Everyone Except Everett

Everett is a slightly inept, but ever-so-polite Elf in Santa's workshop who messes up everything. When Everett dawdles on Christmas morning playing with one of the toys he finds himself left behind. Then he meets Sam who helps Everett get back to the North Pole and Everett learns that being "different" can be wonderful.

About the Author :
Marilyn Owen was born and raised in Hawaii. She lived in Cuba for two years as young child and she would love to return for a visit in the not too distant future. From a young child, Marilyn loved hearing stories and when older she became an avid reader. The small library on the island of Lanai turned into one of her favorite haunts. After graduating college, she taught elementary school in Gold Beach OR and the following year began her teaching career with Portland Public School where she shared her love of reading and writing with her young charges. She enjoyed putting her first graders on stage acting out songs or stories. They loved being in the spotlight. Several of her children's' stories have placed 1stplace or 2nd, or received Honorable mention in the Willamette Writer's Kay Snow Awards writing contest. Everyone Except Everett, illustrated by Michael Hague, is her first picture book. Michael Hague was born in Southern California in 1948. His mother, Marie, emigrated from England just after World War II and settled in California where she met and married Riley Hague. Michael is the eldest of three children. His mother introduced him to the stories and art in the fairytale books she enjoyed herself as a child. He attributes this and his mother's encouragement to pursue drawing while growing up, to his interest in becoming an illustrator. Michael Hague was influenced by a wide variety of artistic styles, ranging from the movies of the Disney Studios, to the oriental printmakers Hokusai and Hiroshige. His mother banned comics from their house when Michael was a child, which of course made them all the more attractive to the young artist. Exploring this genre he discovered the work of the comic artists Hal Foster and Windsor McKay. The artists from the Golden Age of Illustration such as Arthur Rackham, W Heath Robinson, Howard Pyle, and Dulac also influenced his work and he is an avid collector of their books and art. His study of classical fine art contributed to his skills in drawing, painting and composition. Mr. Hague describes his technique: Once the subject is chosen, I start out with very small compositional sketches. These small thumbnails are then enlarged to full-sized sketches, where I develop the details of the picture. From there I proceed to re-create these initial sketches as finished pencil illustrations. When these drawings are completed, I am ready to begin painting. Today I have added a new tool to the painting process of my work, the computer. Often I do the complete coloring process on the computer. Other times I paint and then rework the piece on the computer. It has opened up a whole new world of possibilities and I am still discovering new ways to paint and draw. About his work, Michael Hague says, I count myself as one of the most fortunate of beings. For as an artist I have not only the pleasure but also the duty to daydream. It is a part of my work. I have been a contented daydreamer all of my life, often to the exasperation of those around me. I have always wanted to be a book illustrator. Books are what got me interested in the art field in the first place. I try to infuse my illustrations with the same spirit that the author of the story produces in my imagination. I strive to create something from an empty canvas that becomes a whole other world that people can visit for a while and totally believe in - that's what is exciting to me as an artist. It doesn't matter whether it is a Greek myth or an American legend, my approach is the same, to try and blend fantasy with realism. In 1980, the classic novel, Wind in the Willows with illustrations by Michael Hague, ushered in a new era in children's books. During the following decades his artistic talents brought attention to this magnificent tale and other classics in children's literature. Millions of children and adults re-discovered these wonderful stories and delighted in the visions Michael created. Mr. Hague continues to work expanding his art to comics and graphic novels.

Review :
"Michael Hague's delicate lines, rich palette and whimsy always enchant. The spirit of Arthur Rackham is alive and well within his art." -Tony DiTerlizzi, co-creator of The Spiderwick Chronicles "A boy who wants a robot and an elf who can't help messing up make for a tale that's sure to become a Holiday favorite. Michael Hague's sumptuous illustrations are the icing on this Christmas cookie, certain to become a family tradition." Eric A. Kimmel, author of Anansi and the Moss-Covered Rock and Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins