COVER
COLLECTION
1
author &
about basie &
paisley
illustrator
AUTHORJames Robert Miller, Basie & Paisley AuthorAlways the daydreamer, James has constantly had ideas to create. Years of creative thoughts culminated one day in 2007 when the most spontaneous and ridiculous inspiration came to light A Spider Lives In My Belly Button. From that particular moment, James knew he had a new goal to publish a childrens book series. Upon the birth of James first daughter, Ella, in 2006, becoming a father held new beginnings, new life, new experiences, and a new appreciation for lifes simple moments; and with a new look on life James got to work on writing and developing his first childrens book.Miller strongly believes in the arts, and that every child should have exposure to art, books, music, and theatre. Miller, not an artist by any means, instead sang from elementary school through college, performed in plays and musicals and even sang with Bob McGrath of Sesame Street. Additionally, James was a radio DJ at WXOU 88.3 FM hosting two shows called The Jimmy Swing Broadcasts and The Top 40 Conspiracy. Currently, James serves as the PR/Media Committee Chair for BravoBravo! in Detroit, which is an event benefitting the Michigan Opera Theatre.Moving forward, James now focuses his creative efforts on Basie & Paisley. More books are in the works that will feature new friendly monsters, and much more. Miller hopes that, with his books, he can inspire children that no idea is too silly, and that dreams can come true with hard work, dedication, and daydreaming!James Robert Miller, 33, resides in Waterford Township, Michigan with his wife, Karen, and daughters, Ella Rose and Evelyn Violet, who inspire him every day. James is the public relations manager at Publicity Works.ILLUSTRATORLeslie A. Kelly, Basie & Paisley IllustratorIllustrating childrens books has always been a dream of Leslies. When her brother, Jim Miller, approached Leslie a couple years ago with the story, A Spider Lives in my Belly Button, Kelly was thrilled to create the wonderful characters that would become Basie and Paisley. Kelly has always had a creative heart and a love of all things art related. Leslies college career quickly became centered around art classes at Oakland University, including drawing, painting and photography. She then transferred to the University of Michigan to major in graphic design where she continued to take fine art classes as well, but she fell in love with the possibilities that computer graphics held. From college Leslie became an Art Director/Graphic Designer, making a career of her graphic design skills. Leslie states, Basie and Paisley have been such a joy to work on. These books are all me and my brother and our imaginations, inspired by our own life experiences and family moments. Working on these books gives me so much freedom and allows me to do something Ive always dreamed of doing.For Leslie, it is the perfect mix of her background in fine art and graphic design. The style she created from Jims words and thoughts is fun, graphic and a little retro. Leslie is very proud to present the Basie & Paisley books to the world with her name on the covers. Leslie Kelly was born in Madison, Wisconsin and has lived in Waterford Township, Michigan most of her life. She currently works as a Graphic Designer in Commerce, Michigan. Leslie is 30, and married to Patrick Kelly.
TOPS
a spider lives in
my belly button
a spider lives in my belly button
basie hello
Basie at Little Monsters
basie drums
basie scooter
p2200122
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a spider lives in my belly button
basie hello
Basie at Little Monsters
basie drums
basie scooter
p2200122
DRESSES
a monstrous
smile
A Monstrous Smile
picture 19
picture 27
p3060137
picture 3
picture 28
3
A Monstrous Smile
picture 19
picture 27
p3060137
picture 3
picture 28
PANTS
basie & paisley
in the media
My Four Monkeys
Detroit Mommies
Metro Parent Magazine
Oakland County Moms
MotorCityBlog
Rock And Drool
4
Monkeys
Metro Parent
D Mommies
MCB
OakCntyMoms
Green
COMPANY
testimonials
"There is something about the two monsters that are so endearing and is sure to put a smile on your face as you read their little stories to your children." Rock And Drool Blog"Basie and Paisley will become your child's newest friend." My Four Monkeys Blog"This is a great book for pre-schoolers who are beginning to read on their own- my daughter can't wait for the page to flip so she can recite the funny antics of Basie and his spider." J. Popelier, Royal Oak, MI"Adorable illustrations with beautiful detailing. The storyline builds imagination and not only do my grandchildren love it, but I, as adult, do as well." Judy Ridgway, Annapolis, MD"Great illustrations...simple reading...memorable...kids will want to read it again and again!" T. Pyykkonen, Clarkston, MI"I initially fell in love with the illustrations of the two monsters Basie and Paisley, but after reading the books... I fell in love with the stories as well." DetroitMommies.com"My daughters hung on to every sentence of A Spider Lives In My Belly Button." DetroitMommies.com"I love all of the things that make Paisley smile in A Monstrous Smile. I smiled while reading it." DetroitMommies.com"... any little boy's dream book." My Four Monkeys Blog"I thought it was great that she picked unique and exciting adventures like racing in a soap box derby, but also activities that the normal child enjoys like splashing in rain puddles." My Four Monkeys Blog"They are her all time favorites. I have to read them every night before bed or she will not go to sleep. She truly loves these books. She knows them verbatim now. She even has separate voices for each character. Cutest thing ever. We even took them to her classroom for show and tell. We read them, and then invited the children to come up and view the autographs. You're famous in one small town pre k, that's for sure." Cheryl Wilson, Atoka, OK
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basie & paisley online
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Facebook Fan Page
Facebook Friend Page
Youtube
buy basie & paisley books
- Amazon - A Spider Lives In My Belly Button
- Amazon - A Monstrous Smile
- Brilliant Sky Toys & Books, Rochester, MI
- Catching Fireflies, Berkley & Rochester, MI
- CreateSpace - A Spider Lives In My Belly Button
- CreateSpace - A Monstrous Smile
- Great Turtle Toys, Clarkston, MI
- Little Monsters, Lake Orion, MI
- Love Child, Royal Oak, MI
- Postal Annex, Waterford Township, MI
- Union General, Clarkston, MI
-
Village Toy Shoppe, Milford, MI
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