Karen Katz

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About Karen Katz

Check out my newest book WIGGLE YOUR TOES! A Book to pull,fluff, and wiggle!

I have always been interested in folk art from around the world, Indian miniatures, Mexican ceramics, fabrics, Chagall, Matisse, children's art, and primitive painting, and I love to paint and experiment with pattern, texture, collage and color. The careers I've had--as a costume designer, a quilt maker, a fabric artist, and a graphic designer--have taken all these interests into account. Looking back, I can see that these passions and career choices have played a large part in influencing me to become a children's book author and illustrator.

But most importantly, it was after my husband and I adopted our daughter from Guatemala that I was inspired to do a children's book for her. My first book, Over the Moon, was the story of that magical experience of welcoming our daughter Lena into our lives. I painted, I drew, I collaged, and I wrote, and after working very hard... a beautiful book was born! Twenty-two books later, my daughter--now fourteen years old--still is an inspiration for me.

I am fascinated by babies and little kids. The simplest words and gestures can make them laugh. Sometimes standing in line at the supermarket and watching kids in grocery carts, my best ideas are born.

I am fascinated by people from all over the world and what they look like and how they live and the differences that make us all unique.

When an idea pops into my head I ask these questions:
Will a child want to read this book?
Will a parent want to read this book with their child?
Will this book make a parent and child feel something?
Is there something visual here that will hold a child's interest?
Will a child see something in a different way after reading this book?
If the answer is yes, then I know I'm on the right track.

I am very lucky to get to do what I do. Everyday I go into my studio and have fun. Don't get me wrong, some days are very frustrating. Sometimes the colors are all wrong and the words don't sound right. But after I work at it for a while...and try to do it a different way...and think...and change the words or colors...and try some more...suddenly, there it is--a great page of writing, or a great illustration. And nothing is more satisfying than that.

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Board book
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Board book

Titles By Karen Katz

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The Colors of Us Oct 6, 2020

by Karen Katz

( 1,628 )

$5.36

A positive and affirming look at skin color, from an artist's perspective.

Seven-year-old Lena is going to paint a picture of herself. She wants to use brown paint for her skin. But when she and her mother take a walk through the neighborhood, Lena learns that brown comes in many different shades.

Through the eyes of a little girl who begins to see her familiar world in a new way, this book celebrates the differences and similarities that connect all people.

Karen Katz created The Colors of Us for her daughter, Lena, whom she and her husband adopted from Guatemala six years ago.

Other Formats: Hardcover , Paperback

Mommy Hugs (Classic Board Books) Nov 16, 2010

by Karen Katz

( 931 )

$6.99

Count from one to ten as Mommy and baby count their hugs throughout the day. From one nuzzle-wuzzle wake-up hug, to four "I'll always catch you!" sliding hugs, all the way to ten "I love you!" good-night hugs, this book captures some of the special moments mother and child share. In the style of Karen Katz's COUNTING KISSES, this is a simple, fun, bright book that mommies will love to read with their little ones.

Other Formats: Hardcover , Paperback , Board book

The Babies on the Bus Jul 19, 2011

by Karen Katz

( 193 )

$9.99

This irresistible picture book by the popular author of The Colors of Us, Counting Kisses, and Where Is Baby's Belly Button? will steal your heart.

The babies on the bus sing

LA-LA-LA!

LA-LA-LA!

LA-LA-LA!

Jump on the bus with Karen Katz's adorable babies as they take a classic song for an all-new ride!

Other Formats: Hardcover , Paperback , Board book

Princess Baby Aug 25, 2010

by Karen Katz

( 164 )

$8.99

Poor baby, no one calls her by her real name! “I am not a buttercup, or a giggly goose. I am not a cupcake. Please don’t call me Little Lamb, and never ever Gum Drop,” she insists. With a curtsy and a twirl, again and again our protagonist makes it abundantly clear who she is. She wears a shiny crown, a fancy dress, sparkly shoes, a velvet cape, and glittery jewels. There are more clues too—she dances with princes, has perfect manners, and makes sure that everyone in her kingdom is happy. Her persistence pays off in the end, and even the youngest readers will be cheering, “Princess Baby!”

Want more Princess Baby? Don't miss Princess Baby, Night-Night and Princess Baby on the Go!

Other Formats: Hardcover , Board book

Princess Baby, Night-Night Feb 25, 2014

by Karen Katz

( 176 )

$9.99

Poor Princess Baby. It’s bedtime, but she isn’t sleepy. "Time for bed," her parents call. "But I need one more minute, please," Princess Baby replies, again and again and again. After all, there is so much a princess baby needs to do. Pajamas need to be put on, toys need to be put away, the perfect book needs to be chosen, and her beloved subjects need to brush their teeth! It’s a very busy time in Princess Baby’s room. Young readers and listeners will want to climb into their own beds when our pint-sized heroine finally pulls up the covers and goes “night-night.”

Want more Princess Baby? Don't miss the original Princess Baby and Princess Baby on the Go!

Other Formats: Hardcover , Paperback , Board book

Rosie Goes to Preschool Jul 7, 2015

by Karen Katz

( 155 )

$5.99

"An outstandingly clear and reassuring entry into the crowded field of getting-ready-for-preschool books." —Booklist

Who better to offer advice to children facing the first day of preschool than the hugely popular, bestselling Karen Katz? It’s the first day of preschool, and the narrator, Rosie, knows everything a new preschooler needs to know. Rosie introduces the reader to her cubby, her teacher, her reading circle, her music class, her lunch table, and more.

With gentle, reassuring language and Katz’s signature bold, bright, and sweet artwork, Rosie Goes to Preschool will surely be a hit among the legions of children who have grown up reading Katz’s books. Now that these big boys and girls are ready to take their first big steps into school, Karen Katz is here to help.

Other Formats: Hardcover , Board book

Now I'm Big! (Classic Board Books) Mar 19, 2013

by Karen Katz

( 43 )

$6.99

Celebrate all the special things that only big kids can do in this bright and bouncy Classic Board Book from Karen Katz.

Big kids can do all sorts of things babies cannot: zip their own zippers, drink from a cup, read their own books, and even sleep in a BIG bed!

Karen Katz’s energetic text and illustrations highlight the awesome aspects of getting big, making this the perfect board book for older toddlers who are proud of everything they can do.

Other Formats: Hardcover , Board book

Counting Kisses Jul 13, 2021

by Karen Katz

( 1,071 )

$10.99

How many kisses does a tired baby need before they say goodnight? Find out in this adorable kiss-and-count concept book from Karen Katz!

Count and kiss along with this lift-the-flap bedtime book, from children’s book legend, Karen Katz!

Other Formats: Hardcover , Paperback , Board book

Daddy Hugs (Classic Board Books) May 3, 2011

by Karen Katz

( 1,130 )

$6.99

How many daddy hugs does it take to say I love you?

Cuddle and count with this hug & read book!

Other Formats: Hardcover , Paperback , Board book

Counting Christmas (Classic Board Books) Oct 4, 2011

by Karen Katz

( 40 )

$6.99

Join in the fun and count down to a magical Christmas!

Get into the holiday spirit and count all of the Christmas joy with this bedtime book from Karen Katz.

Other Formats: Hardcover , Paperback , Board book

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