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Chris Raschka

Beloved two-time Caldecott Award and Honor Award winner

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Kentucky PBS “Outside the Book”
  • About Chris Raschka

    Chris Raschka is a multi-award-winning author/illustrator of over 30 books for children. Named “one of the most original illustrators at work today” byPublishers Weekly, Raschka has been the recipient of two Caldecott Medals (for The Hello, Goodbye Window and  A Ball for Daisy) as well as a Caldecott Honor Award for the book Yo? Yes! A graduate of St. Olaf College in Minnesota, Chris had set his eyes on a career in medicine till he realized that his heart was in art. Shortly after this discovery, he moved to New York City where he saw his dream of illustrating children’s books come to fruition.

    Chris’s wordless picture book A Ball for Daisy received the 2012 Caldecott Medal and conveys the story of a small dog’s heartbreak over the loss of a beloved toy, a universal theme that all small children and their parents have dealt with at some point. The book was widely embraced by reviewers and readers alike and was named by The New York Times as one of the 10 Best Illustrated Books of 2011.

    Chris Raschka enjoys traveling to various locations (schools, libraries, conventions, etc.) where he can share his love of children’s literature and art with the audience. Personable and friendly, Chris enjoys telling about his journey into children’s literature. One of the most prominent children’s book illustrators for the last two decades, Chris is sure to keep crowds of any age entertained and engaged.

  • Speaking Topics

    Sardine Theater—Little Actors Put on Little Plays (all ages, but especially children)

    Chris introduces himself to the audience with a drawing demo, followed by a dramatic presentation of a number of his books, such as Yo! Yes?; A Ball for Daisy; Five for a Little One; Canʼt Sleep; and Arlene Sardine. Interspersed throughout the lecture are drawings from a current book he is working on, a drawing exercise with the audience, and an interactive reading of Charlie Parker Played Bebop. (45 minutes with Q&A)

    Can I Show You My Portfolio?—My Career So Far (for students and adults)

    Chris gives an overview of his work via a PowerPoint presentation that contains examples of childhood drawings and student work from college, early illustrations for a number of newspapers and magazines, images from the Image Bank (a worldwide commercial illustration agency), and his work in childrenʼs books from the last 20+ years. (45–60 minutes)

    How Did That Book Come About? (for students and adults)

    Chris discusses the development of a particular book and gives an oral history of the book with drawing at an easel, followed by a DVD viewing that shows the book in its many forms as it moves from sketchbook to dummies to finished art. Books shown may include: A Ball for Daisy, Little Black Crow, The Hello Goodbye Window, Skin Again, or Mysterious Thelonious (45–60 minutes)

  • Video

  • Praise for Chris Raschka

    Praise for A Ball for Daisy

    A story that is noteworthy for both its artistry and its child appeal.

    The Horn Book Magazine

    Raschka’s genius lies in capturing the essence of situations that are deeply felt by children.

    School Library Journal
  • Books by Chris Raschka

  • Media About Chris Raschka

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and Availability

  • 212 572-2013
  • Chris Raschka travels from New York, NY

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