1. Happy June! Care to rest in the shade of a friendly tree? We can watch this loving mother, baby, and happy ducks while being soothed by the gentle trickle of the stream.

This relaxing scene was created by Maryland artist-illustrator Elisabeth (“Lis”) Dorrian — a nice way to anticipate the coming of summer, with its slow, drowsy days conducive to daydreaming and enjoying the outdoors. Lis is self taught, has been drawing since childhood, and works in gouache, acrylics, and digitally for her folk art style pieces.

Becoming a mother inspired me to revisit my passion for drawing after 14 years in the Coast Guard. Watching a child grow makes you realize how quickly time passes. Today, my illustrations are largely inspired by simple living, the changing seasons, motherhood…. I hope my illustrations inspire viewers to slow down and take notice of the ‘little daily miracles,’ as Virginia Woolf calls them, like lighting a candle for dinner or feeling the weight of a sleeping child on your chest.

Love her use of soft colors and the feeling of nostalgia. Since she’s moved around a lot with the Coast Guard and has had to adjust to many new places, perhaps she’s been instinctively creating a sense of home in her pictures — a place of calm, comfort and safety.

Learn more about Lis’s work at her Official Website, Instagram and Etsy Shop, where you can purchase signed and dated archival prints in various sizes.

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2. New Picture Book Alert: Coming out June 24 is this beauty: MAKING LIGHT BLOOM: Clara Driscoll and the Tiffany Lamps by Sandra Nickel and Julie Paschkis (Peachtree, 2025):

The untold story of Clara Driscoll, a nature lover with the mind of a creative innovator and the unsung genius who designed and engineered the iconic Tiffany lamp.

Drawing inspiration from her childhood gardens, Clara Driscoll created designs for Louis C. Tiffany’s stained glass windows. Clara had such a flare for glass that Tiffany put her in charge of a special workroom, staffed with women—called the Tiffany Girls. But Clara wanted more. She wanted to create a three-dimensional work that would make light bloom. So she figured out how to engineer a lamp—how to shape and bend glass and light it so that her designs sprung to colorful, vivid life.

Today, we all recognize Tiffany lamps, but we almost forgot the woman who created them. Extensive back matter features more information about Clara Driscoll, her letters, and her design and manufacturing process, as well as bibliography and sources.

Excited to see this one, as I’m a fan of both author and illustrator. We reviewed Sandra Nickel’s debut picture book, Nacho’s Nachos a few years ago, and we’ve featured several of Julie Paschkis’s titles over the years, the most recent being Zig Zag. Since I’m not familiar with the Tiffany lamp story, and had not heard of Clara Driscoll, I’m anxious to learn more. June 24 cannot come soon enough!

Congratulations, Sandra and Julie!

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3. Camera Bug Beatle: The Gagosian Beverly Hills is currently running an exhibition of recently discovered photographs by Paul McCartney. Rearview Mirror: Photographs December 1963- February 1964 features 36 works from McCartney’s personal archive (some previously unseen) and is the first time he has made signed editions of his photographs available for sale.

Evoking an indelible snapshot of Beatlemania as it grew into a global phenomenon, the photographs on view embody a poignant intersection of time, place, and personality. Taken together, they form a significant contribution to the visual record of the era, not only due to their unique perspective, but also because they reveal an unheralded aspect of McCartney’s versatile talents. The mix of black-and-white and color prints includes self-portraits, unguarded views of McCartney’s bandmates, and vivid depictions of the pandemonium that greeted them at every turn. Some of the most compelling photographs portray scenes glimpsed through the windows of moving vehicles as McCartney and his fellow Beatles were whisked from one appearance to the next.

For this exhibition, McCartney has collaborated with Gagosian and Griffin Editions, the renowned fine art printing studio, to remaster his original negatives and contact sheets to produce the prints in small editions, each print framed in a bespoke signature profile of his design. A portion of sale proceeds will be donated to support ongoing recovery and rebuilding efforts in Southern California following the devastating wildfires earlier this year.

The exhibition coincides with the touring exhibition Paul McCartney Photographs 1963–64: Eyes of the Storm, which debuted at the National Portrait Gallery in London in 2023 and is currently on view at the de Young in San Francisco through July 6, 2025. The Rearview Mirror Exhibition at the Gagosian runs through June 21, 2025.

Enjoy this video where McCartney reflects on some of the photographs with Art Director Joshua Chuang. What an amazing historical record of Beatlemania — aren’t we lucky that Paul thought to record these moments with his 35 mm Pentax camera!

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4. Ceramics Fix: Jimbobart! Been a longtime fan of British illustrator James Ward’s fun designs and wanted to share more items from his shop. I own several of his 8″ side plates and was happy to see these new ones:

Also cool that he now makes bowls. Ice cream bowl is about 6″ diameter, cereal about 7″, and pasta bowls are 9″. Love them!

Also love this badger pancakes tea towel:

and this adorable panda mug:

If you’re new to Jimbobart, James creates a range of ceramics that are fun and centered around animals either protecting, stealing, eating or asking politely for your food.

