Looking Out The Window: Meet Teen Illustrator Morgan Gardner

A Warm Welcome to Morgan Gardner

Illustrator for The Littlest Shepherd by Laverne Story Stanley

(Shown above with the author)

Hi Morgan, it's great to have you visit. Tell us the theme of this book? 

It follows a shepherd boy on the night of the birth of Jesus and his journey to seeing the newborn savior.

How did you meet the author?

I met Laverne Stanley through my mom. My mom said one of her friends needed an illustrator for the children’s book she had been working on. We met up and it just kinda went from there. It was a lot of fun!

What was your favorite part of the illustration process?

My favorite part was interpreting the author’s ideas of the scene, and then composing it. I also enjoyed drawing the little sheep.

What was the most difficult part?

Learning how to use the digital program I was using was a little difficult. I had just gotten my first drawing tablet and downloaded my program only a month or so before I met Mrs. Laverne, so I was still figuring out all the little bugs and things. Mrs. Laverne was very patient with me and a pleasure to work with.

Thank you for sharing, Morgan!

Morgan also shares her favorite Bible verse and her favorite recipe (one her grandmother makes).

Favorite Bible Verse and Why

“I consider our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” Romans 8:18

I like this verse because it’s a nice reminder that no matter how hard life gets, it’s only a temporary place, and we always have God and his kingdom to look forward to.

Favorite Recipe

Paella is one of my favorite comfort foods. It is a Spanish dish made with rice and seafood. My grandma, who lives in Spain, makes this for me every time she comes to visit. (I also just really like shrimp.) This recipe is close to the one she uses. Watch the fun video with the written recipe below it.

About The Littlest Shepherd

The Littlest Shepherd retells the story of the first Christmas through the eyes of a young shepherd, Thaddeus. It includes a touch of fantasy, which will appeal to young readers today. He spends a cold night in the hills above Bethlehem with his older brothers as they watch over their family’s sheep. All is calm until the wondrous appearance of a host of angels brings the message the Messiah has been born. While his brothers leave immediately for Bethlehem, Thaddeus remains behind to care for his sickly pet sheep, Little One. His sadness over having to stay is soon forgotten when another miraculous appearance brings him face to face with two of Israel’s greatest leaders and a surprising visit to the stable. While many of his questions are answered, he’s left with many more. This story teaches children the truth of the first Christmas, presenting the opportunity for discussion about Jesus and the meaning of His birth. Enhanced by beautiful illustrations, parents and grandparents will enjoy sharing The Littlest Shepherd with children ages 4-12.

Buy on Amazon

Bio:

Morgan Gardner began her artistic endeavors at the age of seven, crafting tiny figures from wax. No medium is beneath her, and her pencil is never idle. Her extensive travels as a military child, as well as her love of fantasy literature, inspire her work. Currently, Morgan attends high school in South Texas where she lives with her family of eight, including two howling German shepherds and two fat goldfish.