Sarah Kurpiel's latest book will be released October 15, 2024 -- she wrote and illustrated it. See more artwork from this book below...
Downers Grove, IL resident, Sarah Kurpiel, is a librarian by day and a picture book author and illustrator by night. She’s been drawing her entire life but states she is purely a self-taught artist.
A love for the combination of words and pictures is the driving force behind her creative expression. While at work one day a picture book crossed her desk, “A Sick Day for Amos McGee” written by Philip C. Stead and illustrated by Erin E. Stead.
“I immediately loved the gentle illustrations in that book and thought – this is what I want to do,” Sarah shares. “I wanted to do something that brings joy into my life.” However, the learning curve ahead for her included mastering drawing digitally.
Now, her fifth book is due out on October 15 published by Rocky Pond Books a division of Penguin/Random House. Entitled, “A Little Like Magic” is a 40-page book about a young girl who attends an ice sculpture festival with her mother. It’s written to be read aloud for ages 3 to 6.
Pre-order the book from Anderson’s Bookshops’ website by October 14, 2024, and receive a signed art print: Anderson's Featured Pre-Orders | Anderson's Bookshop (andersonsbookshop.com)
“Drawing the ice sculptures in this book was very meditative for me,” she says. “I chose to use a lot of blues for a more monochromatic look. Overall, I want my artwork to bring happiness into the world, to inspire others to pay attention to the special moments in their lives. There’s so much to appreciate about the wonder that can be found in simple, everyday experiences.”
Sarah notes that picture books can also validate emotions for children and help them navigate them better. She adds that what goes on in the publishing world is always evolving to meet the ever-changing needs of the public’s taste. Lighter, funnier stories as well as stories about inclusivity and belonging are currently popular trends.
Sarah is currently at work on her sixth picture book and is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI)”
Preorder link for A Little Like Magic (preorder from Anderson’s Bookshop by Oct 14, 2024 and receive a signed art print): https://www.andersonsbookshop.com/book/9780593697658
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Website: https://sarahkurpiel.com/
Here's Sarah Kurpiel, mild-mannered librarian by day, gifted author and illustrator by night!!