How do you diffuse a potentially creepy situation? You draw cute pictures and romanticize it, of course. Australian-born Sophie Blackall is a Brooklyn based artist who has done just that. Over the course of her career she has illustrated over twenty children's books; and has won several awards including the Ezra Jack Keats Award, a BCCB Blue Ribbon Picture Book Award, and the Founders Award from the Society of Illustrators.

Her latest book Missed Connections veers of her normal path and delves into the hidden romance on Craigslist, believe it or not. In 2009 she started a blog  where she posted a series of paintings based off actual anonymous Craigslist 'Missed Connections' postings. For anyone not familiar with Craigslist's 'Missed Connections,' it's a forum where one can post anonymous messages to strangers they were attracted to but failed to approach.  Example: "Saw you in the subway, stared at you from Canal to 103rd Street. You looked a little uncomfortable, but I kept staring anyway as sweat beaded up on my upper lip. Hope I didn't creep you out. If you felt the spark too, get in touch. (p.s I swear I've never done this before.)"

Stories like  'Bleeding Nose on the F Train,''Bonsai Girl,' and 'Scrabble Tattoo on Roof” are illustrated in Chinese ink and watercolor along with the actual posting and date of the 'Missed Connection.' The illustrations are quite beautiful, entertaining, and humorous. Having said that, Craigslist is still creepy.