W H A T ' S • H A P P E N I N G
The Colliers wrap up new season
shoot for "KICKS Club" TV show
Kevin Scott Collier poses with KICKS Club's Elmer
Kevin and son Jarod to appear weekly on
national Christian children's TV program
KICKS Club TV wrapped up shooting material for the upcoming new season of the "KICKS Club" children's television program June 5-7. Pastors Rick and Kim Robinson, along with producer and cameraman Tony Robinson, set up a 6-hour shoot with Kevin Scott Collier in Holland, Michigan, on June 6, and captured over 30 illustration segments. 23 of the Drawing for KICKS segments featured Elmer interacting with Collier as the artist drew pictures based on the puppet's suggestions. Over a half dozen short segments were shot featuring Collier and his son Jarod, with Kevin turning doodles the youth made into completed illustrations. Jarod was also interviewed by Kim Robinson, in short segments where he explains activities he enjoys. A video clip was also shot of Kevin drawing for Elmer close-up that will appear in the opening credits of the show. The KICK Club program is one of only a few children's TV shows that is photographed in High Definition. Inset photo: Jarod Collier. Visit the Jarod Collier homepage.
The Upcoming New Season - 26 episodes will be edited and begin broadcast by September. The program will also include many segments featuring Jarod Collier and his friends, which Kristen Collier (wife and mother) shot using a Hi Def digital TV camera. KICKS Club is broadcast on cable networks Daystar, Golden Eagle, TCT, KTV, God's Learning Channel, WTVE TV, Lamb Broadcasting, CTN48 - Knoxville, and SuperChannel. Check your local listings. Program airs at 12:30 p.m. in Grand Haven on Charter channel 2.

Kevin and Kristen Collier chosen
as C Me Dance film essay judges
A Uplifting Entertainment production
Kevin and Kristen Collier have been selected to be two of the judges in a national essay contest for the new Christian movie release "C Me Dance." You can see the movie trailer here. The film will be released in April 2009 playing at theaters across the U.S.. Other judges include: Dick Rolfe, Co-Founder & CEO, Dove Foundation, Ron Hembree, Author/President, Cornerstone TV, Janet Folger-Porter, Author/Radio Host, Faith 2 Action, Chuck Sellier, Filmmaker, Grizzly Adams Productions, Isaac Hernandez, Filmmaker. TBN and Brenda Rossman, VP Programming, Smile of a Child.

"Go Green with Me!" wins the
2009 Book of the Year Award
Creative Child Magazine picks
Collier's illustrated picture book
Go Green with Me, written by Rebecca Mattano and illustrated by Kevin Scott Collier, has won the 2009 Book of the Year Award from the Creative Child Magazine annual Awards Program. The book, published by Little Environmentalists, placed in the Green Books for Preschoolers category. It walks children through a variety of ways we can conserve and recycle to help our planet. The Little Environmentalists, LLC, is an earth-friendly resource that publishes educational environmental materials for parents, children, and educators.

Colliers to judge fiction contest
Kristen and Kevin Collier will be among the judges for TRI Studio Books' Flash Fiction Contest for Writers. The winners will be announced in the July 2009 issue of The Fiction Flyer, the company's e-zine. See Contest Rules here. Those interested in participating in the contest should contact Kathe Gogolewski.

Cover for "Whispering Wally"
Collier completes "Whispering
Wally" for 4RV Publishing, LLC
Swimming into late 2009 release
Kevin Scott Collier has wrapped up work on his first picture book for 4RV Publishing, LLC. The book, Whispering Wally, which Collier wrote and illustrated, is expected to be released in the fall of 2009. The fable surrounds a mystery of why the largest creature in the ocean, a blue whale, would speak in a near silent, whispering tone. Collier created 25 illustrations for the title. It will be the only picture book written by Collier to be published this year.

Couple sees release of new
picture book collaboration
"Jumbo Shrimp" is published
The Jumbo Shrimp of Dire Straits, written by Kristen Collier and illustrated Kevin Scott Collier, from Guardian Angel Publishing. The 20 page children's picture book tells the tale of Capt. Luther whose shrimp boat business has fallen on hard times, thus he seeks to catch a legendary Jumbo Shrimp.

