The American Alligator
The children's book that probably had the longest lasting impact on me was one that I discovered over two decades ago in my local library in Houston called, Album of Sharks, written by Tom McGowen and illustrated by Rod Ruth. And it was Ruth's powerful, bold, wonder-inspiring illustrations that left such an indelible mark on my developing psyche that despite not seeing the book for over twenty years, I could remember nearly every illustration. One of these days I hope to write and illustrate a book with that same power. This image, my depiction of one of my favorite animals, the American alligator, an animal I have personally seen up close in the wild, is my first attempt at realizing this vision. I hope you enjoy it.