Artwork by Rob Brookes, © 2011 - http://www.brookesandbrookes.com

I provided Rob with rough copies of all the stories so he could listen to the tales and I had suggested we go with an image of a dragon. Rob chose the' Dragon and Monkey's Heart' for the picture as it would have more 'story' in it. Also it was easier to do one dragon head than nine which was my original idea! We thought that the eye made the dragon too scary for the age range we were going for, so Rob softened the monster.

Rob Brooks, 2008©

Here Rob has softened the eye of the dragon and added something else from the first CD. can you see what it is?

Rob Brooks, 2008©

Rob then made the image into a raster file so he could work with it in Illustrator. Here he has added an even more softer look by softening the scales.

Rob Brooks, 2008©

Rob then sent me a few background colours to choose from and we went with the above. Rob painted the dragon and monkey and sent me the illustration. I am always blown away by Rob's work. Look at the water - it makes me want to dive in. See the palm trees? Where's my drink and beach towel? I just want to be there and I hope you do too!

Here are the drawings for "Second-hand Tales"

Rob Brooks, 2008©

The 'story tree' concept - we thought this was not clear enough and people would wonder 'what is this?' As you can see, the original title was going to be 'Four Magically Mystical Stories'. I am glad I took Rob's suggestion!

Rob Brooks, 2008©

The 'tails in bag' concept - again confusing to someone seeing first time round. They would not 'get it' until the stories were heard. Here Rob is playing on the words "tale/tail" and came up with the title of the CD.

Rob Brooks, 2008©

The 'Jag and Hare', or 'one story for all' concept. I told Rob that the 'one story for all' concept was not one I wanted to do when we originally spoke. However, he got such a strong image listening to the story, he did this sketch. As soon as I saw it, I knew this was the one!

Here are a few of Rob's other works of art which I am lucky enough to share with you.
Out of respect for Rob and his work, I ask you not to copy any of the contents of his work from my website. If you would like copies of Rob's illustrations, please contact Rob Brookes directly at the email address below. He can provide quality images with high resolution. Rob makes his living with his art.

CDs, including the award winning More Second-hand Tales, and A Tangle of Tales are available from Simon directly, from CD Baby and these local stores:
iTunes
Artisans, New London, NH 603-526-4227
Chapman's Store, Fairlee, VT 802-333-9709
Green Mountain Books and Prints, Lyndonville, VT 802-626-5051
Morgan Hill Bookstore, New London, NH 603-526-5850
Norwich Bookstore, Norwich VT 802-649-1114
Wider Than The Sky, Newport, VT 802-334-2322