Five years after bringing history to life in his first picture book, a Brantford author and illustrator has released his sixth book and signed a three-book deal with a US-based publisher.
George Neeb’s At The Museum tells the story of a boy who reluctantly visits a museum with his father and is drawn into a magical adventure when the painted figures on an old Greek vase come to life.
The book by the retired Grand Erie District School Board elementary teacher continues his fascination with fact-based historical books for young readers, with illustrations that replicate the artistic style of early societies.
“I think teaching it to kids brought out my love of history,” said Neeb, who was in the classroom for 29 years.
It was while he delivered the Grade 4 curriculum covering early societies that Neeb was struck by the lack of suitable picture books on the subject.
That led to him creating his first book, Pharaoh’s Arrow, the story of a girl named Akia, who moves with her father far from the Great Nile after her mother was eaten by a crocodile. The plot was pure fancy but Neeb painstakingly researched the drawing style, fashions, buildings, animals and locations of ancient Egypt.
Pharaoh’s Arrow, its sequel, Akia’s Adventure — when Neeb used paint and texture to replicate papyrus — and Duel With A Dragon, a story about ancient China with illustrations made by using tea-dyed paper to achieve the look of silk, involved the same adherence to historical accuracy.
Neeb illustrated At The Museum with cut paper dioramas that were then photographed.
At the back of his books or in videos posted to his website, georgeneeb.ca, the author provides instructions on how readers can re-create the illustrations.
“Experimenting with different media to create illustrations is what I love best,” said Neeb.
“Kids love the stories and are fascinated by the art. “They also like to point out mistakes, so they love that I’ve done my research.”
He took a break from history to tackle the issue of childhood bullying in two books, Abby Beech, about a girl who is body shamed at a new school and solves the problem using her own devices; and Earl, The Not-So-Great White Shark, about a shark who is teased for being different.
Neeb said the fishy tale is based on a story he wrote 30 years ago that he had tucked away in a drawer.
The author’s book deal with Young Dragons Press will be a three-story series. He has submitted the second book, based in historical Mesopotamia, to the publisher. The topic of the final book has yet to be decided.
Neeb is also working on a book about the summers he spent building a cabin in the woods north of Parry Sound, Ont., with his young sons, who are now in their 20s.
Signing on with a publisher has relieved Neeb of some of the responsibility of promoting his books, which can be a challenge in the saturated market of picture books. While he has maintained a lot of creative control over his work with Young Dragons Press, he said the books will be boosted by the publisher’s marketing and promotion teams.
Neeb’s books are available at all major online book sellers and through his website.