2007-05-13T09:14:00.290-04:00

W H A T ' S • H A P P E N I N G

Top of the Page Announcements

Illustration from "Professor Horace, Cyptozoologist"

Work begins on new picture book
exploring world of Cryptozoology

Professor Horace, Cyptozoologist, being written and illustrated at the moment by Kevin Scott Collier, to be contracted for print 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. Get a preview by visiting the Professor Horace's Cryptozoology Research Center page.

N.Y. Times reviews Collier 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.

The cover of "Hope the Angelfish"

"Hope the Angelfish" 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.

Illustration from "The Jumbo Shrimp of Dire Straits"

"Jumbo Shrimp of Dire Straits"
picture book project underway

The Jumbo Shrimp of Dire Straits, being written by Kristen and Kevin Scott Collier, illustrated Kevin Scott Collier, publisher pending. 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 18 illustrations. See a sneak preview here.

Visit the couple's new Homepage

CLICK ON PHOTO BUTTON ABOVE TO GO THERE

Information about these new titles and more...

A new homepage is now online that features the works of husband and wife writing team Kristen and Kevin Collier. Find information there about their new children's picture book "Joy the Jellyfish," short tween chapter book "Dreamchaser," and the upcoming Christian teen chapter book "Natalie's Ark".

Current Book Releases

Cover of "Maybe We Are Flamingos"

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. To schedule an appearance with the author, please email Sue Thurman.

Cover of "Trouble Finds Rooter and Snuffle"

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 "Ava and The Magic Tutu"

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"

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 "The Lazy Leopard"

The Lazy Leopard, written by Norma Faulkner, illustrated by Kevin Scott Collier, for Writers Exchange E-Publishing. The Leopard is usually an excellent hunter, but this one wanted to get his food the easy way. However, he was no match for Gazelle and the god, Nkondi, who taught Leopard that there is no reward for laziness. This legend is from the former Belgian Congo which lay on the African plateau, mostly in the great, flat depression which formed the basis of the Congo River. Collier created 10 interior story pictures and the book's cover. Faulkner has one other book from a different publisher.

Cover of "Lumpy the Elephant"

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 the book. Hawkins is a first-time author.

Cover of "No More Gunk!"

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.

Monty, the Traveling Cat, written by Becky Moesner, illustrated by Kevin Scott Collier, for Xlibris Publishing . “Monty, The Traveling Cat” is based on the true story of his experiences in the motorhome. While traveling and seeing sights across the United States, he transformed from being a scaredy-cat to being a traveling cat. Kevin created 15 illustrations for the book and a cover. Moesner is a resident of Berks County, Pennsylvania, and is a first-time author.

Go to Kevin Scott Collier's ShoutLife Page for an easy and complete list of all of his written and illustrated books. Includes cover reproductions, credits, book synopsis and online purchase link.

Books Currently Being Illustrated

Start Again Ministries, Inc., of Forth Worth, Texas, has selected and contracted Kevin Scott Collier to illustrate as many as a dozen Christian children's books, which they plan to begin publishing this year. "It has been a long search (for the right artist)," Director Angela C. Larson said, "but one that we believe has paid off greatly." Most of these books will be translated into other languages to serve an overseas market, as well. Collier will create 18 illustrations for the first title, "Harkened to the Call," written by Angela Chapman Larson, a tale based on the scriptural account of Noah's Ark. Start Again is associated with the Christian Broadcast Network and Trinity Broadcasting Network.

Cover of "Peter Potato in: The Way Home"

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 creating 12 illustrations for the book. The author resides in Australia.

Illustration from "Sam Feels Better Now"

Sam Feels Better Now: An Interactive Story for Children, 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 is expected to create more than two dozen illustrations for the project.

Illustration from "Big Words for God's Little People"

Big Words for God's Little People, book one in the Timmy and Steffy Series, written by Janet Clark Shay, illustrated by Kevin Scott Collier, for Sable Creek Press. An illustrated chapter book ages 6-7 featuring a brother and sister named Timmy and Steffy, and their American Eskimo pup, Kodi. Presented in a fun story-telling format and bringing in Biblical principles, the theme addresses word meanings and how certain words can be confused with one another. Collier is expected to create several illustrations for the project and a cover.