Illustration from "The Jumbo Shrimp of Dire Straits"
The book features 20 illustrations by Kevin. All royalties from the book will go to benefit St. John's Lutheran School of Grand Haven, Michigan, where Kristen and Kevin's son, Jarod attends.

Cover of "Professor Horace, Cryptozoologist"
Picture book exploring the world
of Cryptozoology is published
Professor Horace, Cyptozoologist, written and illustrated by Kevin Scott Collier, has been published by Guardian Angel Publishing. The title is a 20 page rhyming children's picture book about a Professor who goes in search of legendary and mythical creatures to entertain his curiosity. The book features 20 illustrations. Visit the Professor Horace's Cryptozoology Research Center to learn more about the book and cryptids. Proceeds from sales go to St. John's Lutheran School, Grand Haven, MI. Read a review here.

Leading Cryptozoologist Loren
Coleman recommends "Horace"
The leading the authority on cryptids, Loren Coleman has recommended "Professor Horace, Cryptozoologist" in a recent post on the CryptoMundo website. Coleman has authored many books on cryptids and gained worldwide recognition appearing on television programs as a spokesman on cryptozoology. Coleman suggested the book would make a good "Christmas gift" for youths.

Illustration from "And Then, Mama Said"
Illustrates Old Schoolhouse
magazine mascot in book
Debuting to 8 million website visitors,
reading campaign aimed at families
And Then, Mama Said, written by Gena Suarez, illustrated by Kevin Scott Collier for Guardian Angel Publishing. The children's book, based on The Old Schoolhouse Magazine's reading mascot Splish the Frog, shows children it takes patience and time to learn how to read, but the reward is enormous. Suarez is the publisher of The Old Schoolhouse Magazine, the fastest growing periodical for home school families. The magazine's resource website gets between 7-8 million visitors per month. The homeschool organization plans to order 1,000 copies to distribute to just through their website. The book is available online from Barnes and Noble, Amazon and other booksellers. Collier created a dozen illustrations for the project. Visit the Splish the Reading Frog Blog for a give-away book contest! Visit the Splish Product Page.

Cover for "The Booples: We're Brothers and Sisters"
Collier illustrates book based on
Dove Award winning DVD series
The Booples: We're Brothers and Sisters, written by Bear Cahill, illustrated by Kevin Scott Collier, based on the popular Christian music video DVD series, for Guardian Angel Publishing. In their first book, the Booples discover what it means to be brothers and sisters in the Lord. Ten animated, music DVD titles have been released and sold worldwide. The "Booples" have the endorsement of the Dove Association, the Parents' TV Council approved, and have won various awards. Bear Cahill writes, composes, and is the voice of the popular characters. "The Booples" was voted the Number 6 ranked Christian Children's DVD by America Online. "Veggie Tales" was number one. Read the Parents TV Council Review on the Booples.

Cover of "Elmer and the Mayflower"
Collier illustrates TV's Elmer
in KICKS Club book series
Elmer and the Mayflower, written by Pastor Kim Robinson, illustrated by Kevin Scott Collier, for KICKS Club Books, has been released. A whimsical, historical picture book featuring Elmer, star of the nationally televised "KICKS Club" children's television show, on his journey aboard the Mayflower and discovery of pilgrim settlers. KICKS Club Ministry is owned and operated by Rick and Kim Robinson. Collier created 20 illustrations for the book, a first in a series. The next in the series will feature Elmer and Ralph taking to the skies in an airplane. Visit the Kevin Collier Kicks Books page. See the Elmer and the Mayflower KICKS Club
episode.

Collier picture books score at
2008-09 N.Y. Book Festivals
First Place winner in 2008,
honorable mention in 2009
The New York Book Festival announced the 2008 winners of its annual competition honoring books that deserve greater recognition from the world’s publishing capital. Monty the Traveling Cat, written by B.J. Moesner and illustrated by Kevin Scott Collier won first place in the Children's Book division. The winners were celebrated June 27-28 last year in Manhattan. Over 20,000 people attended the event at Manhattan’s Central Park and browsed books, and listened author readings. "I entered the competition figuring not to win but to just get some exposure," Moesner said. "I have been in shock all day since I read Monty won. I thank God for you, Kevin, who took the pictures out of my head and put them on paper in such a vivid way." The book also just won an Honorable Mention in the children's division at the Hollywood (CA) Book Festival. See the complete 2008 New York Book Festival Award Results. In the 2009 New York Book Festival event, Baron Thinks Dogs are People Too! written by Laurie Dean, illustrated by Kevin Scott Collier, and Veronica and the Magic Fountain written by Sandi Bloomberg, illustrated by Kevin Scott Collier, won an Honorable Mention.

