I am Smoke

Smoke itself acts as narrator, telling us how it has served humankind since prehistoric times in signaling, beekeeping, curing and flavoring food, religious rites, fumigating insects, and myriad other ways. Smoke speaks in mesmerizing riddles: "I lack a mouth, but I can speak…. I lack hands, but I can push out unwanted guests…. I'm gentler than a feather, but I can cause harm…."This rhythmically powerful narration is complemented by illustrations in which swirling smoke was captured on art paper held over smoky candle flames, and the dancing smoke textures were then deepened and elaborated with watercolors and Photoshop finishes. With this unique method, Merc� L�pez "let the smoke decide how the idea I had in mind would dance with it, giving freedom to the images." The resulting illustrations are astounding, and they resonate with the otherworldly text.

Henry Herz authored the picture books Mabel and the Queen of Dreams, Monster Goose Nursery Rhymes, When You Give an Imp a Penny, Little Red Cuttlefish, and Cap'n Rex and His Clever Crew. He's a member of the Society of Children's Book Writers & Illustrators.

Mercè López is an artist from Barcelona, Spain. She holds a degree in illustration from Llotja Art School in Barcelona. Her recent title Lion of the Sky: Haiku for All Seasons by Laura Purdie Salas received multiple starred reviews and was named a Center for Children’s Books Gryphon Honor Book, an NCTE Notable Poetry Book, a Kirkus Best Picture Book, and a Parents Magazine Best Kids’ Book, among other accolades. Learn more about the artist at www.mercelopez.com.