Books Currently Being Written

Cover for "Secret of One-Legged Ollie"
Illustration by Kim Sponaugle

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 Summer 2008.

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.

Illustrated Books Pending Publication

Cover of "Rattlesnake Jam"

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 is expected to do 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. Collier created 30 illustrations for "Rattlesnake Jam."

Cover of "BiC's Baptism"

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 pver 40 illustrations for the picture book, which is a new venture for Little Light Press. 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.

Cover of "Emily Over the Rainbow"

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 "Kayden in the Mystical Land of Damage"

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"

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"

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.

Illustration from "Baron thinks Dogs are People, Too!"

Baron thinks Dogs are People, Too!, written by Laureen Schiesz, illustrated by Kevin Scott Collier, for DragonPencil Publishing. Collier is creating 20 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"

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.

Cover of "Peter Potato and the Search for the Diamond"

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.

Current Magazine Works

Kevin Scott Collier is interviewed in an article coming 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.

Collier has a couple of illustrated and written works scheduled for 2008 online issues of Whittle Tykes Magazine, including a piece on how to use a computer to add special effects to children's book art.

Read an All-New Joy the Jellyfish stories

"Bogart, the Bragging Blowfish"
Appearing in Stories for Children Magazine
"Gentian's Grumpy Day"
"Joy to the World"
"Stephanie's Busy Day"
Appearing on Kids Turn Central

Collier's Latest Interviews

Kevin Scott Collier was the featured guest on Blog Talk Radio's "Book Bytes for Kids" on Tuesday, November 27, 2007. He spoke with host Suzanne Lieurance about being an author and illustrator. Guests calling in included James E. Tague, Dayette Zampolin and Shari Lyle-Soffe. 30 minutes.

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN

Also, read his latest interview posted on the net January 2, 2008 via Books and Authors online.

Hire Kevin To Illustrate Your Book

Kevin Scott Collier draws for children at a book signing event

Kevin Scott Collier has been a professional artist for over 25 years. His artwork and designs have won awards from The Associated Press, United Press International and the Michigan Press Association. He has illustrated over 50 children's books, one of which, "Topsy Turvy Land," written by Donna J. Shepherd, was named one of the top fifty children's picture books of all time in a December 2006 issue of World Magazine.

KEVIN SCOTT COLLIER GALLERY
A Gallery of Collier's Best Illustrated Books
Click here to visit the Kevin Scott Collier Gallery Page
Click here to visit the Illustrator's Art Gallery Page
FOR MORE INFORMATION & TESTIMONIALS
Click here to visit the Children's Book Illustrator Page
COLLIER CREATIVE GROUP
Click here to visit Collier's Illustrator Agency

Kevin is represented by The Hartline Literary Agency as a writer, but has a non-exclusive contract with this organization as an illustrator. This means YOU do not have to go through Kevin's agent to hire him as an illustrator. Email Illustrator Inquiry.

Collier's Illustrated Videos Online

See online videos of three of Kevin Scott Collier's illustrated children's books: The Long-Legged Turtle from Arizona, Tokoloshe, Graveyard of the Elephants and Bongo of the Congo. Created by Mona Lisa Knew Productions, in association with Athse Publishing, courtesy of You Tube. Go To Video Page. Also, view the new Baby Bic Video on GodTube.

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
Guest on Blog Talk Radio's "Book Bytes for Kids"
Broadcast Live on November 2, 2007

Kristen speaks talks about "Joy the Jellyfish" and how the book originated. Call in guests include Dragonfly Books publisher Terri Branson, editor Pat Gaines, illustrator and husband Kevin Collier, children's author Wendy Lynn Decker, and Kristen's mother, Carol. 30 minutes. Read interviews with Kristen Collier, in which she talks about "Joy the Jellyfish," her writing career, illustrator husband Kevin, family. Associated Content Interview. Live Journal Online. At Home With Christian Fiction Online and Books and Authors online.

Thank You for Visiting

Kristen, Jarod and Kevin Collier.

Contact

Telephone:
Eastern U.S. Time Zone
(616) 846-1155

KEVIN SCOTT COLLIER HOME PAGE