I have approached the 'Roots" theme a little unconventionally, and am including a painting that reflects the earliest influence on my art: the illustrations found in children's books. This painting has been in the show 'Printemps!Spring!" at the Centre culturel Frontenac in Kingston, ON, running May--June 2003. Influences include Theodor Geisel (Dr. Seuss), Mercer Mayer ('One Monster After Another") and Ron Brooks ('The Bunyip of Berkeley's Creek').