PORTRAIT OF A GIRL and Her Art By ME!
The Birds of The Harbor by John Italia
This enchanting tale of a boy’s longing to speak the eloquent language of birds, leads him to a forbidden visit to the harbor.
Moonbeam Award Silver and Bronze Medal
REVIEWS:
“…the sweepingly beautiful artwork adds a majestic touch to this wonderful fable.” Midwest Book Review Vol.5, No.11 Nov. 2006
“Gently realistic pastels set the mood for this lyrical tale…”Costra Costa Times Feb. 4, 2007
“Caravela’s richly hued pastels depict, generally up-close, a moon-faced, introspective-looking lad communing with gulls for this folkish original tale.” Kirkus Reviews Dec.1, 2006
A Night of Tamales and Roses by Joanna H. Krauss
Ana Luisa thinks she has ruined her sister’s wedding day when she fails to do her job as flower girl. But to her surprise she discovers that her sister is not angry and that her family’s love is unchanging.
From Children’s Book Committee Bank Street College of Education:The Best Children’s Books of the Year, 2008 Edition – “Growing Up”USA Book News “Best Books 2008” Finalist
REVIEWS:
“… Elena Caravela’s gorgeous paintings… Caravela’s artwork enchants as we see Anna Louisa in her scuffed shoes and frothy tulle, holding back tears, or mischievously sampling tamales.” Jackie Burrell Contra Costa Times Aug. 28, 2007
“A beautiful blend of story and art….and the realistic illustrations are stunning.” Elisa S. Kleven, Children’s Book Illustrator Amazon.com Oct. 20, 2007
“…Supported by Caravela’s inviting, page-filling oil paintings, Kraus’ text highlights specific Latino traditions, such as making wedding tamales, while sensitively capturing how responsibilities that seem minor to grown-ups often loom large in the minds of children..” Jennifer Mattson Booklist 2008
All Available at:
Amazon Books
http://www.amazon.com/Birds-Harbor-John-Italia/dp/0972661476
http://www.amazon.com/Night-Tamales-Roses-Joanna-Kraus/dp/0972661441
Barnes and Noble
http://search.barnesandnoble.com/The-Birds-of-the-Harbor/John-Italia/e/9780972661478
http://search.barnesandnoble.com/A-Night-of-Tamales-and-Roses/Joanna-Kraus/e/9780972661447
Shenanigan Books
http://www.shenaniganbooks.com/books.html
Elenacaravela's Blog 
Heavenly creatures! Beautiful faces! Glowing truth! I love your work. I have a project for you!
Thank you, April! Also thank you for the proposed project, but I’m not taking on any illustration commissions at the moment.
Some truly beautiful work.
Thank you very much!
Hi Brenda! A picture book for kindle is a challenge-technically. Text is easy to do, but unless the format has changed from a couple of years ago, it’s a picture book is difficult thing to achieve. That said, I have worked with a publisher and then self-published my own book. Regretfully, I don’t really have the time it takes to invest in a picture book at the moment. But, I thank you for your interest in my work and for asking. I wish you the very best of luck with the project, I know it will be terrific!
It wouldn’t be a picture book — just a cover illustration and maybe a chapter header line drawing. But if you don’t have time, I totally understand. I just think your work is terrific. What chapter of the SCBWI are you in? I’m in New England. Cheers, Brenda
Oh my…. I wish I could paint and draw like you do!
Illustrations make a children’s book, and yours are wonderful!
Back in the 1980s, when I worked in preschool, I used to write little poems and stories on construction paper. I did my best to illustrate them with colored pencils.
The children didn’t seem to mind my not-so-good drawings, but I WISH that I could have done better. I bound the pages together with yarn, in holes made by a 3 hole punch.
I still have one of those little yarn books that I made, so last year…I scanned in the “cover” and posted it on my blog. My daughter said my drawing made the spider look more like an angry M&M with legs. That was not really the look I was trying to achieve.
Sigh.
http://storieswithnobooks.com/2012/05/18/tolerance/
The best thing about your paintings is that they are alive. You feel what the images depict. Lovely work!
This may sound like a silly question, but how did you come about to getting a job illustrating children’s books? How does that process work?
It’s a little different for everyone and a long story:) I recommend check out The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators site. You’ll find all sorts of info there.
Thanks a bunch! I’ve always wanted to write pre-school books and illustrate them. One of my dreams!!
Dearest Elena,
Thank you for following me back on my li’l ole blog… I am honored! I wanted to tell you that I am writing down your children’s books for our library to order so that many more children and adults can breathe in your extraordinary artwork. I’m in grad school for my MLS (Master’s of Library Science), emphasis in Children’s and Young Adult Literature… anyway… I am so happy to discover you and couldn’t be more pleased that we have connected! 🙂
How lovely! Thanks ever so much. You have a wonderful career in the making. I’m glad we have connected as well. Your blog is delightful!
Thank you so much! Gosh!! 🙂 🙂 I discovered you on “The Whole Hurly Burly” blogsite… Nathan Filbert and I go to school together, and he kind of got me started on blogging. So much fun; and the validation is wonderful. Amazing to get positive feedback from peers and be able to acknowledge and applaud the work of others!
Hello, a mutual blog friend introduced me to your work, Which is absolutely lovely….after suggesting that one of my stories should be illustrated for a fable. You may already have your plate full, or not be interested at all, no worries if that is the case. This is a link to the story. If it interests you, feel free to drop me a note.
http://loveandheretics.wordpress.com/2013/04/30/of-heros-and-demons-a-tale/
Kind regards,
holly
Hi Holly! REally love your story. Thanks for visiting. I’ll message you on your blog.
Your cover for “A Night of Tamales and Roses” is so lovely. I don’t want to stop looking at it!
Thanks very much Jimmy, glad you like it!
love your work, I’ve always dreamed of doing what you do.
Much appreciated. Thank you. No reason why you can’t:)
needed a role model which i found now 😀
So sweet. Thank you:)
i like yourcwork its pretty awesome!
Thanks so much! I appreciate your kind words.
youre welcome. you deserve it!
You are so obviously so very talented! So pleased to have stumbled upon your blog…what a pleasure 🙂
Anne
Thank so much. So glad you visited. Now I’ve had the opportunity to enjoy your beautiful blog.
They are so beautiful dear Elena, you are a wonderful artist, Good Luck for your creative world. Thank you, with my love, nia
You are so kind Nia.
well that’s amazing! You’re a wonderful artist and I hope you go far… : )
http://www.elizabethselena.wordpress.com
Thank you Elizabeth!
Excellent work!
Why thank you!
so amazing !!!!!!
Beautiful 🙂
Nice!
Hi Elena,
I will have to really dig in and look this blog over but now just sending a quick–“HELLO.”
ALL MY BEST!
Marguerite