Elisa Kleven is an American children's writer and illustrator of 30 books. She grew up in

Los Angeles Los Angeles ( ; es, Los Ángeles, link=no , ), often referred to by its initials L.A., is the largest city in the state of California and the second most populous city in the United States after New York City, as well as one of the world' ...

and currently resides near San Francisco. Her titles have been Booklist editor's choices, and PBS and Rainbow Book selections.

Career

Kleven has written several children's books including the ''Paper Princess'' series, ''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. In addition to writing her own books, Kleven has also illustrated books by other writers, such as ''Abuela'' by Arthur Dorros, ''De Colores'' by Jose Luis Orozco, ''Angels Watching Over Me'' by Julia Durano, and ''The Weaver'' by

Thacher Hurd John Thacher Hurd (born March 6, 1949) is an American artist and the creator of children's picture books including ''Mama Don't Allow'' and ''Art Dog''. Biography Thacher Hurd was born in Burlington, Vermont, the son of children's book creator ...

. Kleven is a member of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators. She has been recognized nationally with awards and honors from the

American Library Association The American Library Association (ALA) is a nonprofit organization based in the United States that promotes libraries and library education internationally. It is the oldest and largest library association in the world, with 49,727 members a ...

, ''

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'', the

Junior Library Guild Junior Library Guild, formerly the Junior Literary Guild, is a commercial book club devoted to juvenile literature. It was created in 1929 as one of the enterprises of the Literary Guild, an adult book club created in 1927 by Samuel W. Craig and H ...

School Library Journal ''School Library Journal'' (''SLJ'') is an American monthly magazine containing reviews and other articles for school librarians, media specialists, and public librarians who work with young people. Articles cover a wide variety of topics, with ...

and the

American Institute of Graphic Arts The American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA) is a professional organization for design. Its members practice all forms of communication design, including graphic design, typography, interaction design, user experience, branding and identity. T ...

Response

Kirkus Reviews ''Kirkus Reviews'' (or ''Kirkus Media'') is an American book review magazine founded in 1933 by Virginia Kirkus (1893–1980). The magazine is headquartered in New York City. ''Kirkus Reviews'' confers the annual Kirkus Prize to authors of fic ...

'' 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." ''Kirkus Reviews'' noted of ''A Monster in the House'' "a wondrously silly tale ... expect laughter". Time Out New York noted ''Welcome Home, Mouses intricate illustrations.

Publishers Weekly ''Publishers Weekly'' (''PW'') is an American weekly trade news magazine targeted at publishers, librarians, booksellers, and literary agents. Published continuously since 1872, it has carried the tagline, "The International News Magazine of B ...

said of ''A Monster in the House,'' “ Kleven honestly portrays the mixed feelings of affection and annoyance that siblings often have for one another."

Booklist ''Booklist'' is a publication of the American Library Association that provides critical reviews of books and audiovisual materials for all ages. ''Booklist''s primary audience consists of libraries, educators, and booksellers. The magazine is av ...

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."

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.” Publishers Weekly Review
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References

External links

Official site

Points of View article, written by Elisa Kleven

Interview with Lauren Joblonski on the Lib Magazine website

Interview on Dream Jam World

interview in the Montclair Elementary School newspaper, Otter Tales

article/project about Kleven and her books by Micaela Folan

* ttp://www.arnenixoncenter.org/events/elisa_kleven.shtml Article on the Arne Nixon Center for the study of Children’s Literature website
review for A Carousel Tale

Review of Glasswings: A Butterfly Story
by

Review of Glasswings: A Butterfly Story
on the

website
review of Sun Bread
on

Review of The Dancing Deer and the Foolish Hunter
on

Review of The Magic Maguey
on

Short review of Cozy Light, Cozy Night by Barbara A. Ward

Synopsis and praise for Welcome Home, Mouse on Kepler’s Book Magazines website

Short review of Welcome Home, Mouse
on the

website
review of Isla
on the

website {{DEFAULTSORT:Kleven, Elisa American children's writers Living people Year of birth missing (living people)