Laurie Keller

Laurie Keller is an American children's author and illustrator of Arnie the Doughnut, We Are Growing!, Scrambled States of America, and Potato Pants!

Laurie Keller hails from Muskegon, Michigan, where she spent her formative years. Following high school graduation, she pursued educational courses at a local community college and honed her skills in dance until a friend introduced her to a showcase at the Kendall College of Art and Design. This encounter reignited her passion, prompting her to enroll and earn an illustration degree.

After completing her studies, Laurie embarked on a seven-year journey as a greeting card artist for Hallmark Cards. During her tenure, she had the opportunity to design entire cards, which sparked her interest in writing and illustrating books.

In 1997, she began creating illustrations for Nickelodeon and directed six network IDs for the channel in collaboration with Pitch Productions, using pipe-cleaners and cel animation.

Laurie's debut book, The Scrambled States of America, published in 1998, follows the story of Kansas, one of the 50 states of America, organizing a party where states meet, trade places, and explore new locations. The book received praise from Publishers Weekly for its engaging and comical approach to teaching geography.

Now, Keller is the talented author and illustrator of over ten captivating books published by Henry Holt Books for Young Readers. Among them are Open Wide: Tooth School Inside (2000), a dental book delving into tooth care, and Arnie the Doughnut (2003), a delightful tale of an anthropomorphic doughnut.

The story was also released on DVD in 2005, narrated by Michael McKean.

Her other works include Grandpa Gazillion's Number Yard (2005), an imaginative number book, and Do Unto Otters (2007), a charming book on manners. She also created "The Scrambled States of America Talent Show," a sequel to her debut book.

In addition to her literary accomplishments, Laurie Keller's creativity extended to the realm of games. A tie-in card game based on her book "The Scrambled States of America" was published in 2002 by Gamewright.

Over the years, Laurie continued to enchant readers with her works, including the companion book The Scrambled States of America Talent Show, released in 2008. She also authored Birdy's Smile Book in 2010 and Potato Pants! in 2018, which follows the hilarious journey of Potato and his eggplant nemesis.

With her whimsical illustrations and delightful storytelling, Laurie Keller's books have captured the hearts of young readers and garnered critical acclaim, making her a celebrated author and illustrator in children's literature.

Photo credit: lauriekellerbooks.com