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Authors and Artists

Contact Provato Marketing today to schedule an event or get more information on our authors and artists.

Artists

Authors
	Bonny Becker Bonny likes a bit of chaos and lots of time to think and dream. One of her earliest dreams—to be a writer—came true. She has a degree in Psychology and a degree in English/Creative Writing. Bonny has worked picking fruit, making ski goggles, waitressing, as a store clerk, substitute teacher, hotel maid, typist, photographer, journalist, editor and corporate communications manager. It took a long time for her dream of writing books to come true, but it’s been worth the wait. Her books include: An Ant’s Day Off, Just a Minute, My Brother, The Robot, On Her Way, The Christmas Crocodile, Tickly Prickly, Holbrook and her latest release, A Visitor for Bear. Bonny ‘s author presentations will excite and inspire students in grades K-6. From picture book readings to discussing what it means to be an author, and leading picture book making workshops, Bonny’s interactive presentations will delight. Contact Provato Marketing for more information or to schedule an event.
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	Sarah Conover Ms. Conover lives in Spokane, Washington, where she teaches English and radio production. She holds a terminal degree in writing (an MFA in poetry), and is certified in the State of Washington to teach language arts from 7th grade through 12th grade. She strives to bring multi-cultural perspectives into classrooms through her writing and through collaborations with other educators around the globe. She was the first grant recipient of the EPA’s Environment Education Department from which she developed Environmentbridge, a year-long interdisciplinary project for high school students in the US and Brazil for presentation at the UN Conference on the Environment in Rio de Janiero; she was the participant of two “Bridge” conferences hosted by the US State Department and iEARN (International and Educational Resource Network), which brought US teachers to the Middle East to initiate classroom collaborations between students in both regions; she created a media literacy curriculum—Media Mosaic—in conjunction with iEARN and Medialit.org, for educators; She was also the Managing Editor for the Pearl Project, an international on-line news magazine for high school students sponsored by the Daniel Pearl Foundation and iEARN. She is the founder and editor of the This Little Light of Mine series, a series on world wisdom traditions published by Eastern Washington University Press. The inaugural volume, Kindness: A Treasury of Buddhist Wisdom for Children and Parents, a collection of Buddhist tales, was recommended by Booklist as one of the five best spiritual books for children of 2001, while the second, Ayat Jamilah, Beautiful Signs: a Treasury of Islamic Wisdom for Children and Parents, was cited by Newsweek as one of the best multicultural books of 2004, and was also the winner of the 2004 Aesop Prize, presented by the American Folklore Society. Ms. Conover was a contributing co-editor of the third book in the series, At Work in Life’s Garden: Writer’s on the Spiritual Adventure of Parenting, a collection of literary essays on that subject by a wide range of well-known and not-so-well-known writers. Her fourth book in the series, Harmony: A Treasury of Chinese Wisdom for Children and Parents, was just released in September, 2008. In addition Ms. Conover is also the coauthor of Daughters of the Desert: Remarkable Women from the Christian, Jewish and Muslim Traditions, published by SkylightPaths Press in 2003. Her poetry has appeared in Rock and Sling, the Santa Clara Review, Pontoon 10, and the book, Family Pictures, published by Capital BookFest. Previous to her role in education, she was a senior producer at Internews, an international NGO committed to fostering open media throughout the world. In that role she was the US producer for Agenda for a Small Planet, a series that aired in 33 countries around the globe; and the producer of many public television programs. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in religious studies from the University of Colorado, a degree in education from Gonzaga University, and a Masters of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from Eastern Washington University. Contact Provato Marketing for more information or to schedule an event.
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	Karen Cooper Originally from Southern California Karen Cooper now lives in Eastern Washington where she ministers with her husband, Dennis, in a small country church. They have two adult children, Kelli and Dan and three grandchildren. She is a talented seamstress and designer with a passion for poetry. Cooper has become the “Rhyme Queen” for the MokiTime Trio and has not only perfected her poetic skills on this journey, but she has also dabbled in graphic design work with her son Dan Cooper, Cowboy Mac’s graphic designer. With her enthusiastic personality and love for flair, Cooper makes the MokiTime creators complete. Behind the scenes, she works as their project manager. When visiting schools she shares her experiences and makes writing and publishing become a reality for her audiences. With her suitcase packed and her coffee in hand, she never misses an opportunity to travel and promote literacy. Inspired by her travels throughout her life she often uses the colors, textures and weaves of other cultures to complement her performances. She believes that every child should have a dream to pursue. For 6 years the MokiTime creators have been traveling throughout the country telling their homespun tale. Collectively, they have been able to accompish writing, illustrating and publishing 3 children's books plus produce 3 musical CDs. What started as a stay-at-home mom's labor of love soon became a book/CD marketed in Nordstrom stores nationally. The creators have a unique story and when they travel to schools they share their "Scratch Paper To Publishing" journey, so students can go behind the scenes and see how authors and illustrators come to be. Contact Provato Marketing for more information or to schedule an event.
