Elisa Kleven

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Elisa Kleven is an American children's writer and illustrator of 30 books. [1] [2] She grew up in Los Angeles and currently resides near San Francisco. [3] [4] Her titles have been Booklist editor's choices, and PBS and Rainbow Book selections. [5]

Contents

Career

Kleven has written several children's books including the Paper Princess series, [6] The Puddle Pail and The Lion and the Little Red Bird. Her first book was Ernst, a story about a creative crocodile named Ernst, whose tendency to wonder "what if" mirrors the author's own. [7]

In addition to writing her own books, Kleven has also illustrated books by other writers, such as Abuela by Arthur Dorros, [8] De Colores by Jose Luis Orozco, Angels Watching Over Me by Julia Durano, [9] and The Weaver by Thacher Hurd. [10]

Kleven is a member of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators. [11] She has been recognized nationally with awards and honors from the American Library Association, The New York Times , the Junior Library Guild, School Library Journal and the American Institute of Graphic Arts. [12]

Response

Kirkus Reviews said of her children's book Welcome Home Mouse, "Every word and brush stroke is spot-on in this luminous celebration of creativity, conservation and compassion." [13] Kirkus Reviews noted of A Monster in the House "a wondrously silly tale ... expect laughter". [14] Time Out New York noted Welcome Home, Mouse's intricate illustrations. [15] Publishers Weekly said of A Monster in the House, “ Kleven honestly portrays the mixed feelings of affection and annoyance that siblings often have for one another." [16]

Booklist gave Kleven a starred review for her illustrations in Abuela saying, "Each illustration is a masterpiece of color, line, and form that will mesmerize youngsters. These are pages to be studied again and again...this book is a jewel." [17] Publishers Weekly said of The Dancing Deer and the Foolish Hunter, “Kleven's signature kaleidoscopic blend of color and texture and her respect for nature theme never disappoint.” [18]

References

  1. Scholastic
  2. SCBWI
  3. "About Elisa Kleven", Elisa Kleven web site, http://www.elisakleven.com/aboutelisa.html Archived 2012-07-08 at the Wayback Machine (accessed May 3, 2012)
  4. Aline Pereira, "Interview with author/illustrator Elisa Kleven", Paper Tigers, February 2009, http://www.papertigers.org/interviews/archived_interviews/ekleven.html
  5. "Elisakleven". Archived from the original on 2016-03-04. Retrieved 2013-06-25.
  6. Amazon
  7. Publishers Weekly
  8. "Elisakleven". Archived from the original on 2016-03-04. Retrieved 2013-06-26.
  9. Kirkus review Angels Watching Over Me
  10. Kirkus review of The Weaver
  11. SCBWI
  12. "Elisa Kleven | Transatlantic Agency". Archived from the original on 2013-06-28. Retrieved 2013-06-25.
  13. Kirkus review
  14. "A Monster in the House (Review)", Kirkus Reviews, September 1st 1998, https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/elisa-kleven/a-monster-in-the-house/
  15. Carolyn Juris, "Picture book pick: Welcome Home, Mouse by Elisa Kleven", Time Out New York, Sep 28, 2010, http://timeoutnewyorkkids.com/things-to-do/time-out-kids-blog/68389/picture-book-pick-welcome-home-mouse-by-elisa-kleven
  16. Publishers Weekly review
  17. Booklist review
  18. Publishers Weekly Review