“All of the struggles and heroic actions in my books are enriched by the paintings of award-winning artists whose attention to detail matches my own, and belief in freedom and empowerment against all odds accompanies us on our journeys of discovery.”
– Doreen Rappaport
London Ladd
Frederick’s Journey
London Ladd’s illustrations have been praised for their skillful renderings and for their capturing the emotions of his subjects.
John Pomeroy
Walt’s Imagination
John Pomeroy is an animator, producer, writer, storyboard artist, character designer, and painter. He has worked for Walt Disney Studios as well as Don Bluth Studios in Ireland. His career spans between the end of the Golden age of animation to today’s current feature length animated films.
Matt Tavares
Jack’s Path of Courage
Matt Tavares, baseball fan supreme, is the illustrator of many books about that beloved sport and its stars. He has illustrated three of Doreen’s books: Jack’s Path of Courage, Helen’s Big World: The Life of Helen Keller, and Lady Liberty: A Biography
Matt Faulkner
A graduate of Rhode Island School of Design, Matt Faulkner has written and illustrated many children’s books. His work has won wide praise for its humor, exuberance and sensitivity. His work can also been seen in such national periodicals as The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and Forbes.
Shane W. Evans
The Black Experience Trilogy
No More! Stories and Songs of Slave Resistance
Free At Last! Stories and Songs of Emancipation
Nobody Gonna Turn Me ‘Round – Stories and Songs of the Civil Rights Movement
Shane W. Evans is the illustrator of several children’s books, including OSCEOLA, edited by Alan Govenar and winner of the Boston Globe-Horn Book Honor Award and the Orbis Pictus Award for outstanding nonfiction. A multi-talented artist, his books have been featured in the media – from Oprah to Reading Rainbow and Late Night with David Letterman. Other accolades include being honored by First Lady Laura Bush at the 2002 National Book Festival and The Coretta Scott King Book Award.
Kadir Nelson
Abe’s Honest Words
Kadir Nelson is the illustrator of many books for children, including Moses: When Harriet Tubman Led Her People to Freedom by Carole Boston Weatherford, an NAACP Image Award winner, a Caldecott Honor Book, and a Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award winner, and Ellington Was Not a Street by Ntozake Shange, a Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award winner. He is also the author/illustrator of We Are the Ship: The Story of Negro League Baseball, which won the Sibert Medal, a Coretta Scott King Author Award, and a Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor.
Bryan Collier
Martin’s Big Words, John’s Secret Dreams
Caldecott Honor Book and Coretta Scott King Book Illustrator Award winner Bryan Collier has created art for many award-winning children’s books, including his master achievements: Rosa; Martin’s Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.; Freedom River; and John’s Secret Dreams: The Life of John Lennon. Bryan lives in New York City with his wife and daughter.
Gary Kelley
Eleanor, Quiet No More
Gary Kelley earned a degree in art from the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls. Among his many awards are twenty-three gold and silver medals from the Society of Illustrators and the 1991 Hamilton King Award for best illustration. Gary lives in Cedar Falls.
C.F. Payne
To Dare Mighty Things: The Life of Theodore Roosevelt
C.F. Payne has been illustrating for more than thirty years. His artwork has illustrated ten children’s books such as Brave Harriet, True Heart, and New York Times’ bestseller The Remarkable Farkle McBride, written by John Lithgow. It has been exhibited at the Cincinnati Art Museum, the National Portrait Gallery, the Norman Rockwell Museum, and The Selby Gallery at Ringling College of Art and Design. Payne richly brings to life the playful side of Theodore Roosevelt’s family life. In this image you can almost feel the carefree nature of Roosevelt’s children as they played in the White House with their numerous pets.
Click here and see other examples of C.F. Payne’s art and note how Payne tells a story through his work.
Oliver Dominguez
ELLEN TAKES FLIGHT: THE LIFE OF ASTRONAUT ELLEN OCHO
Meet Oliver Dominguez – a true artist at heart! Oliver’s love for illustration started at a young age, earning him the nickname “the artist boy” for never being seen without his trusty portfolio. He’s dedicated to perfecting his craft, attending The Illustration Academy twice while also studying at Ringling College of Art + Design. Today, he’s a highly respected Children’s Book Artist, freelance illustrator, and professor at Ringling College. Oliver’s passion for history has led him to create wonderful children’s books, like “Ellen Takes Flight: The Life of Astronaut Ellen Ochoa.” He lives in Fort Myers with his family and their 2 adorable dogs, Cooper and Ryder. Oliver is not just an amazing artist, but also a big reader, movie buff, and creator of unique hats. He’s truly a one-of-a-kind artist and educator, with unmatched creativity and dedication to his craft.