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	Carmela D’Amico Carmela D'Amico is the author of the Ella the Elephant series. Throughout childhood she made up stories about characters she had invented, a pastime she still enjoys. Currently she is exploring other imaginary characters but hopes to return to Ella someday. Before writing for children she freelanced for local newspapers, wrote short fiction for adults and turned out the occasional poem. When not writing, she can be found playing Scrabble or the piano, taking a road trip or making lentil soup. She lives in rainy Seattle with her husband Steve and their daughter, Olivia. Carmela and Steven offer full-day and half-day interactive illustration and writing workshops and presentations for students in grades K-6. Contact Provato Marketing for more information or to schedule an event.
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	Barbara Jean Hicks An award-winning author, professional wordsmith and former teacher, Barbara is an ideal presenter for aspiring writers of all ages. With a flair for the dramatic, she engages, entertains, educates and inspires young authors while supporting teachers’ efforts to help students meet state educational standards. Barbara might never have started writing children’s books except for an unkind review of one of her thirteen published romance novels: “Ms. Hicks really ought to be writing for children—no one else could possibly appreciate such silliness!” After hiding in bed for a week, certain she would never write again, Barbara made up her mind to take the reviewer’s comment as a personal challenge. The result was Jitterbug Jam: A Monster Tale, which received numerous starred reviews and children’s book awards, including honors as an ALA Notable Children’s Book and a Banks Street Book of Outstanding Merit. It has been translated into five languages and released in nine countries, and has sold stage and audio rights. Even better, Barbara discovered that writing for children is her true love. Her additional books for kids include The Secret Life of Walter Kitty, I Like Black and White, I Like Colors, and the soon to be released Monsters Don’t Eat Broccoli. Barbara has experience teaching at the preschool, middle school and community college levels and most recently worked in an elementary school as author-in-residence, program facilitator, and parent educator. She has also written marketing copy and edited and proofread manuscripts for numerous trade publishers. A seasoned presenter, she travels widely to schools, libraries and conferences to share her books and talk about the writing process. Contact Provato Marketing for more information or to schedule an event.
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	Deborah Hopkinson Deborah Hopkinson is the author of picture books, short fiction, and nonfiction.  Her award-winning works include Sweet Clara and the Freedom Quilt, winner of the 1994 International Reading association Award; A Band of Angels, an ALA Notable, winner of the Golden Kite Award, and Jane Addams award honor book; Under the Quilt of Night, winner of the Washington State Book Award, Bluebird Summer, a Golden Kite Award Honor Book, and Girl Wonder, winner of the Great Lakes Book Award and a 2004 Jane Addams Award honor book. Deborah’s nonfiction works include Shutting out the Sky, Life in the Tenements of New York 1880-1924 , an NCTE Orbis Pictus award and Jane Addams Award honor book, an IRA Teachers’ Choice, and a James Madison Award Honor Book.  Her 2006 book, Sky Boys, How They Built the Empire State Building, was an ALA Notable and a Boston Globe-Horn Book Honor book, while Up Before Daybreak, Cotton and People in America, won a Carter G. Woodson Award and was an ALA Notable book as well.  Her most recent book, Sweet Land of Liberty, was named an IRA Teachers Choice, a Notable Social Studies Trade Book for Young People 2008 and a starred selection on the Bank Street College of Education's Best Children's Books of the Year list for 2008. Apples to Oregon won the Golden Kite Award and Spur Storytelling Award and was also an ALA Notable book. The book is a feature selection of Oregon Reads, in honor of the 150 th anniversary of the State of Oregon in 2009. Both Apples to Oregon and a middle grade novel, Into the Firestorm, A Novel of San Francisco, 1906, are featured on the Oregon Battle of the Books list for 2008-09. Her new book, Abe Lincoln Crosses a Creek, a Junior Library Guild Selection, will be published in 2008. Forthcoming picture books include such as Home on the Range, John A. Lomax and His Cowboy Songs (2009) The Humblebee Hunter (2009), Keep On! The Story of Matthew Henson (2009) and Stagecoach Sal (2010.) A three-time Oregon Book Award finalist, Deborah received a bachelor’s degree in English at the University of Massachusetts and holds a master’s degree in Asian Studies from the University of Hawaii at Manoa.  A frequent presenter at conferences and schools, she lives near Portland, Oregon. Contact Provato Marketing for more information or to schedule an event.
