Students learn how "Ring Bear" was illustrated
Mr. Hassler presents to the elementary students
by Jolene Klein
January 28, 2010
Elementary Library classes recently had the opportunity to watch Mr. Mike Hassler's presentation on how he illustrated the book, The Ring Bear by N.L. Sharp. Since the author self-published her book, she could select the illustrator and work with him to achieve the effects she wanted in her book. Mr. Hassler explained how he adjusted his illustrations and why different objects where changed or moved on different pages. He also talked about where he got his ideas or models for particular pictures, and how he copied the drawn sketches that the author liked to the heavier paper for water color.
Mr. Hassler had to draw and redraw his illustrations many times, and he had to listen when the author or publisher weren't satisfied with how something was drawn. Mr. Hassler's effort paid off though. N.L. Sharp's, the author from Fremont, and Mr. Hassler's book The Ring Bear won the Nebraska Center for the Book's "Nebraska Book Award" in 2004 for the best children's book by a Nebraska author and illustrator.
