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Headline News & Announcements

Collier picture book wins First
Place at New York Book Festival
The 2008 New York Book Festival has announced the 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 and honorable mentions will be celebrated June 27-28 in Manhattan. Last year, 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 Honorary Mention in the Children's Book Division at the Hollywood (CA) Book Festival. More details on this when available. See the complete 2008 New York Book Festival Award Results.

Screen shot of "Kicks Club" television program host, Elmer
Collier in negotiations to illustrate
Elmer/KICKS Club TV show book
Kevin Scott Collier is in negotiations with Kicks TV Organization, producers of the Christian "KICKS Club" children's television program, to illustrate a book featuring Elmer the program's host puppet. KICKS Club TV is the brainchild of Pastors Rick & Kim Robinson. They have been reaching children through television, pastoring, and evangelism for twenty years. They produce fresh programs for kids regularly, even weekly, that are relevant, fast paced, and full of God's word. The program is broadcast on cable networks Daystar, Golden Eagle, TCT, KTV, God's Learning Channel, WTVE TV, Lamb Broadcasting, CTN48 - Knoxville, and SuperChannel. The first picture book Collier would illustrate has Elmer visiting historic Williamsburg, VA, Pastor Kim Robinson proposed. Visit the Kicks Club homepage. View Elmer/Kicks Club videos online.

Cover for "Professor Horace, Cyptozoologist"
Picture book exploring world of
Cryptozoology due this summer
Professor Horace, Cyptozoologist, being written and illustrated by Kevin Scott Collier, has been turned in and will be published this summer by Guardian Angel Publishing. The title will be 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 will feature 20 illustrations. Visit the Professor Horace's Cryptozoology Research Center to learn more about the book and cryptids.

Collier to illustrate book featuring
homeschool magazine's mascot
Kevin Scott Collier is entering into a contract to illustrate a book based on The Old Schoolhouse Magazine's reading mascot, Splish the Frog. The children's book, written by the homeschooling magazine's publisher, Gena Suarez, will be released into print by Guardian Angel Publishing this fall. The Old Schoolhouse Magazine is the fastest growing periodical for home school families, serving over 15,000 paid subscribers, and retail book store and newsstand sales with a quarterly circulation frequency.

Christian Television and Movie
producers approach Collier
Kevin Scott Collier has been approached by Studio 125, a Christian television and motion picture production company, as a possible project illustrator. Collier is in contact presently with CEO Scott Stewart concerning some print opportunities.

Artwork begins for book based on
Dove Award winning DVD series
Kevin Scott Collier has begun illustrations for a children's picture book of Bear Cahill's "The Booples." The book, "Booples," would be based on the popular Christian music video DVDs of the same title. Up to ten animated DVD have been released and sold around the world. A. The "Booples" have the endorsement of the Dove Association, the Parents' TV Council approved, and have won various awards. "Booples" was voted the Number 6 Christian Children's DVD by About.com. Collier illustration of Booples at left.
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.

Cover for "The Jumbo Shrimp of Dire Straits"
"Jumbo Shrimp of Dire Straits"
book turned in to publisher
The Jumbo Shrimp of Dire Straits, being written by Kristen Collier and illustrated Kevin Scott Collier, has been turned in to Guardian Angel Publishing. The title will be a 20 page children's picture book about a Skipper whose shrimp boat business has fallen on hard times, thus he seeks to catch a legend, an enormous Jumbo Shrimp. The book will feature at least 20 illustrations. Publication expected by the end of summer. Get a preview by visiting The Jumbo Shrimp of Dire Straits book page.

Cover Illustration by Kim Sponaugle
"Natalie's Ark" chapter book
to be released this fall
Natalie's Ark, written by Kristen and Kevin Collier, cover illustration by Kimberly Sponaugle, for Living Waters 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. This approx. 100 page chapter book for tweens is targeted to be published this fall.

The cover of "Hope the Angelfish"
"Hope the Angelfish" paperback
collection of fables is released
Hope the Angelfish, written and illustrated by Kevin Scott Collier, for Guardian Angel Publishing. A print/paperback edition of all of Hope's 10 adventures previously released only in ebook and CD format. Stories include themes addressing the homeless, discrimination, war, obesity, religion and more. Kevin created 10 illustrations, one each to accompany every story, and an all-new illustration for the book's cover. Visit the Hope the Angelfish page.

