Staff Writer

PLATTSBURGH — Egyptomania and barnyard fever struck Julie Appel and Amy Guglielmo in their newest Touch the Art series books, "Tickle Tut's Toes and "Catch Picasso's Rooster."

A length of mummy cloth and a pyramid's corrugated-cardboard inset are among the touchable features in the fun and vibrant book about the boy king.

"We knew we wanted to do something a little different," said Guglielmo, an artist and Plattsburgh native. "Kids love everything Egyptian. We thought that would be a really good one to do. We try to have a theme for each book."

FLEXIBLE WHISKERS
"Feed Matisse's Fish," the first in the series, was supposed to be a Picasso book but it didn't work out at the time. The title page of "Catch Picasso's Rooster" sports a jaunty rooster with a tuft of red feathers.

"We wanted to do an animal book," Guglielmo said. "We saw the Picasso rooster. It was so funny. Picasso has six different versions of a rooster, maybe more. All the farm animals are a natural for kids. It's fun to introduce them to art through pictures of art."

Artist Henri Rousseau's "The Tabby" has long, flexible whiskers. Albrecht Dürer's "Hare" has silky brown fur. Milton Avery's "Sheep" has cottony white wool.

"I read it (to children) for the first time last week, and the kids were making all the sounds. They are way, way into the animals," Guglielmo said.

Sterling Publishing started the series in 2000. It includes "Make Van Gogh's Bed," "Pop Warhol's Top" and "Brush Mona Lisa's Hair."

"The first four books went into fourth printings. They kept running out of them. They were picked up at museum stores, department stores and turn up in funny places. They connected with parents as well as kids."

Barneys in New York did a whole Andy Warhol Christmas display.

"They had our book there," the artist said. "That was really exciting and funny. We sold over 250,000 books. That's a lot for kids books."

A successful kids book sells around 10,000 copies, she said.

"It's nice to know people like them," she continued. "A grandparent said, 'My granddaughter recognized the Mona Lisa on the side of the bus.'"

PLATTSBURGH AGAIN
Since children have touched the books, they and their parents have a completely different museum experience, Guglielmo said.

"People say, "When are you coming out with new ones? We're sick of reading those every single night.' There are two more coming out in the spring, 'Count Monet's Lilies and 'King Henry's Treasure."

The former is a counting book, and the latter is a treasure hunt with a dragon in the mix. The series was originally pitched for television to Nickelodeon, PBS and other networks.

"At that time, the networks were looking for a music series for kids. We're only now realizing how important art is for kids. It also stimulates kids. It's one of the first things that gets cut in schools, and it's so important for different learning styles."

The books have been used to teach those with autism, visual impairment and who have special needs. For Guglielmo, the books' success has allowed her and her husband, Brian Giebel, also a writer, to relocate from New York City.

"I can work anywhere," she said. "I'm back in Plattsburgh. That's been pretty amazing. I have the flexibility to work from here and be close to my family and the place I love. That's a huge bonus for me to be able to make a living here."

Nov. 7, she will be at a book launch and signing at the North Country Cultural Center for the Arts in Plattsburgh. There will be a story time and arts projects for children — sand drawings and collage.

"And there will be snacks," Guglielmo said. "I used to take art classes at the art center. I definitely want to give back. That was part of my education. I was taking a sculpture class there last week with my mom (artist Judy Guglielmo). We're lucky to have that for kids and adults in the community. I want to make sure people get that. Art is accessible, and we have opportunities here in Plattsburgh.

"I left New York to pursue my art in Plattsburgh. It's crazy but it's true."

E-mail Robin Caudell at: rcaudell@pressrepublican.com