He studied Illustration at Westminster University in London where he developed a love of working in pen and ink. He wanted to create pieces that have a narrative, but an ambiguous one. He feels drawing anthropomorphic characters can describe so much about human emotions and personalities with the juxtaposition of the animal’s expression against his clothing, an item or text.

In addition to ceramic pieces, he also sells tote bags, prints, stationery, tins, apparel and even welcome mats.

See his full range at his Official Website or Etsy Shop.

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5. Another New Picture Book Alert: Eve and Adam Discover the World by Leslie Kimmelman and Irina Avgustinovich (Apples & Honey Press, 2025) was just released last month:

In this interpretation of the biblical story of Genesis, Eve and Adam are praised for their curiosity even as they must accept the consequences for eating from the Tree of Knowledge. A hopeful message for ages 4-7 about carving your own path and the courage it takes to embrace imperfection.

Eve and Adam loved life in Eden among all the beautiful plants and animals. And at the center of it all was the spectacular Tree of Knowledge. But despite how sweet it smelled and how amazing it looked, God warned Eve and Adam to stay away from the tree, and not to eat its fruits. “It will change you,” God said.

While Adam was content, Eve was full of questions. Why is the sky blue? How far away is the sun? Why is thunder so loud? How do turtles grow shells? Eve went to see if maybe the Tree of Knowledge held the answers. There, a snake spoke to Eve, and she decided to take a fruit back to Adam. They must choose if they will listen to God’s warning, or if they will seek the answers they crave, and accept the consequences.

Kimmelman’s fresh interpretation of this Biblical story looks interesting and will give young readers much to ponder, not only about accepting the consequences of their actions, but also considering that humans by their very nature are imperfect. Kids will enjoy Avgustinovich’s colorful and appealing illustrations, which showcase Eden’s lush beauty with its striking flora and fauna.

This book is a companion to Eve and Adam and Their Very First Day (2023). Both provide insight into Eve’s and Adam’s personalities through telling details and engaging dialogue, making Genesis more accessible to readers. It’s especially refreshing to get Eve’s perspective as events unfold.

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6. Have you been carded lately? You know the feeling when something hits you just right and you even get a little giddy about it? That happened to me when I stumbled upon Belinda Evans’s quirky greeting cards.

An illustrator and designer based in London, Belinda uses pen-and-ink and collage to create wonderful scenes of people having all kinds of fun — from walking their dogs, to balancing tea trays, to puttering around the garden. Each card is approximately 5.5 inches square and is blank inside.

She’s an obsessive collector of paper and fabric scraps (snip snip!) and enjoys fashioning these elements in surprising ways. My first thought upon seeing her designs was that they have so much personality; I liked Belinda’s sense of humor and the joy that infuses each picture. You just can’t help but smile when you see them.

To see her complete range of prints, cards and tea towels, visit her Etsy Shop, Bagard Cards and Crafts. To keep up with current news, check out her Instagram.

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7. New Cookbook Alert! So excited to hear that Susan Branch is publishing a 30th Anniversary Edition of her Summer Book!

This is the 30th Anniversary Edition of Susan’s classic Summer Book, published in 1995, originally handwritten and watercolored in her home on Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts. The Summer Book has been lovingly revised and expanded with a new cover and end papers, lots of new recipes, new sections on tea and homemade jam, more about the garden, and every other Summer thing imaginable. Since recently “downsizing, she wakes to the sounds of birds in the land of perpetual Summer, the beautiful Central Coast of California. Note how this book has turned from Blue to Green, as has Susan’s life, surrounded in the sounds of smells of summer, she is happy to tell you that besides her pen and paintbrush, she has garden dirt on her hands everyday. Filled with watercolored ideas for the season The Summer Book is now 144 pages, and it comes with a sewn-in green ribbon bookmark. 

I have several other Susan Branch cookbooks — love all of them, but The Summer Book was the one I didn’t have and for the longest time meant to get. Just as well, since now I can enjoy a revised and expanded edition! Yay!

You know I’m a sucker for illustrated cookbooks — and many that I own, I like, but don’t necessary cook from. When it comes to Susan’s books, however, I return to them again and again, and can unequivocally say that every. single. recipe I’ve tried has turned out well. It’s a good feeling to know that if you’re going to the trouble of making something from scratch, you won’t be disappointed with the results. (Check out: Potato Chip Cookies, Best Biscuits, Cranberry Tea Cake.)

The 30th Anniversary Edition of The Summer Book is now available for preorder (it comes out in early July). Can’t wait to enjoy Susan’s beautiful handwritten text and watercolors, and of course, try a new recipe! Order yours from her Website Shop.

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8. More Jane Austen: It is a truth universally acknowledged that in order to properly celebrate a birthday, one must have fun swag. Look no further than The Unemployed Philosophers Guild for items that’ll help enthusiastic Janeites get in the proper spirit for her 250th birthday this year.

