2007 READING RUMPUS AUTHOR/ILLUSTRATOR LIST

DAISY THE PIG with FARMER MINOR-GRAND MARSHAL
Daisy is no ordinary pig—she’s a pig who inspires kids to read! Daisy is a pot-belly pig who has toured the country twice, has been invited to the U.S. Capitol, and has been featured in Weekly Reader and Time for Kids. Daisy’s snout has been kissed by more principals, politicians, and famous people than she can keep track of. Daisy lives on a farm in Bristol, Connecticut, but she spends time in the summer on Chebeague Island. Learn more about Daisy and Farmer Minor on their website: www.daisyminor.com

DEAN BENNETT
Dean was a professor at the University of Maine at Farmington for nineteen years with a special focus on science curriculum and environmental education. He was named Teacher of the Year by the Maine Audubon Society. Dean, who lives in Mount Vernon with his wife, is the author and illustrator of three children’s books based upon his own true animal experiences: Finding a Friend in the Forest, Everybody Needs a Hideaway, and The Late Loon.

KAITE CLARK
Katie has put her master’s degree in literacy education to good use by writing her own children’s books: Grandma Drove the Garbage Truck and Seagull Sam, both illustrated by Vermont illustrator Amy Huntington. Katie, who worked as a primary school teacher, lives in Brunswick where she home schools her two children.

STEPHEN COSTANZA
Stephen has not only studied music and the visual arts, but he has had a career in both fields—playing the piano professionally in a ragtime/classical music ensemble plus illustrating for magazines and books. In fact, Stephen’s second children’s book Mozart Finds a Melody combines his love of both music and art. Stephen, who lives in Belfast, is also the illustrator of Noodle Man: The Pasta Superhero. Samples of his art may be viewed at: paintedwords.com

JANE COWEN-FLETCHER
Before turning to children’s books, Jane served in the Peace Corps in West Africa. After working as a graphic artist, she began to write and illustrate children’s books, including: Mama Zooms, Farmer Will, Baby Angels, and others. Jane’s latest book Nell’s Elf, which features a lively elf party, encourages children to let their imaginations soar. Jane lives in South Berwick with her family.

LISA JAHN-CLOUGH
Lisa is the author-illustrator of ten picture books and the author of two young adult novels. Her picture books—ABC, Yummy; Alicia’s Best Friends; On the Hill; Little Dog—are character driven, with vibrant colors, and strong kid-appeal. Lisa lives in Portland and is the chair of illustration at the Maine College of Art

LYNN PLOURDE
Lynn, who was born in Dexter, raised in Skowhegan, and currently lives in Winthrop, is pleased to have two new picture books for 2007: Dino Pets and A Mountain of Mittens. Dino Pets is illustrated by talented newcomer Gideon Kendall and features a fun story followed by dinosaur facts. A Mountain of Mittens tells the story of a lost-and-found pile at a school which grows and grows and features humorous watercolors by Australian illustrator Mitch Vane. Lynn makes frequent author visits to schools in New England and beyond—sharing her seventeen picture books as well as writing advice.

(Lynn Plourde with Gideon Kendall, the Illustrator of DINO PETS)

LAURA RANKIN
Laura grew up in New York, attended the University of New Hampshire, and currently lives in Kennebunk. She is the author and illustrator of numerous children’s books, including the Boston Globe-Horn Book nonfiction award winner The Handmade Alphabet, as well as her more recent books Rabbit Ears, Fluffy and Baron, and Ruthie and the (Not So) Teeny Tiny Lie. Laura has also illustrated Alexander McCall-Smith’s (of The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency fame) detective books for young readers: the Harriet Bean series.

LEA WAIT
Lea lives in Edgecomb where she writes award-winning historical novels for children, including: Stopping to Home, Seaward Born, Wintering Well, and Finest Kind. These novels are based in the Wiscasset area during the 1800s. Lea is also the author of the Shadows Antique Print Mystery series, a finalist for the Agatha Award. Learn more about Lea and her books at: www.leawait.com