Sara Varon is the creator of the first book I ever reviewed on this blog – Robot Dreams. I’ve been enjoying her work ever since, including Chicken and Cat Clean Up in 2009 and Odd Duck last year.

Today I’m happy to announce that Sara has a batch of new projects in the works. Let’s hear about them, Sara.

I’m excited to be working on a bunch of new books for the great folks at First Second!!

Right now, I’m working on a project called Sweaterweather. It’s a reprint of a book of short stories that I made in 2003 – my very first book!! The new version will be redesigned and have about 50 pages of new material. I believe it’s due out in Fall 2015.

(click on images to enlarge)

Next I’ll be working on a 192-page as-of-yet-untitled book about a donkey shoemaker named Francis who lives in a tropical village. Through a confluence of events, he is forced to leave the comforts of his village in search of a missing friend. His journey takes him into the jungle, where ha has lots of adventures, meets strange animals, and learns a little about fruits and plants. Here are some thumbnails.

This will be followed by a 32 page wordless picture book about a dog and his bird friend who get caught in a rainstorm. 

My 4th project, Darwinia will be another graphic novel/picture book hybrid, around 120 pages. The story follows an eponymous sea-faring monkey who sets sail on an around-the-world expedition with her companion (not by choice,) a spoiled poodle whom she discovers has stowed away on her ship. Written by TR Simon.

All coming (relatively) soon!!

Sara was also kind enough to take part in a quick illustrated interview…

I shoulda known! Thanks Sara.

And many thanks to Gina Gagliano at First Second for making this post happen.