Her Words, My Pictures

In 1994, writer Anne Peterson and her artist husband, Michael, started collaborating after a friend made the suggestion. Anne put her poems with Michael's pen illustrations, creating their first collection of matted poetry pieces.

Years later, when Anne needed to expand her illustrated poetry, she turned to her daughter, Jessica, who always had her camera in hand. Little did she know that Jessica was also an artist like her father. Anne began collaborating with her daughter as early as 2004. Those pieces grew into a collection that is always growing and changing. Anne's poetry falls under many themes, including relational, memorial, inspirational, and encouragement. You can see a sample of their pieces below. While many are illustrated with Jessica's photography, some show her drawings, and more recent pieces feature her digital paintings.

Their newest pieces are 6x9 poetry plaques, printed on MDF board, accented with twine. Every piece has an easel back for table display, and a metal hanger on the back if you'd like to hang it. These plaques would make a great gift for someone special in your life.

To visit their online shop, click here.

In addition to the poetry pieces and books, they have started offering greeting cards, and notecards. Some cards are blank inside, while others have a message or short poem written by Anne. If you're looking for a card for a special occasion, Anne and Jessica's cards are sure to touch someone's heart and let them know how much you care.

They sell their cards at in-person shows, but their notecard sets will soon be available to order online. Below are a few samples. The boxed set pictured below contains 10 notecards with illustrations from their book, The Crooked House. These can also be purchased as individual cards.

"Jessica's whimsical illustrations and Anne's lyrical voice tell a story that is helpful for anyone who has ever felt ashamed, embarrassed or fearful of being different. Yet what I love most is how the story unfolds and reveals that being different is not a bad thing at all. We were all made unique by the Master Creator, yet all were made in His image. That's something to celebrate."

-Dr. Michelle L. Bengtson, Author 

"If you have ever, for a minute in your life, felt that you didn't quite fit in or something about you was 'different' or 'wrong,' then you can relate to this beautiful book by Anne Peterson. I was enchanted by the story. This is the kind of children's book that will also touch the adult reading it to the child. It is simply beautiful."

-Shelby Ketchen 

"My grandchildren LOVE this book. It's so well-written and best read aloud for the rhyming effect. The illustrations and message touches the hearts of us all, both children and adults. It's the telling of stories that busts through the shame of our differences and 'crooked house' of our lives!"

-Judy Herman 

"This book makes light of the things that go bump in the night and that raise our hackles as we ponder them. But, never fear, it's all lighthearted fun. These poems help us see how the things that scare us often are just figments of our imagination. This poet/artist, mother/daughter team hits just the right note of making scary fun. This book is sure to delight anyone who reads it."

-The Sycamore Review 

"Jessica's artwork coupled with Anne's writing is a match made between worlds. Drifting among the living & dead, the light & shadows, the seen & unseen - the book allows your imagination to drown in the mini-mysteries. Fantastic and fun!"

-Nikole Cooney, Artist