Collier picture book is finalist in
National Best Books 2008 Awards
A picture book illustrated by Kevin Scott Collier has placed as a finalist in the USA Book News National Best Books 2008 Awards competition. BiC’s Baptism, written by Robin Khoury, illustrated by Kevin Scott Collier, for Little Light Press, received a Finalist Award in the Children's Picture Book: Softcover Fiction division. Collier created over 40 illustrations for the book. Khoury is Christian inspirational and devotional speaker, and publisher of Little Light Press. Baby BiC is a baby Christian. His name is an acronym for Baby in Christ (B -i- C.) Visit the Baby BiC homepage.

"Natalie's Ark" chapter book
to see fall of 2009 release
Natalie's Ark, written by Kristen and Kevin Collier, cover illustration by Kimberly Sponaugle, to be published by Guardian Angel Publishing. On the day Natalie Nash turned 13-years-old, she pledged to herself she would fear no more. Then the levy broke, and she was swept away in a flood of biblical proportions... but, she was not alone. Joined by furry and feathered companions who assume the art of speech in a small ancient rowboat, Natalie rediscovers the power of faith on her journey home. The approx. 100 page chapter book is written for tweens.

Local Happenings

Book of hometown strange
legends, myths and history
Coming for Summer

Kevin Scott Collier is currently compiling a book, Strange Grand Haven, that will be published before summer featuring unusual and paranormal happenings in Grand Haven, Michigan and the surrounding area. The paperback, which includes over 50 entries, features information on area ghosts, cryptids, unusual creatures and U.F.O. sightings. The paperback will run 88 pages, and be available in area specialty stores.

Winsor McCay Day observes the
animator's birthplace w/ marker
Tribute to pioneer animator June 16th
Historical marker dedication, June 16 - pictured left to right: Ryan Cotton, Kevin Collier, Marci Cisneros Tom Truscott, Elizabeth Wheeler, Mark Miller, Dennis Swartout. Not pictured: Aaron Zenz. Click on photo to enlarge.
A historical marker was placed in Spring Lake, Michigan honoring animation pioneer Winsor McCay, on June 16, 2009. McCay claimed the city as his birthplace in 1871. The Marker, approved by the state, was dedicated during "McCay Day," part of the annual Spring Lake Heritage Festival. Among committee members on the McCay Memorial project is children's book writer and illustrator Kevin Scott Collier. Collier taught a McCay Cartooning Workshop at 2:00 p.m. during the event, and read a letter from Winsor Robert McCay, great-grandson of the animator, at the marker dedication ceremony.

Colliers judge Sand Sculptures
Kevin and son Jarod Collier were among the judges in the 2009 Grand Haven (MI) Sand Sculpture Contest which took place on City Beach. For a quarter century, residents and visitors of the Grand Haven area have enjoyed the challenge of building art in the sand by participating in the Sand Sculpture Contest. This year's event took place on June 27.

Television and Media News

"Drawing For Kicks" preview
on "KICKS Club" TV show
September 20, 2008
CLICK ON SCREEN BELOW TO PLAY ENTIRE SHOW
Also: November 9, 2008
"DRAWING ELMER IN THE PUMPKIN PATCH"
CLICK HERE TO PLAY ENTIRE SHOW
"KICKS Club" is broadcast on cable networks Daystar, Golden Eagle, TCT, KTV, God's Learning Channel, WTVE TV, Lamb Broadcasting, CTN48 - Knoxville, and SuperChannel. Check your local listings.
VISIT THE DRAWING FOR KICKS PAGE HERE
Read more about it in The Grand Haven Tribune
Read more about it in The Holland Sentinel

Christian Television and Movie
producers to contract Collier
Kevin Scott Collier has been approached by Studio 125, a Christian television and motion picture production company, for illustration projects. Collier is in contact with CEO Scott Stewart discussing details for a picture book on fire prevention, and also a possible book series.