Colliers offered contract for a
"Joy the Jellyfish" sequel in 2009
Author Kristen Collier has agreed to write a sequel to her 2007 "Joy the Jellyfish" picture book. Dragonfly Publishing requested the sequel, which deadlines next February, with a spring 2009 publication date anticipated. Kevin Scott Collier, who illustrated the debut title, will return as artist on the sequel. Purchase "Joy" online from Amazon. Visit the Joy Homepage.

Recent and New Book Releases

Cover of "Trouble Finds Rooter and Snuffle"
Rascally raccoons return for 3rd
Trouble Finds Rooter and Snuffle, written by Shari Lyle-Soffe, illustrated by Kevin Scott Collier, for Guardian Angel Publishing. The third book in the series, the rascally, sibling raccoons return to confront trouble and affirm their faith in three all-new adventure chapters set in Cathedral Woods. Collier created 13 illustrations for the book. Shari lives in the woods in Southern Oregon and has been writing since 1998. She is a member of the SCBWI, and her work has appeared in Children's Playmate, Babybug, Ladybug, Highlights for Children, Hopscotch, and more. Read a recent interview with Shari Lyle-Soffe in Stories for Children online magazine. Listen to Shari's Interview on Blogtalk Radio's "Book Bytes for Kids." Visit the Rooter and Snuffle page.

Cover of "Rattlesnake Jam"
Snakes provide recipe for humor
Rattlesnake Jam, written by Margot Finke, illustrated by Kevin Scott Collier, for Guardian Angel Publishing. Pa wants a rattlesnake dinner with rice, but Gran cans the slithering serpents in jars processing a concoction she calls "rattlesnake jam." Collier created 30 illustrations for the project. Finke's children's books are available via download from Writers Exchange Publishing. Personally autographed CDs of her books, with a bonus links to her reading the stories, are only available from the Margot Finke Books Page. Listen to Margot talk about "Rattlesnake Jam" on Book Bytes for Kids on Blogtalk Radio. Read a Rattlesnake Jam article written by April Robins. Watch the video on YouTube.

Cover of "Maybe We Are Flamingos"
Why are flamingos pink, you ask?
Maybe We Are Flamingos, written by “Safari” Sue Thurman, illustrated by Kevin Scott Collier, for Guardian Angel Publishing. Flora and Fernando Flamingo hatch into a family of very tall, very pink flamingos. Soon the youngsters worry about why they are white. Maybe they're NOT Flamingos? The first-time author is producing and directing a television pilot aimed at igniting children’s creative thinking by unlocking their imaginations with books. Collier created 28 full color illustrations for the project. Read an Interview with Sue Thurman on Blogcritics. Watch the Maybe We Are Flamingos Video on YouTube. To schedule an appearance with the author, please email Sue Thurman.

Cover for "Sam Feels Better Now"
Boy in crisis finds solutions
Sam Feels Better Now!, written by Jill Osborne, illustrated by Kevin Scott Collier, for Loving Healing Press. A children's book/guide for recovery from emotional trauma, whereas juvenile readers will draw and write solutions into the book help a character named Sam feel better. Osborne, an EdS who resides with her husband in Covington, GA, professionally specializes in children and adolescents, play therapy, trauma, and persons who suffer from domestic violence or severe mental illness. This will be her first published book. Collier created more than two dozen illustrations for the project.

Cover of "Ava and The Magic Tutu"
Dancing into reader's hearts
Ava and The Magic Tutu, written by Sandi Bloomberg, illustrated by Kevin Scott Collier, for Outskirts Press. The children's picture book features 18 full color illustrations. Ava, at the age of six, is brought to Madame Grimble's Ballet School. She fails miserably and has no confidence in herself until she unlocks a long hidden trunk in her basement, and finds in it the answer to her ballerina dreams. This is Collier's first book with Bloomberg.

About the Author of the
above and below books...
Sandi Bloomberg is a prolific poet, essayist, and author of short stories and children's books. Her work has been published in many magazines and literary journals. Her monthly column, Sandi By The Sea, appears in Great South Bay magazine. As a former Radio City Rockette, Bloomberg is now getting her "kicks" from writing. In fact, many of her short stories and essays reflect her memories from the Music Hall. After retiring from professional dance, Sandi received a BA in English and Theater Arts from Adelphi University and taught English at the prestigious High School of Art & Design in NYC. She later owned and operated the North Shore Studio of Dance, in Huntington, Long Island, where she directed and choreographed the North Shore Dance Theatre.

