Jack and Alice

I have finished the second chapter of The Mighty Orange-Peel (sic) and I'm letting the text and the characters lie for a while. I hope to come back to it with a fresh pair of eyes and read the first two chapters along with the prologue to make sure the tone of voice is consistent and that the story not only flows but is engaging and, ultimately, is a good read.

In the mean time I'd like to introduce you to two old friends of mine. This is Jack and Alice, the main characters of my first picture book... Jack and Alice. They're fraternal twins who, over the course of their first book, explore the ups and downs of having to share. They learn that the benefits of having a partner in crime and loving each other far outweighs any of the draw backs. Here are a few of my favourite panels from the book

Alice gets some eats and Jack gets his!

They can play nice when they try.

Playtime with their dog, Glasgow.

Pirates versus Lady Posy.

The kids scrub up nice!

Opeel 1/2

Well, just in case you're wondering what Opeel looked like as a little tyke, here he is.

I've been working on the the part of the book where the nickname The Mighty Orange-Peel comes from and it takes place when he was just a wee boy of 8 years old. Here is the eager beaver in class raising his hand to answer a question. Ah what a keen youngster.

The infamous Raephite Grimm

Sem's dad, Raephite Grimm is the lead scientists at Black Star Labs the company that Opeel's dad works for. A very respectable chap Raephite is always well groomed with his accademical's knot and his double mustachios.

The Grimm and Westhill families have been close since the Grimms moved to Bansho. Raephite became Mr Westhill's supervisor and set up a play date for their kids. O and Sem became fast friends and their fathers have continued to work together and be friends.