Maine children’s book illustrator and author Cathryn Falwell was born in Kansas City, Kansas and grew up in the Midwest — Missouri, Wisconsin and Minnesota — before moving to Connecticut as a teenager. She received her BFA in Art from the University of Connecticut in 1975. After college, Ms. Falwell lived in New Hampshire for several years where she worked as a teacher and a graphic designer. Returning to Connecticut, she worked as an art director and designer for an award-winning design firm. Five years later, she opened her own design business, specializing in institutional and corporate print design.

Ms. Falwell married Peter Mirkin in 1979. After their two sons were born, she decided to pursue the children’s book field — something she had wanted to do since the second grade. Her first picture book, Where’s Nicky? was published in 1991. Five years and many books later, she and her family moved to Frog Song Pond in Gorham Maine. From her studio (and also from her very own treehouse!) she can watch the critters who have inspired several of her books, including Turtle Splash, Scoot!, Pond Babies, and Gobble, Gobble.

In addition to writing and illustrating picture books, Ms. Falwell teaches children’s classes, volunteers with community and social action groups, and enjoys music, traveling, gardening, reading and hiking. She visits schools and libraries to present interactive programs for children that celebrate books, creativity, and imagination.

For more information about Cathryn Falwell, please visit her website at www.cathrynfalwell.com.