Cover of "The Magic Fountain"
Wishes come in many colors
Veronica and the Magic Fountain, written by Sandi Bloomberg, illustrated by Kevin Scott Collier, for Lifevest Publishing. Collier created 16 full color illustrations, and the book cover. The story is about a new little girl in town named Veronica, who makes a wish in the park's fountain and witnesses the water transform into a rainbow of colors. The fountain only does this for Veronica's wishes and not for any of the other children of Holmsville. None of the children know why the fountain only sprays the colors of the rainbow for Veronica's wishes and not for theirs. Only Veronica holds the key to the Magic Fountain. This is the second book Collier has illustrated for Bloomberg.

Cover of "Lumpy the Elephant"
Ridiculed pachyderm wins hearts
Lumpy the Elephant, written by Diana M. Hawkins, illustrated by Kevin Scott Collier, for Lifevest Publishing. Lumpy the Elephant is treated as an outcast by the other toys, because he is so much bigger and less agile than they are. They never include him in their games and this makes him feel lonely and sad. There comes a day, however, when Lumpy’s companions find themselves in serious trouble. To their surprise they discover that Lumpy is the only one who can help them out of their predicament. Kevin created 12 illustrations for this book. Hawkins is a first-time author.

Cover of "No More Gunk!"
Good oral Hygene with humor
No More Gunk!, written by Donna J. Shepherd, illustrated by Kevin Scott Collier, for Guardian Angel Publishing. A picture book sequel of sorts to the 2006 Shepherd/Collier release Ouch! Sunburn!. This edition focuses on dental hygiene with serious applications but whimsical images. Kevin created 17 illustrations for the book and the cover. Current available as ebook and on CD, a print version will soon follow, expected to combine with "Ouch! Sunburn!" into one book. "No More Gunk" is Shepherd and Collier's fifth commercial release together. Listen to Donna J. Shepherd on Blog Talk Radio - "Book Bytes For Kids" program.

Cover of "BiC's Baptism"
Child is baptized in Christ
BiC’s Baptism, written by Robin Khoury, illustrated by Kevin Scott Collier, for Little Light Press. Assuring messages from Disciple Dan offers little comfort for baby named BiC, who fears his baptism day with Pastor Windy. It is Mr. Owl who provides some wisdom to the worrisome child. Collier created over 40 illustrations for the picture book. Robin Khoury has been Teaching kids for 25 years. About twenty years ago she began specializing in new Christian children. Miss Robin's New Christian Class takes a fresh approach teaching kids about salvation using activities. You can visit her Salvation Kids website and her Salvation Kids Blog to learn more. See the new Baby Bic Video on GodTube.

To purchase any of Kevin Scott Collier's written
or illustrated books, see column at right
for titles and link to online purchase.

Books Currently Being Illustrated

Cover for "Nothing Stops Noah"
Boy oversees havoc in pet store
Nothing Stops Noah, written by Shari Lyle-Soffe, illustrated by Kevin Scott Collier, publisher pending. The story of a boy named Noah who wants to buy a present for his Mom so takes a job in his Grandpa's pet shop. Grandpa leaves the store, and Noah in charge, and everything seems to go wrong. Can anything prevent Noah from getting his mom a present? Collier is creating over 24 illustrations for the project. See a preview of this upcoming book.

Illustration for "I Loved Her"
Girl faces Grandma's passing
I Loved Her, written by by Regina Pickett-Martin. illustrated by Kevin Scott Collier for Aardvark Global Publishing. The story of a little girl who faces grief on the passing of her grandmother. First time author Pickett-Martin's experiences range from teaching to working with children with disabilities. Collier is creating 12 illustrations for the book.

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 is creating 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.

Illustration for "Rupert and the Devil's Food Chocolate Cake"
Leprechauns return for sequel
Rupert and the Devil's Food Chocolate Cake, written by by Dorothy Koroly Johnson, illustrated by Kevin Scott Collier for Lifevest Publishing. A sequel to the 2007 book, Rupert and the Orange Jello Salad, this time the two mischievous leprechauns burrow into a tasty cake. Collier is creating 12 illustrations for the book.