Collier interviewed by Author's
Access, candid talk about artists
From Press Release
On October 16th, 2008 Tyler Tichelaar and Victor R. Volkman spoke with award-winning children’s book illustrator and author Kevin Colllier. He educated us on key areas of unique factors in designing and illustrating children’s books, including: how do authors and illustrators find each other, avoiding a creative tug-of-war with your artist, the importance of chemistry between author and illustrator, project management pitfalls, and how to choose the right number of illustrations for your book. Listen to Podcast here.
New York Times reviews Collier's
illustrated "Seal Beach" DVD
A review of The Legend of Seal Beach, a children's book turned Video-DVD movie, appears in the February 1, 2008 edition of the New York Times. The book and DVD, written by Dave McKnew, and illustrated by Kevin Scott Collier, was released in the fall of 2007. Lauren McKnew narrates the video, as Collier's original illustrations are presented with pleasant musical accompaniment. The article, written by Cammila Albertson, on appears on the New York Times Movie Page online. Purchase the DVD here.

New Picture Books On The Way

Cover for "Babysitting Sugarpaw"
Bear cub vs. babysitter
Babysitting Sugarpaw, written by Virginia Grenier, illustrated by Kevin Scott Collier, for Halo Publishing. The story of a little bear cub who tries to break all of the rules when a babysitter stays to watch over him. Grenier is the publisher of Stories for Children Magazine. It will be her first children's book. Collier is creating 16 illustrations for the project.
LinkIllustration for "Nicholas Picnics with the Dolphins"
Boy befriends pair of dolphins
Nicholas Picnics with the Dolphins, written by Sue Kreuter, illustrated by Kevin Scott Collier for DragonPencil Publishing. The story of a boy named Nicholas who goes on a ride with two imaginary dolphin friends and learns a tender lesson about using your head and going with your heart. Collier is creating 18 illustrations for the project.
LinkIllustration for "Sully's Topsy Tale"
Melodic snake loses his voice
Sully's Topsy Tale, written by Donna J. Shepherd, illustrated by Kevin Scott Collier for Guardian Angel Publishing. Shepherd and Collier's upcoming fourth (in a series) of Topsy Turvy books focuses on a melodic snake named Sully who suddenly loses his voice. Collier is creating as many as 20 illustrations for the project.

Cast of The Morphing Metric Family
Metrics become a Super Family
The Morphing Metric Family, written by Donna Scott-Nusrala, illustrated by Kevin Scott Collier for Halo Publishing. An educational story featuring a Super Family whose powers come in metric units. The children's picture book will include 28 full color illustrations by Collier.

Illustration from "Brett and the Magic Action Heroes"
Boy fascinated with action heroes
Kevin Scott Collier is pairing with author Sandy Bloomberg for a third time on a new children's book he is illustrating titled "Brett and the Magic Action Heroes." Collier has illustrated two books for Bloomberg released in 2008, "Ava and the Magic Tutu" (Outskirts Press), and "Veronica and the Magic Fountain" (Lifevest Publishing.) This new project tells the story of a boy who is fascinated with super heroes and the merchandise that accompanies the characters. Pictured: Sandy Bloomberg. Visit her website here.

Illustration from "The Skunk's Gift"
Skunk raises a parable stink
The Skunk's Gift- Tales, Tails and Parables, written by James Byers, illustrated by Kevin Scott Collier, to be published by Guardian Angel Publishing. Several illustrated stories featuring animals and creatures that explain lessons from scripture. Byers is a pastor and first time author.
LinkIllustration for "Peaches and Cream"
Pair of owls find a home
Peaches and Cream, written by Ricky Squires, illustrated by Kevin Scott Collier for Publish America. The story of two owl mates who lose their home to loggers, find a new place to live and settle down to start a family. Collier is creating 16 illustrations for the project.

Illustration from "Monty and the Church Mouse"
Sequel to award winning book
Monty and the Church Mouse, written by B. J. Moesner, illustrated by Kevin Scott Collier, for Xlibris Publishing. A sequel to the first place New York Book Festival 2008 winner, Monty the Traveling Cat. In the second book, Monty stumbles upon a mouse hiding out in the church kitchen. Collier will be doing 16 illustrations for the book.