Whether a handy zipper bag to keep miscellaneous bits and bobs (chargers, cords, cosmetics, pens/pencils), a set of sticky notes with Austen quotes for your desk, a lovely tea towel (only the best for the kitchen), or an adorable finger puppet for parlor amusement, these will bring a smile to your face and may inspire you to reread Jane’s novels or watch any of the marvelous film or series adaptations.

Now – just in case (and we must always be prepared) a certain Mr Darcy happens by, you want your breath to be minty fresh. Even better, lather up with some lavender-scented bath soap to keep yourself clean and agreeable under any circumstances. 😀

I can just hear Mr Darcy now: “My feelings will not be repressed. You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you.” Sigh . . . See the full range of Austen goodies here.

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9. Friends, Romans, Countrymen, lend me your ears (and your eyes): Awhile ago I mentioned that fave British artist Emily Sutton had illustrated a special children’s edition of Shakespeare’s plays to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the First Folio. Well, I ordered and received the limited edition of the book last year, but never got around to taking photos of it or sharing my reaction with you.

In short, it’s absolutely stunning! Here’s the scoop from the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust:

To celebrate the 400th anniversary of the First Folio, the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust has created a limited children’s edition of one of the most important books ever published. This remarkable collection, illustrated by Emily Sutton and edited by Anjna Chouhan, comprises all 36 plays in the First Folio, carefully abridged so that Shakespeare’s words can be read, performed and treasured by generations to come.

This beautiful book features a specially commissioned poem by Michael Rosen and lavish illustrations – including a signed portrait print – by the award-winning artist Emily Sutton. 

Published in a limited edition of 400 copies, each book is individually numbered and presented in a beautifully decorated box featuring Emily’s colourful artwork inspired by 17th-century embroidery in the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust’s collection. The same exquisite design of flora and fauna is reproduced in stunning gold foil on the front cover. The box lining and mailer feature a pattern inspired by blackwork embroidery of the period.

Upon receiving this treasure, I fairly swooned at the detailing on the presentation box. I love Rosen’s poem and the signed print, and am still slowly making my way through all the plays, oohing and ahhing as I go.

These abridged versions are a nice way to appreciate the plays without having to reread them in their entirety all over again. Of course, they were featured this way to enable 8 to 12 children of ages 7+ to perform them in under 20 minutes.

Emily has outdone herself with her lavish title and cast pages, intricate borders, and beautiful gold foil case cover. The colors are so rich and vibrant! This is a marvelous keepsake for Shakespeare fans of all ages, book collectors, or any civilized human being who loves timeless words and exquisite art.

If you’re not in the market for a Limited Edition with all the bells and whistles, you can also purchase the book separately. Wonderful way to introduce young readers to Shakespeare and to make the plays more accessible to them. This one must be seen in person to be fully appreciated. LOVE it!

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♥️ BONUS COOL THING: Look what’s coming out June 27: a new Barbra Streisand duets album called “The Secret of Life: Partners Volume II”!

Notice who’s on the list of guest artists? Paul McCartney, Bob Dylan and James Taylor — three of my absolute faves!! Trying to wrap my head around Barbra singing with Bob Dylan — that will be interesting, don’t you think? Here’s the tracklist:

1. THE FIRST TIME EVER I SAW YOUR FACE with Hozier
2. MY VALENTINE with Paul McCartney
3. TO LOSE YOU AGAIN with Sam Smith
4. THE VERY THOUGHT OF YOU with Bob Dylan
5. LETTER TO MY 13 YEAR OLD SELF with Laufey
6. ONE HEART, ONE VOICE with Mariah Carey & Ariana Grande
7. I LOVE US with Tim McGraw
8. SECRET O’ LIFE with James Taylor
9. FRAGILE with Sting
10. WHERE DO I GO FROM YOU? with Josh Groban
11. LOVE WILL SURVIVE with Seal

Cute story: apparently Dylan had sent Barbra flowers almost 50 years ago, with a note asking if she’d like to sing with him. It didn’t happen back then for some reason, but Barbra did send him a thank you note. She was touched to learn that he had saved her note all these years.

Enjoy this short promo video.

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Our Swoon Tune this month is in celebration of Paul McCartney’s 83rd birthday on June 18. This amazing and beloved musician is still going strong with his various projects and continues to tour.

As it’s also Father’s Day this month, I decided to share “Yesterday,” which was my dad’s favorite Beatles song. He didn’t care for much of the 60’s music I played on the stereo, but he did admit that the Beatles had written some good songs.

This video shows Paul performing the song live at Studio 50 in NYC (1965), the same year he recorded it at Abbey Road Studios. He wrote the song at Jane Asher’s family home in London. For more backstory about “Yesterday” and Paul’s other personal favorites, read my McCartney 80th Birthday post.

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HAPPY TUESDAY

HAPPY WEEK

SPOON IN JUNE

CONGRATS TO ALL THE GRADS

SING A BEATLES TUNE

SMILE AT A STRANGER

HAPPY FATHER’S DAY

BE KIND

TAKE PRIDE

CHOOSE JOY

EAT PIE (OF COURSE)

RESIST

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**Copyright © 2025 Jama Rattigan of Jama’s Alphabet Soup. All rights reserved.