Illustrated Books Pending Publication

Cover of "Dotty's Topsy Tale"
Two new "Topsy" picture books
coming soon from 2 publishers
Dotty's Topsy Tale, written by Donna J. Shepherd, illustrated by Kevin Scott Collier, for Living Waters Publishing. The second in a series, Chizzy the green monkey and Dotty the polka-dot pink hippo experience discrimination when they informed by a bloat of purple hippos they cannot play with a young member of their group. Collier created 14 illustrations for the book. Visit Donna's Topsy Tales Official Home Page.

Cover of "Topsy Turvy" title
A third in a series of "Topsy Turvy" books written by Donna J. Shepherd, is being illustrated by Kevin Scott Collier, to be released by Guardian Angel Publishing. The first book, "Topsy Turvy Land," was published by Hidden Picture Books Publishing. The second, "Dotty's Topsy Tale," is being published soon by Living Waters Publishing. The third book, in the works, will feature Chizzy the monkey and Dotty the hippo on a twilight romp through the jungle. Collier is creating 20 illustrations for the book. Visit Donna's Topsy Tales Official Home Page.

Cover of "If Rocks Could Speak"
Rocks in the Bible speak
If Rocks Could Speak, written by Holly Smalley, illustrated by Kevin Scott Collier, from Emerald House Publishing. A children's picture book exploring inspirational rocks of Bibical significance, but if they were to speak, what stories would they tell? Smalley attends writing classes at the Children's Literature Institute out of Connecticut and also has I worked as the Children's Director for Christ Church at Grove Farm in Sewickley Pa.

Cover of "Harkened to Call"
Noah's Ark sets sail once again
Harkened to Call, written by Angela Chapman Larson, illustrated by Kevin Scott Collier, for Start Again Ministries Publishing. This Christian picture book for children follows the tale of Noah and his ark. It is the first of a planned 12 picture books for Start Again Ministries. Collier created 19 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.

Cover of "Emily Over the Rainbow"
Fantasy brings new friendships
Emily Over the Rainbow, written by Amy D. Pitarra, illustrated by Kevin Scott Collier. Publisher in negotiation. Targeted for ages 3-6, the story about a little girl's journey to a magical land where she meets various animals that play different instruments. Collier created 12 illustrations for the book. Pitarra is a first-time author.

Cover of "What In The World Should I Be?"
Boy ponders careers in his future
What In The World Should I Be?, written by Debra M. Jones, illustrated by Kevin Scott Collier, for Publish America. Juvenile picture book explores careers and what children can grow up to be. Collier will be creating roughly 13 illustrations for the book. Debra Jones is a first-time author who resides in Ohio with her Husband, a Labrador and 3 cats.

Cover of "Kayden in the Mystical Land of Damage"
Young lad confronts evil beast
The Epic Poem of Kayden in the Mystical Land of Damage, written by Chad Sourbeer, illustrated by Kevin Scott Collier, for DragonPencil Publishing. Collier created 11 full color illustrations, and the book cover. The story involves a young boy named Kayden who discovers a magical story that casts him into a fantasy realm to confront evil. Chad is the author of "Brandon's Day at the Fire Station," published by Lullalee Publications.

Cover of "Repair for Kids"
Collier illustrates book cover
Repair for Kids, written by Marjorie McKinnon, cover illustrated by Kevin Scott Collier, for Loving Healing Press of Ann Arbor, Michigan. A children's book and program for recovery from incest and childhood sexual abuse, sponsored by The Lamplighter Movement. The book, already published, will feature the new and revised cover by Collier upon reissue.

Cover of "Monica Mouse"
Gentle mouses learns to pray
Monica Mouse, written by Kelley Brooks, illustrated by Kevin Scott Collier, for Lifevest Publishing. The story of a little mouse who is concerned about if she is saying her prayers the right way for God to listen. Collier is created 14 illustrations for the book and the cover. Brooks is a first-time author.

Cover for "Peter Potato in: The African Adventure"
6th Peter Potato book completed
Peter Potato in: The African Adventure, written by Ronald Harvie, illustrated by Kevin Scott Collier, for New World Publishing. The sixth in a children's chapter book series, Peter and companions visit Africa. Kevin is created 12 illustrations for the book. The author resides in Australia.

