Reading Children’s Picture Books: an Event for Adults
So many children’s picture books contain strong affirmative messages and beautiful art — all at a level that can be very meaningful to adult readers. Join us for a gathering of adults reading children’s books! You’ll hear from our expert speakers some of what goes into creating a children’s book and what makes it great (or not!).
DATE: Thursday, March 3rd
TIME: 7pm to 8:30pm
PLACE: Open Book Bookstore, 7900 High School Road, Elkins Park, PA 19027
What’s on the agenda for this evening:
Julia Rix
Heather Devlin Knopf, artist and children’s book author and illustrator, will talk about her illustration process, from thumbnails and clay sculptures to photo reference and final artwork. She’ll also address a frequently asked question, “Which comes first…images or words?”
Julia Rix, a watercolor artist, will talk about the beginning stages of developing a children’s book illustration project as well as review some books that inspire her.
Heather Devlin Knopf
Lynn Rosen of Open Book Bookstore will talk about the characteristics of a good children’s book, what has changed lately in children’s book publishing, and what makes a classic a classic, all based on interviews with current children’s book editors.
During the event, we will look at and read a selection of children’s picture books, including classics and new publications, and discuss what we like about them.
This evening is also great opportunity to select some new books for your children and grandchildren, or for gifts.
Feel free to bring along a favorite children’s book or two of your own to share! Also, we will be providing you with a list of the books we discuss, and they will be available for purchase as well. Heather Devlin Knopf will sign copies of her illustrated book, The Cow in Patrick O’Shanahan’s Kitchen, written by Diana Prichard.
Refreshments are included!
ABOUT THE PRESENTERS
Heather Devlin Knopf is an artist/designer, educator, and children’s book writer and 
illustrator. In 2013, Heather illustrated The Cow in Patrick O’Shanahan’s Kitchen, written by Diana Prichard and published by Little Pickle Press. A graduate of Carnegie Mellon University with a B.S. in Graphic Communications Management, Heather later completed an MFA in Illustration at the Hartford Art School at the University of Hartford. She is represented by the Andrea Brown Literary Agency and also teaches at Moore College of Art and Design and Philadelphia University. Originally from Boston, Heather now calls Philadelphia her home. Her two, highly imaginative boys continue to be a source of inspiration.
Julia Rix earned an M.Ed. in Art Education from Tyler School of Art and taught Art, English, and ESL for Abington School District for 11 years. She is a member of the local artists’ cooperative MamaCITA and her watercolor paintings have won awards at both the Abington Art Center and the Cheltenham Center for the Arts. She studied with renowned children’s book author and illustrator David Wiesner and is currently working on her own publication projects.
