The Big Fish - Linda Clearwater

The Art - Life is full of deadlines, and when you're a freelance illustrator they all seem to come at once. When I received the news about Submarines on Parade I was already illustrating four books for Reader's Digest Children's Publishing. The deadline for books, and sub were, of course, the same week. The characters and style of illustration for the books had already been determined, so it seemed inevitable on such a tight deadline that the art of books and sub might merge. The little girl on the sub is modeled after one of the characters in the books. And she's riding a fish because ... well, look at the shape of the sub - It's a BIG FISH! - Linda Clearwater

The Artist - A graduate of Moore College of Art in Philadelphia, Linda has worked as an illustrator and designer since 1979 with clients including The Bridgeport Post, The Bridgeport Telegram, and The Philadelphia Enquirer. She has received awards for her feature illustrations and page designs from AP and UPI and has garnered recognition for her paintings through the Milford Fine Arts Council exhibits. A published poet, Linda's hobbies include painting, gardening, sewing, singing and song-writing. She is currently working with Reader's Digest Children's Publishing, designing and illustrating children's books.