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	Corinne Isaak Born and raised in Seattle, Washington, Corinne Isaak graduated from Shorewood High School and headed to Washington State University where she earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree with an emphasis in English and Business and a Secondary Teaching Degree. One week after graduation she married Brian Isaak, a third-generation farmer in Coulee City and they started their life on the farm. The following winter she started her teaching career at ACH High School in Hartline, WA. During the last 16 years, Isaak has created her little "characters" Madeline, Monique, Maguire, and Marianna. These country children have been the inspiration for Moki Time and seem to keep the story alive and vibrant! As a teacher, mom and marketer, Isaak keeps her plate full and loves traveling to schools and inspiring students and promoting literacy. For 6 years the MokiTime creators have been traveling throughout the country telling their homespun tale. Collectively, they have been able to accompish writing, illustrating and publishing 3 children's books plus produce 3 musical CDs. What started as a stay-at-home mom's labor of love soon became a book/CD marketed in Nordstrom stores nationally. The creators have a unique story and when they travel to schools they share their "Scratch Paper To Publishing" journey, so students can go behind the scenes and see how authors and illustrators come to be. Contact Provato Marketing for more information or to schedule an event.
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	Kirby Larson Kirby’s grade school teachers often complained that she spent too much time reading and not enough time on homework. Books were her best friends growing up but she never imagined someone like her could become a writer. What she loves best about writing is that she is always learning something new. That may be why Kirby has tackled a variety of genres from picture books to chapter books to novels. One of her favorite quotes is from Russell Hoban’s A Mouse and His Child: “You’ve got to take those daring leaps or you’re nowhere.” Starting from scratch with each new book is one of the most daring leaps Kirby can imagine taking, and she hopes to be taking such leaps on the page until she is 99! Kirby's portfolio includes the 2007 Newbery Honor Award book, Hattie Big Sky (Delacorte); and Junior Library Guild and IndieBound Next List selection, Two Bobbies: A True Story of Hurricane Katrina, Friendship and Survival, (Walker), co-written with her good friend, Mary Nethery and illustrated by New Orleans resident, Jean Cassels. She is at work on a middle-grade historical novel, as well as a second nonfiction picture book with Mary. Kirby has lived her entire life in Washington State, acquiring two degrees, two children and one husband along the way. When she is not reading, writing or speaking about writing, she is gardening, traveling or drinking lattes with friends. Contact Provato Marketing for more information or to schedule an event.
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	Deb Lund Deb Lund is the author of several picture books, including her celebrated dinoseries and her latest book, Monsters on Machines, which received a starred review from Publisher's Weekly. She's been a music and classroom teacher, elementary librarian, and school founding director, making her at home with students of all ages. Deb has extensive experience teaching writing to children, teachers, and writers, frequently presenting at educational and writing conferences and retreats. Deb lives in Greenbank, Washington. Contact Provato Marketing for more information or to schedule an event.
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	Maureen McQuerry Maureen McQuerry is a writer and teacher living in Richland, Washington. She is the author of Nuclear Legacy, (IP award winner) and Student Inquiry, and her new YA fantasy novel, Traveler's Market, released in July with Idylls Press. It is the second in the Wolfproof Trilogy. Maureen’s poetry chapbook, Relentless Light, was released last year with Finishing Line Press. Her collection of poems, Wingward, recently won the New Eden Chapbook Award. She was honored in the Year’s Best Fantasy and Horror 2006 for her poetry, and her poems appear in numerous journals including: Smartish Pace, The Atlanta Review, Southern Review, and in several anthologies. Maureen gives author presentations and workshops for students in 5th-12 th grade on poetry and fiction writing.  She also coordinates a gifted middle school program. She was the McAuliffe Fellow for Washington State in 2000.  Contact Provato Marketing for more information or to schedule an event.
