The Sketchbook

Here is my contribution to Our Favorite Scene Zine latest edition, which compiled over 20 artists’ interpretations of the reunion scene from THE HOUSE IN THE CERULEAN SEA. This book was my first inroad to TJ’s staggering body of work, and remains one of my comfort books at times when my faith in humanity is challenged, or when parenting two smarty-pants gets particularly hard. 😅 From the outset, I wanted to focus on the kids’ reactions to Arthur and Linus’s reunion, because love is something that children inherit from their grownups, and that joy multiplies as they grow up in safe and accepting spaces. I hope you like how it came out. 💕

“I don’t… know. I think I might have two left feet, honestly.”

“I highly doubt that.”

- The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune

So pleased to finally share this commission for Pride Book Crate’s July box (@pridebookcrate on IG & Twitter), which was converted into both a print and a fuzzy cushion cover (which is cozy as heck, omg I love). It’s been SO exciting to see people posting their unboxings, and I’m delighted so many folks are happy with my contribution! They had requested just Arthur & Linus, so I drew inspiration from the farewell party and dressed them in a style to match the soundtrack (Nat King Cole 😭). And then, I couldn’t leave out the children, so, in the framework, you’ll find wee references to their characters. 💙

- Linus, The House in the Cerulean Sea by T.J. Klune

Special birthday art of one of our favorite scenes from THITCS for my dear @argylefetish / @penpanoply (without whom I might never have read this book)! She’s not only a handlettering master and my giveaway collaborator, but also just the most genuinely positive and warm person I’ve ever met. Like Linus, she is too precious to put into words, and I’m so grateful she’s a part of my life.

Theodore (the wyvern from T.J. Klune’s The House in the Cerulean Sea) demands coins for his hoard. But in the event coins are not available, he will very happily accept a shiny brass button. 😂 Drawing this adorable iridescent little dude has been the highlight of my week.

Y’all, I’m in love with this novel. If you haven’t read it yet, please move it to the top of your list. It’s compassionate and healing and kind and romantic (and queer), and by God, more art from this book is coming. ❤️