I grew up near Buffalo New York in a family chock full of musicians, artists, and crazy people with a love for life. I started drawing as soon as I could hold a crayon and just never stopped. I knew from a very young age that I wanted to be an artist when I finally grew up. To that end I received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Visual Art from Messiah College with a concentration in Drawing and Illustration, and completed coursework from the Tyler School of Art. I worked for nine years as an artist and designer before returning to my first love: children’s book illustration. My experience includes illustrating and authoring more than twenty four children’s books, teaching art at the local Art Center, and publishing artwork with magazines and multiple publishing houses. I regularly speak at elementary schools and share my love of literature and art with children. I am also Co-Regional Advisor for the MD/DE/WV SCBWI and have mentored with EB Lewis. I live in Maryland and enjoy spending time with my husband and four young children, while working as an author/illustrator from my home studio during every spare moment.
Represented by Essie White at Storm Literary Agency https://www.stormliteraryagency.com
Alone Like Me
Liling and her family have moved from their rural farm to an overwhelming urban city. Because of Chinese law, Liling can't go to school and spends her days with Mama or Baba at work. At the playground, the other children throw sand at her and tease her old red coat and dirty shoes.
But after she shares a smile with a girl in a bright yellow jacket who lives in an apartment beneath hers, Liling has a big idea! She draws a picture and lowers it down to the girl--Qiqi--who returns it with a drawing of her own. When the new friends meet face to face, Liling takes Qiqi's hand, and they walk bravely into the park--together.
With luscious watercolor illustrations and lovely poetic text, this achingly beautiful story is about our universal desire for connection, and the comfort we feel when we find a true friend.
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If You Ever Meet a Skeleton
Skeletons might seem frightening, but if you look closer, there’s nothing much to fear. They can’t run fast, they’re terrible at hide-and-seek, and they’re scared of everything. When a group of trick-or-treaters runs into an actual skeleton on an enchanted Halloween night, they do whatever they can get away. But what does the skeleton really want? What if they’re just looking for a friend?
With distinctive, quirky illustrations and humorous rhyming text, this book invites you to find out whether this bag of bones is a trick or a treat!
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Someday I’ll Fly
In 1943, during World War II, Pam meets the Women’s Air Force Service Pilots, and discovers exactly what she wants to be. She even begins to build her very own plane. But when her friend becomes sick, Pam has to decide what is most important.
An adaptation of WINDSHIFT by Joyce Faulkner
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When I Go to Church, I Belong
Children with disabilities often struggle to fit in, but church can be a place where everyone is welcome and included!When I Go to Church, I Belong follows the story of six children, helping us better understand the experiences and feelings of those with special needs. And it reminds us that even though we have our differences, we also have so much in common.
Written by Elrena Evans and illustrated by Rebecca Evans, this message of inclusion and belonging can be enjoyed by children and the adults who read with them. Also included is a note from the author to encourage further conversation about the content.
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