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	Ken Mochizuki Ever since the 1993 publication of his multi-award-winning, best-selling picture book, Baseball Saved Us (over half a million sold to date), Ken Mochizuki has made over 100 presentations around the country at schools, libraries, community centers and educators’ conferences to ages K-Adult. Using Baseball Saved Us and his second picture book, Heroes, he makes stereotypes, prejudice and racism understandable in an age-appropriate presentation for students K-3. Including those same topics for older grades, he also addresses fighting, bullying, the moral dilemma and the conscientious choice through his picture book about the Holocaust, Passage to Freedom: the Sugihara Story, and his recent picture book, Be Water, My Friend: the Early Years of Bruce Lee. For middle grades and above, Ken also conducts presentations on the history of Asian Pacific Americans in the U.S. military, and around his young adult novel, Beacon Hill Boys. Among the awards his books have earned include the Washington State Governor’s Writers Award and the national Parents’ Choice Award, American Bookseller “Pick of the Lists,” American Library Association Notable Book, International Reading Association Teachers’ Choices, Smithsonian Notable Books for Children and the Jane Addams Children’s Book Awards Honor Book. Contact Provato Marketing for more information or to schedule an event.
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	Derek Munson Derek Munson, award winning author of the well-known book, Enemy Pie, brings incredible enthusiasm for writing and children to his workshops. His presentations focus on helping kids cultivate bold and original thought. Derek has presented to more than 100,000 students at public schools, private schools and libraries. His goal is to entertain young minds while exposing them to new and challenging ideas. Derek believes that through this creative process, individuality will blossom, allowing self-esteem, self-awareness and self-confidence to grow. His presentations and workshops include: The Enemy Pie Experiment (Grades K-3), The Author Slide Presentation (Grades 3-6), The Creative Adventures in Writing Workshop (Grades 4-8) and 5-Week Writing Programs/Author-in-Residence (Grades K-8). Contact Provato Marketing for more information or to schedule an event.
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	Stacy Nyikos A graduate of the University of Virginia, author, Stacy A. Nyikos, Ph.D., is an award-winning writer and musician. Her books include Squirt, Shelby and her new release, Dizzy, a picture book about the world’s fastest dolphin. Stacy's first novel, Dragon Wishes, will be released in Spring 2008. Stacy also offers presentations and workshops to students in grades K-8. She has presented at more than 50 schools. In addition, she has presented events at the World Aquarium in St. Louis, the Shedd, the Houston Zoo, the Tulsa Zoo, and the Oklahoma Aquarium. Contact Provato Marketing for more information or to schedule an event.
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	David Patneaude David is the prolific author of 9 books for young people (and counting!). He is a seasoned presenter at schools, libraries, and conferences. David is a three-time nominee for the Missouri Mark Twain Award for Deadly Drive, 2007-2008, Thin Wood Walls, 2006-2007, and Framed in Fire, 2001-2002. He is ranked as one of the top “Mystery Authors to Investigate” by the Irving (Texas) Public Library and was chosen as a “Favorite Author of Boy Books” by the ALA Association for Library Services to Children (ALSC). David’s publishing credits include: A PIECE OF THE SKY (Albert Whitman and Company, 2007, ISBN# 0-8075-6536-0), DEADLY DRIVE (Albert Whitman and Company, 2005, ISBN# 0-8075-0844-6, THIN WOOD WALLS (Houghton Mifflin Company, 2004, ISBN# 0-618-34290-7, COLDER THAN ICE (Albert Whitman and Company, 2003, ISBN# 0-8075-8135-6), HAUNTING AT HOME PLATE (Albert Whitman and Company, 2000, ISBN# 0-8075-3181-2), and SOMEONE WAS WATCHING (Albert Whitman and Company, 1993, ISBN# 0-8075-7531-3) David enjoys spending time at schools and making appearances at libraries and conferences. He tailors his talks to fit the group by offering a variety of workshops and presentations to students in grades K-8. Contact Provato Marketing for more information or to schedule an event.
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	Renee Riva Renee has been writing humorous stories about animals ever since she was a child. A former greeting card writer as well as a speaker for women’s groups, Renee has also written for family magazines. Her books include Izzy the Lizzy, and Guido’s Gondola, both picture books. Her novel, Saving Sailor, released in May 2007. She shares her secrets for story starters at young author events, helping to spark the imagination of young minds. Renee and her husband, Gary, live in Richland, Washington, with their three daughters and any stray critters that happen to wander onto their property. Renee offers interactive presentations and workshops to students in grades K-8. Contact Provato Marketing for more information or to schedule an event.
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Illustrators
	Steven D’Amico Steve D'Amico is the illustrator of the Ella the Elephant series. He started drawing dinosaurs and Batman at five then went on to be the cartoonist for his high school newspaper. He freelanced for years before taking a job as at Seattle's Smashing Ideas where he is  a senior designer.  Currently, Steve is collaborating with Carmela on other stories, as well as with other writers.  When not at the drawing board, Steve can be found playing the guitar, listening to his eclectic collection of music or tending his garden. He lives in Seattle with his wife Carmela and their eight-year-old daughter Olivia.   Carmela and Steven offer full-day and half-day interactive illustration and writing workshops and presentations for students in grades K-6. Contact Provato Marketing for more information or to schedule an event.
