@book{a9aca587b9154c9490b7eb14a283ca98,
title = "Because I Had a Teacher",
abstract = "Where would we be without them—those special people who inspire us, support us, and encourage us? Whether they{\textquoteright}re an educator, a coach, or a mentor, this book is for them. To celebrate the worlds they open up for us and to thank them for the difference they make. ",
author = "Kobi Yamada and Natalie Russell",
note = "This project began a working partnership with Seattle based Publishing House, Compendium. Written by Kobi Yamada - New York Times Best Selling & Award Winning Author, Because I had a Teacher explores a range of learning experiences within a {\textquoteleft}classroom{\textquoteright} environment and focuses on the role of the teacher in building a child{\textquoteright}s knowledge and independence. The challenge of the project was working with Yamada{\textquoteright}s cleverly crafted words and visualising his short {\textquoteleft}inspirational{\textquoteright} sentences. The illustrations portray {\textquoteleft}symbolic adventures{\textquoteright} between two gender / race neutral bear characters (teacher and child) as they participate in learning activities suitable for children at USA Key stage 2 (Age 7 – 10). Light-hearted lessons were represented within the book with fun learning settings. Props such as books, lab coats, art materials, musical instruments, measuring equipment and outdoor pursuits i.e. cycling, climbing, badminton were included to broaden the role / versatility of the teacher. A new drawing technique was devised to complete the 40-page book employing {\textquoteleft}classroom{\textquoteright} tools such as graphite, coloured pencils and collage materials to generate a warmth and simplicity for the reader. Sharp photographic elements were included to add sophistication and contrast to soft drawn imagery. The completed illustrations were enhanced digitally – my first digital submission of a publishing project. Following the success of {\textquoteleft}Because I had a Teacher{\textquoteright}, I was commissioned in September 2017 to produce supplementary artwork for ancillary stationary products to accompany the book. On 26th May 2019, {\textquoteleft}Because I had a Teacher{\textquoteright} became a New York Times Best Seller - reaching no. 5 on the Children{\textquoteright}s Picture Books List. Available at: https://www.nytimes.com/books/best-sellers/2019/05/25/ (Accessed Friday 11th October 2019) ISBN/ISSN/URL/URI: Compendium Inc. Seattle USA Hardback ISBN - 978 1943900085 Published: 7 March 2017 Word count: TBC Number of pages: 40 pages Reviews “The heart-warming artwork alongside the simple statements of gratitude makes for a charming, meaningful gift that children will love to give and teachers will love to receive.” New {\textquoteleft}Because I had a Teacher{\textquoteright} Children{\textquoteright}s Book Celebrates Educators. 5 December 2016. (Online) Available at: http://museumsandmore.com/news/new-because-i-had-a-teacher-childrens-book-celebrates-educators/ (Accessed 28th February 2017) “This darling little book filled with heartwarming illustrations that evoke a sense of whimsy and wonder. This book could be told from the point of view of a child or an adult reminiscing about their favorite teacher. Either way, it is a perfect read for little ones as well as a touching gift for a favorite teacher or mentor.” The Petite Stag: Because I had a Teacher. 9 May 2017. (Online) Available at: https://thepetitestag.com/2017/05/09/because-i-had-a-teacher/ (Accessed 2nd March 2017)",
year = "2017",
month = mar,
day = "1",
language = "English",
isbn = "9781943900085",
publisher = "Compendium Inc.",
address = "United States",
}