Newtown resident Paul Meisel is the illustrator for more than 70 picture and early reader books. His newest children's book, Good Night, Bat! Good Morning, Squirrel! was released in September by Boyds Mills Press.

The story is about a friendship between the main characters, Bat and Squirrel. Bat searches for a place to call home, while Squirrel is reluctant to accept her unwelcome guest. Through a series of misinterpreted notes, the two learn the impact their words and actions have when establishing a new relationship.

"It's about opposites, since one's diurnal and one's nocturnal and how they get along and make compromises," explained Mr Meisel. "Teachers and reviews [of the story] have noted it's a good book to learn how to communicate accurately, like writing what you mean."

The humorous tale of miscommunication is told through early reader text and colorful illustrations.

Mr Meisel has primarily illustrated children's books since 1985, after his first son was born. Good Night, Bat! Good Morning, Squirrel! is his fourth book as both illustrator and author.

"I am at a point in my career," said Mr Meisel, "where it is good to self-generate projects and present them all in one package. Publishers are looking for that often."

His award-winning book See Me Run, which he wrote and illustrated, won a 2012 ALSC Theodor Seuss Geisel Honor. The story was inspired by his Labradoodle named Coco and her adventures at the local dog park. Specifically, how none of the other dogs could catch her because she ran so fast.

"This book was specifically for struggling and first-time readers. It's very basic," Mr Meisel said.

See Me Run was such a hit with its target demographic that a sequel followed. See Me Dig was inspired by Coco's insatiable habit of digging for moles in the family's yard. Another book in that series is in the works.

Father-Son Creations

Mr Meisel's next official release is a collaborative project that he worked on with his oldest son, Peter. The father and son duo created two children's chapter books, where Mr Meisel did the illustrations and his son wrote the story.

"It's fun to be paired up with my son," Mr Meisel said.

The books are called Stinky Spike The Pirate Dog They are set to be the introduction to the new Read & Bloom series from Bloomsbury, and will be individually released in March.Stinky Spike and the Royal Rescue. and

"It's geared for slightly older kids, who read chapter books with illustrations," said Mr Meisel.

Not only did he work with his oldest son, but Mr Meisel says the rest of his family helped participate during the book writing process by offering their helpful edits.

Some of the first incarnations of the story included the title originally being called Stinky Pete, but due to another book with an animal character named Pete they switched the name to Spike.

"That was the hardest part," explained Mr Meisel "coming up with an alternate name."

Mr Meisel said both he and his son would like to get more opportunities to work together again in the future.

Whether he is the author or the illustrator of a book, Mr Meisel truly enjoys the positive impact he can have on his audience.

He says the most rewarding part is "knowing that I can help a child learn how to read and hopefully have fun doing it."

To learn more about Paul Meisel, visit paulmeisel.com. His books are available for purchase on Amazon, as well as at independent book sellers and Barnes & Noble.