passed.
My daughter, Penny, also loves books and we read tons of them all day long. I decided to read her your book and she absolutely loves it. We read it at least 4-5 times per day. It's so special to see something I loved so much passed on to someone who will love it as much as I did. I was so happy to see from your website that you still do school appearances. I hope you still will by the time my daughter is in school and I can put the bug in their ear to have you visit there. Thank you so much for your literary contributions as they have touched and spanned multiple generations and fostered my love of reading.
All the best to you and yours,
Brittany (Oheim) Reese
A teacher on maternity leave, Danielle Godfrey, has designed a thoughtful lesson plan for teachers based on Ms. Broomstick's School for Witches at
https://www.onekreativekindergarten.com/ and Teachers Pay Teachers Store https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/One-Kreative-Kindergarten
Take a look!
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https://www.onekreativekindergarten.com/ and Teachers Pay Teachers Store https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/One-Kreative-Kindergarten
Take a look!
___________________________________________________________________________-
And here is Matthew's letter.
Dear Jana Dillon:
Hello. I hope everything is very well. I hope that I have the correct email address. I found this email on the website www.janadillon.com. I only wanted to communicate with the author Jana Dillon who wrote Jeb Scarecrow ‘s Pumpkin Patch. This is you, right? I hope that I am not troubling you. You probably get so many emails from other people who admire your books.
My name is Matthew Pungitore. You might not remember me. I believe that you were reading Jeb Scarecrow‘s Pumpkin Patch at my elementary school in Hingham, Massachusetts when I was very young. It was the 1990s. Jeb Scarecrow’s Pumpkin Patch is still one of my favorite books. I believe that you signed my copy the book. You wrote “Happy Halloween to my friend Matthew! Jana Dillon “. I must say thank you very much for writing Jeb Scarecrow’s Pumpkin Patch.
I am an author now, too. I write Gothic Horror and dark fantasy. While I am a writer, I do not know if I can even describe how much Jeb Scarecrow ‘s Pumpkin Patch means to me and what it has always meant for me. I cherish this book and the artwork. I have always been enchanted by the dark, spooky, and ghostly types of art and stories. I have always loved Halloween, ravens, jack’o’lanterns, spirits, and scarecrows.
Thank you so much for Jeb Scarecrow. Thank you for making the 1990s so much better for me. I would be honored to learn about what Halloween and your artwork means to you, your ideas, and thoughts about your characters and storytelling.
I have self published a Dark Fantasy Gothic novelette
Midnight's Eternal Prisoner: Waiting For The Summer. I am working on releasing a new Gothic Horror novel soon. I am hoping I can make it available by late summer or Halloween.
Thank you for your time. I hope I have not disturbed you. I look forward to communicating with you soon. Very best wishes to you.
Sincerely,
Matthew Pungitore
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Author/Illustrator Jana Dillon's Books and School Visits
Would you like me to visit your school? Click here: School Visits. You will also find a description of my presentations at conferences.
I live on Cape Cod. If your school is in driving distance, I will visit free if you order a book for each student in the grade I will be visiting.
When you click on the pages in the menu (above left), you will find a plot description of the books and get to see some of the illustrations close up. If you'd like to color some of my drawings, click on Coloring Book Pages.
Have fun!
I live on Cape Cod. If your school is in driving distance, I will visit free if you order a book for each student in the grade I will be visiting.
When you click on the pages in the menu (above left), you will find a plot description of the books and get to see some of the illustrations close up. If you'd like to color some of my drawings, click on Coloring Book Pages.
Have fun!
To try to get a matching grant for my school visit, click on CreativeGround.org
Or contact your community grant arts council.
To the left is an illustration from Lucky O'Leprechaun in School.
Or contact your community grant arts council.
To the left is an illustration from Lucky O'Leprechaun in School.