Illustration for "Endless Journey"
Ants pilot paper airplane
Endless Journey: PPP-1 the Book, written by David Earl Thomason, illustrated by Kevin Scott Collier, for Xlibris Publishing. The story of a group of ants who fly on the world's perfect paper airplane. Thomason is an aviator and operates OneManAirShow. It is his first book. Collier is creating 25 illustrations for the project.
LinkCover of "Kahiau and the Night Marchers"
Hawaiian boy gets a fish wish
Kahiau and the Night Marchers, written by Melody Delostrico, illustrated by Kevin Scott Collier, for Xlibris Publishing. The story of two Hawaiian boys named Kahiau and Kaio. Kahiau catches an o'opu fish, who grants a wish for his release. The boy wishes to get a glimpse of the mysterious night marchers, and the secret unfolds in this story of faith. Collier created 14 illustrations for the book.

Cover of "Jaloopa, Home of the Poohba Baloo"
Boy visits whimsical fantasy park
A sequel also being completed
Jaloopa, Home of the Poohba Baloo, written by Mark Childs, illustrated by Kevin Scott Collier, for Xlibris Publishing A young boy named Juju is escorted by a two-headed Chief named Boo-Bup-A-Do through a magical fun-park in the land of Poobah Baloo. Collier created 24 illustrations for the project. A sequel to the book, also featuring 24 illustrations, is being completed, titled The Jaloopa Jalopy and the Funny Farm. Visit the Jaloopa site.

Cover illustration for "Who Am I?"
Discovering identity through God
Who Am I?, written by Angela Chapman Larson, illustrated by Kevin Scott Collier, for Start Again Ministries Publishing. This Christian picture book for children follows a first-grade girl named Rachel and her quest to find her own identity in a world filled with people from different countries, beliefs and histories. Collier created 21 illustrations for the project. Start Again Ministries Publishing has contracted Collier to illustrate as many as a dozen books for them over the next two years. The titles will be translated into several languages.

Magazine and Periodical Works

Illustration for "Breakfast in Bed" by Kevin Scott Collier
Illustrates poem for new issue
Stories for Children Magazine
A poem illustrated by Kevin Scott Collier titled "Breakfast in Bed" by Diana Murray appears in the January 2009 issue of Stories for Children Magazine. Murray, an active SCBWI member who belongs to an established poetry critique group, studied psychology and art and then worked as an Art Director in the field of graphic design. She is now focused on writing children’s picture books and poetry.

One of the three story illustrations for Bill Krik's story poem
Illustrates Bill Kirk story poem
for Stories for Children Magazine
Kevin Scott Collier created three illustrations for a story poem titled "A Snip-Clip Trip to Joe's Barber Shop" by Bill Kirk that appears in the March 2009 issue of Stories for Children Magazine. Bill Kirk is a children's author and freelance writer in Sacramento, California. After traveling around the world growing up and during two professional careers, Bill now devotes more time to his writing. He has several books pending publication for Guardian Angel Publishing.

Author and Wife Kristen Collier

Kristen Collier is an accomplished author and Kevin's wife. To read about her projects, visit the Kristen Collier blog page. Also, visit Kristen Collier's ShoutLife Profile Page. Kristen Collier writes freelance articles for the Fruitport Gazette, Muskegon Tribune and the Grand Haven Tribune newspapers. She also is a columnist for Chronicle of The Horse Magazine. As an author, she is contracted by Dragonfly Publishing, Living Waters Publishing and Guardian Angel Publishing. Visit Kristen's Young Writers Central page. Listen to Author Kristen Collier speak on Blogtalk Radio about "Joy the Jellyfish" and how the book originated.

Light Editing Services
by Kristen Collier
Email Inquiry Here
Have Kristen Collier bring your manuscript up to a polished, professional level. Content editing for picture books, articles, and short stories. Will consider chap books and novels. Credits: B.A., English, Picture book/YA author, Reporter/columnist for various newspapers/magazines, Co-owner/Editor, Tangerine Sky Productions, Ltd. (POD publishing services company), Co-taught youth writing class, Hope College (’08)


Contact


Address
Kevin Collier
1119 S. Despelder #6
Grand Haven, Michigan 49417
Telephone
Eastern U.S. Time Zone
(616) 846-1155

VISIT THE COLLIER'S HOMEPAGE HERE

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