Tara Anderson

Authors’ Booking Service is pleased to announce that children’s illustrator Tara Anderson, is now scheduling visits to Ontario schools for the coming school year.

Not only is Tara the illustrator for That Stripy Cat by Noreen Smiley, but she has done the cover art for six YA novels, including Diane Tullson's Blue Highway.

Tara is a young and enthusiastic presenter who interacts with her audience in an engaging way.

Here's what School Library Journal says about That Stripey Cat:

"Anderson's colorful illustrations sweetly capture the cat’s antics and the reactions of the humans to her as well as her determination to stick like glue to Mrs. Cosy. The story's pacing and easy-to-read text against the crisp white background make for a great read-aloud. It is hard to imagine this cat being left on the shelf. Totally engaging."

Tara lives in Eastern Ontario and would love to plan a visit to your school or library.  Her rate is $150.00 per session, plus travel from Tweed Ontario.

Published Works:

That Stripy Cat by Noreen Smiley published by Fitzhenry and Whiteside 2007.

Presentation Details:

How A Book is Illustrated

This presentation can be tailored to suit grades 1 through 8. I show the various stages of illustrating a picture book. I bring examples of rough sketches, reference and final art.

For grades 1 to 3: I read my picture book aloud and then give them a brief overview of the illustration process.

For grades 4 and up: an in depth demonstration of the process and what it is like to be an illustrator and the rewards of having a career in art.

How to Create Your Own Visual Character

This workshop is for grades 4-7. I show the students how I created the character of Velcro and Mrs. Cosy from That Stripy Cat and give them the basic tools for creating their own characters.