I illustrated a book

Last spring, I decided to start seriously working on a book project of my own. I had been asked to illustrate books before, but it never felt like the right time or the right partnership. As I began to prep for my book-making journey, I found myself knee-deep in a world I knew nothing about.  I was feeling blocked, not creatively, but logistically.  I knew I had a lot to learn.

It was around this time that I took my boys to an author reading at our favorite local book shop, Books of Wonder. The author was Michael Sampson, a long-time collaborator of the late Bill Martin Jr, who has produced many iconic stories such as Panda Bear, Panda Bear, What Do You See? (illustrated by Eric Carle), and Chicka, Chicka, 1, 2, 3. I was amazed by his legacy, kindness, and talent. I shared my portrait work with him, and he asked me to email him, saying he would love to work on something together someday. Was this my sign? I emailed him, and received a polite reply that he would let me know if any projects came up, but many months passed, and I didn't hear back.

Soon enough, as I was immersed in research for my own project, Michael’s name appeared in my inbox. He had a chapter book that he would love to work on with me - all he needed was a cover and a few line drawings. I knew it was meant to be.

excerpt from Chapter One

While the illustrations would be different from my usual subject matter, the project felt like the perfect way to learn from a seasoned pro. He sent me the manuscript, and I stayed up late with Sam reading the fantastic story of JoJo. We loved it, enraptured by the exciting, heartwarming, and adventurous tale. The best part was that all proceeds would go to Operation Kindness to help shelter dogs find homes. I immediately accepted the project.

Learning the process with Michael's amazing publishing team was a dream. I will be forever grateful for this lovely experience.  And while it might seem a bit strange that my first book was about a dog, it felt entirely right and natural beyond anything I can describe. The book is currently on preorder, and I know you and your kids will enjoy it whether they can read it independently or you read it aloud. Enjoy, and please let me know what you think!

I look forward to proceeding with my own book projects and sharing more in the coming months. I am so glad you are here.

With Love,
LP 

Pre-orders are available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Bookshop.org.

Follow along on Rado’s Press.

STUDIO SCOOP | SUMMER 2025

Kras Children, Lauren Phelps, 2022

Dear Friends, 

I have to be honest. As an adult, I have never looked forward to summer. For the many years between college and becoming a mom, summer was just another passing season, sticky and short as it is here in New York City. Sure, it meant more frequent trips, but all in all, I was going about my workaholic fashion lifestyle as usual. There were still collections to design and production to manage.

Now, as a parent, I crave routine and predictability wherever I can find it, which is everything that summer is not. But, as my boys have gotten older, I am learning to become friends with the hot, unpredictable, yet more free-flowing days to come. This might be the first time in my adult life that I am genuinely looking forward to summer. June means camps for the boys here in the city. The early days of July will be spent in the glorious North Carolina mountains, where we will convene with our extended family to enjoy BBQ, dancing, trout fishing, swimming, and plenty of hiking. It is a magical place where I feel like I have stepped into a romanticized version of a 1950s retreat, a la Dirty Dancing.

In August, we will have our first stay at our new (old) home in picturesque Brookhaven, Long Island. It is an 1850s colonial with plenty of space for gardens. Through the back gate, our little dock on the creek leads out to the Great South Bay. We can’t wait to slowly and lovingly restore and update her over the years, and I will be sure to share our progress along the way. I have dreamed of this home since I was a little girl. My husband and I share a love for water, and being near the ocean has always been important to me. I grew up fishing and being in nature, with frequent trips to the Alabama beaches. My favorite childhood memories are of being with my family on the coast. We can’t wait to give our boys summers filled with tree climbing, canoeing, crabbing, and sandy turkey sandwiches while watching the waves at Ho Hum Beach.

From my Brookhaven loft studio, I’ll be working on two books, along with all of your Big Little Moments and charcoal commissions. Stay tuned for peeks and progress.

I am so thankful for all of you and wish you a beautiful summer 2025 full of “big little moments” of connection and love.

With Love,

LP

Elena in Cove, San Vicente at Majorca by Joaquín Sorolla y Bastida.