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I graduated from Pratt Institute in 1981 with a desire to paint and draw cartoons and never thought of making books for children. Ironically, children's books satisfies both those ambitions. I began my career working as an illustrator for print publications such as Reader’s Digest, Family Circle, Woman’s Day and American Girl Magazine. In 1984 I began illustrating Young Adult book jackets and after painting the cover for Judy Blume’s Just as Long as We’re Together in 1987, the editor, Richard Jackson, approached me to illustrate a picture book; All I See, written by Cynthia Rylant.When Mr. Jackson noticed I would extend the text with my pictures and bring new ideas to a story, he encouraged me to write my own. I’ve since published 42 books for children, 14 of which I’ve written, including Ivan the Terrier, Matthew A. B. C. and Emily’s Art. I’ve illustrated for some wonderful writers including Mary Pope Osborne, Joanne Ryder, Megan McDonald, George Ella Lyon and Robert Burleigh.Since 1990, I’ve visited over 1400 elementary schools in 40 states showing students my creative process from inspiration to final book. I demonstrate clear examples of how to get ideas from combining real life with imagination and how to develop those ideas. I also draw in every program, showing basic tips and techniques so every student leaves my presentation empowered to create stories and pictures.

I graduated from Pratt Institute in 1981 with a desire to paint and draw cartoons and never thought of making books for children. Ironically, children's books satisfies both those ambitions. I began my career working as an illustrator for print publications such as Reader’s Digest, Family Circle, Woman’s Day and American Girl Magazine. In 1984 I began illustrating Young Adult book jackets and... More