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	Kary Lee A resident of Washington State, Lee graduated from Washington State University with a degree in Communications. She began her career as an art director in Dallas, Texas. While graphic art paid the bills, it was not her true passion. Lee finds illustrating, using her talent with realistic water color, incredibly rewarding. Kary has illustrated for books including her new release, Dizzy ( 0-9764199-2-0), Stan’s Busy Day, Weed and Seed and Sweezy and Suzy. Kary offers interactive presentations and workshops to students in grades K-8. Contact Provato Marketing for more information or to schedule an event.
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	Don Nutt Don Nutt was born and raised in the farmland of Eastern Washington.  He currently resides in Washington with his wife, Debbie, and their three children.  Don is an amazing artist with a beautiful gallery in Coulee City, Washington. For 6 years the MokiTime creators have been traveling throughout the country telling their homespun tale. Collectively, they have been able to accompish writing, illustrating and publishing 3 children's books plus produce 3 musical CDs. What started as a stay-at-home mom's labor of love soon became a book/CD marketed in Nordstrom stores nationally. The creators have a unique story and when they travel to schools they share their "Scratch Paper To Publishing" journey, so students can go behind the scenes and see how authors and illustrators come to be. Contact Provato Marketing for more information or to schedule an event.
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	Leslie Patricelli Second to playing with her kids, writing and illustrating picture books is Leslie’s favorite thing to do. She has been drawing cartoons and writing stories since she was a little kid. She has had lots of fun jobs. She’s has designed and animated characters for Microsoft products, made animated greeting cards and even drawn the kids’ menu for the Space Needle. Leslie is in the process of developing animated shorts with Playhouse Disney that might show up on your TV one day! She is also in the process of working on her ninth book for Candlewick – and the first that doesn’t star her little baby. Leslie Patricelli, award winning author and illustrator, will inspire kids to imagine and create! Through her fun-filled, multi-media presentation, Leslie will have kids laughing, learning and thinking big. Leslie will talk about her childhood and show some of her early illustrations. She will show the sketches that lead to her books, her early attempts at getting published, and the steps she goes through to create finished books. Leslie’s books include: The Birthday Box, Big Little, Yummy Yucky, Quiet Loud, Binky and Blankie. Contact Provato Marketing for more information or to schedule an event.
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	The SqueeGees The SqueeGees are Samantha Tobey and Roman Bleum, both accomplished musicians who decided to work together. Samantha was teaching music and sign language to infants and pre-K children when the project began. At the time, Samantha often felt disappointed in the quality of the children’s music she heard and used for class. “As musicians, we took it as a challenge to write a children’s album that would be educational, catchy and easy on the ears for parents. We did it for fun and it has caught on better than we anticipated,” said Bleum. The SqueeGees provide an irresistibly playful musical adventure for the entire family. While you would think that this delicious experience would be candy coated, The SqueeGee's package comes in a recyclable wrapper. Their songs emphasize earth friendly themes, positive messages, and good clean fun! Their song “Making Noises” was recently featured on an episode of the Gilmore Girls. Subjects of their songs include rescuing animals (“Nala the Chihuahua”), eating healthy (“Apples, Oranges & Peaches”), knowing science (“The Elements”) and driving a car (“The Rules of the Road”). Contact Provato Marketing for more information or to schedule an event.
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	Jason Vontver Jason Vontver has been in love with the drums since age five when he saw his neighbor playing in the basement. A graduate of Cornish College of the Arts, Jason now plays drums and makes records with numerous artists in the Seattle area. Jason has also created ringtones for cell phones and recorded music for TV. He and his wife, Leslie Patricelli, are currently working on a CD of children's music. Leslie is the author and illustrator of six books for children. Seattle natives, they currently live in Ketchum, Idaho, with their three children, two cats and two bunnies. Jason's school visit presentation is aimed at inspiring imagination through music with hands on teaching followed by a question and answer session. Jason discusses the relevance and prevalence of rhythm in every child's life. He uses a "junk drumset" created from variety of household items to show that rhythm is accessible to everyone. Building from a child's heartbeat which he records onto his sampler, he will have the audience creating a rhythmic song of their own on the spot. Jason offers full or half-day events for grades K-6. Contact Provato Marketing for more information or to schedule an event.
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