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About Karen Katz
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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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.
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!
Want more Princess Baby? Don't miss Princess Baby, Night-Night and Princess Baby on the Go!
Want more Princess Baby? Don't miss the original Princess Baby and Princess Baby on the Go!
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.
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.
Count and kiss along with this lift-the-flap bedtime book, from children’s book legend, Karen Katz!
Cuddle and count with this hug & read book!
Get into the holiday spirit and count all of the Christmas joy with this bedtime book from Karen Katz.