Why Hello There!

You've probably forgotten who I am, so allow me to introduce myself. My name is Vanessa. I am the author, illustrator, and neglecter of this little blog.  

I am a wife of one,

(this and photo below by Emily Ingalls Photography )

mother to three,

five if you count my two fur terrors, one of which is the cutest dog in the world. I'll let you decide which of the two.

Ok, I know that was hard. It's this one:

I teach art to middle school and high school homeschoolers.

(Some of my students' work.)

I love to travel...

with my family.

 Scotland has been my favorite trip so far.

I'm super strong.

Well, not really. But I am a big dork, which my kids absolutely love.

Honestly, they can't be more proud.

But, hopefully, that goofiness shines through in my work. I write and illustrate picture books. My debut book as an author/illustrator, Lucy and the String (Penguin/Dial Books for Young Readers), came out on August 7th, and boy do I have a lot to share about release week, which I will do as I'm determined to revive this dying blog.

Here's a bit of praise for Lucy:

"Roeder uses pencils, watercolors, and “lots of digital string” in a palette of red, black, and white to create an imaginative and entertaining tale of crafting and friendship."

- Kirkus Reviews

"Newcomer Roeder works in a gray-black-white palette lit up by the yarn’s brilliant scarlet, and she paces the story’s panels and vignettes with care while exploring the full range of the yarn’s possibilities."

- Publisher's Weekly

"The two-color palette (shades of black and a zingy red) and effective paneling balance the scribbly string with the more fully defined, expressive ursine and child figures. Pair this with Watkins’ Pete with No Pants (BCCB 5/17) for some serious giggles, but make sure everyone knows no pants, no storytime."

- BCCB

"Lucy and the String celebrates the power of imagination driving the friendship between gap-toothed Lucy and her ursine companion."

- Austin American Statesman

"With strong lines and vivid color, Roeder tells the story of a little girl’s insatiable curiosity and the endless possibilities that result. The spunky, vintage style will appeal to fans of Jon Klassen and Oliver Jeffers."

- Austin Family Magazine

"[The book] teaches children the values of curiosity and innovation through an entertaining (and adorable) storyline."

- Austin Monthly

Lucy and the String was also named one of Amazon's Best Books for the month of August!

I love my family, I love being a mom, and I love what I do. Life has been quite an adventure so far, and I can't wait to see where this journey takes me!

xo

Vanessa