Fur, Feather, Fin—All of Us Are Kin

I’ve always loved animals, and even before I started teaching at nature centers, I raised guide-dog puppies. But since beginning my volunteer work at three nature centers and a state park, I’ve realized that people are eager to learn more about the natural world, and of course children always enjoy a picture book. That’s something else I’ve always loved—picture books! I have had a wonderful time writing them. I have plenty of inspiration at home. My husband and I share our house with two dogs, two tortoises, two tarantulas (who come on class visits with me), an adorable little snake, and even a black widow (who I also take to schools for kids to see the only spider in California they ever need to worry about). I love to put a spotlight on animals important to our world who do not get much love or appreciation.

Stephanie Laberis is an illustrator and character designer who specializes in creating art for animation, children’s publications, and toys. She is the illustrator of Prudence the Part-Time Cow by Jody Jensen Shaffer. She lives in San Francisco. stephsketches.blogspot.com