Cover of "Peter Potato in: The Way Home"
5th Peter Potato book completed
Peter Potato in: The Way Home, written by Ronald Harvie, illustrated by Kevin Scott Collier, for New World Publishing. The fifth in a children's chapter book series, Peter has to find his way back to his native land of Australia. Kevin is created 12 illustrations for the book. The author resides in Australia.

Cover of "Peter Potato and the Search for the Diamond"
4th Peter Potato book completed
Peter Potato and the Search for the Diamond, written by Ronald Harvie, illustrated by Kevin Scott Collier, for New World Publishing. The fourth in a children's chapter book series, Peter travels to America, skipping through all 50 states with companion Lebo the cucumber, in search of a magic diamond. Kevin created 12 illustrations for the book and the cover. Harvie resides in Australia.

Illustration from "Baron thinks Dogs are People, Too!"
Family dog imagines he's a person
Baron thinks Dogs are People, Too!, written by Laureen Schiesz, illustrated by Kevin Scott Collier, for DragonPencil Publishing. Collier is created 21 full color illustrations for the project. The story involves a family of four, and one very happy and active dog named Baron. The tale is based on a real-life dog from the author's childhood named Corky. Schiesz is a first time author.

Cover of "The Race with B.J. Bunny and Trevor Tortoise"
Hip Hop tortoise and hare tale
The Race with B.J. Bunny and Trevor Tortoise, written by Tracy Anderson, illustrated by Kevin Scott Collier for Xlibris Publishing. The story is a rewrite of the classic race between a bunny and a turtle with the moral still being "slow and steady wins the race". Writer Tracy Anderson enjoys making lessons relevant to young children today thru bringing the classic tales into the new millennium. She has a young daughter who enjoys storytelling activities and keeps her motivated to write. Collier is created 16 illustrations for the book.

Books Currently Being Written

Cover Illustration by Kim Sponaugle
Mysteries with hometown twist
Grand Haven Mysteries for Tangerine Sky Books. A short chapter book, "Secret of One-Legged Ollie" kicks off the series. Andy and his friends discover someone has left an artificial leg inside the closed Grand Haven Skate Park and launch an investigation into the identity then a hunt to find a one-legged skateboarder. Cover illustration by Kim Sponaugle. The 60-page pocket-sized paperback will retail for $6.00 and be on sale locally in Ottawa County, Michigan, and online, by September 2008.

"Esther" sequel in the works
Gack Vanishes for Baker Trittin Press. The long awaited sequel to Kevin's 2005 book, "Esther's Channel." Esther, the painted turtle, tries to adjust to her new life out in the cove on Silver Lake while dealing with mysterious disappearance of her best friend, Gack, the red-winged blackbird. Madame Sweeney, the wise ancient Blanding turtle, and Skitters, the water bug, will be featured in major supporting roles. Several creatures from the first tale will reprise their roles, and a few all-new characters will be introduced as well; Fitch the praying mantis, a bat named Banister and a menace known only as Drax. Kevin is working on chapter illustrations for the book and the cover.

Current Magazine Works

Stanley Bookman illustration excerpt by Collier
Illustrates contest winners' tales
for Stories for Children Magazine
Kevin Scott Collier has two illustrations to accompany two different "Stanley Bookman" stories coming out in the August and September issues of Stories for Children Magazine. The art will be featured with two contest winning stories written by Evan Cottrell, age 10, and Caitlin Pierce, age 12, which feature the magazine's mascot.

Collier illustrates "Summer
Reading" mascot for magazine
Kevin Scott Collier is creating promotional illustrations for the Summer Reading Splash program for The Old Schoolhouse Magazine and Home School Blogger. The Old Schoolhouse is a glossy, full-color magazine packed with information and articles that home schoolers enjoy reading and has a global circulation. Deborah Wuehler is the Senior Editor.

Collier interviewed in CW
Kevin Scott Collier was interviewed in an article published in the April 2008 edition of Children's Writer, the Newsletter of Writing and Publishing Trends. The article, titled "Oceans of Markets: From Marine Science to Sea Stories," written by Katherine Swarts, explores marine life in children's books. Collier comments on his work in the book Joy the Jellyfish, written by his author/wife, Kristen. Prominent publishers and editors are also featured in the article.


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.

Thank You for Visiting

Kristen, Jarod and Kevin Collier.

VISIT THE COUPLE'S HOMEPAGE HERE


Contact

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