Laura Nyman Montenegro
Children are natural artists and storytellers who respond to the picture
book world with gusto and insight. Through puppetry, mask, drawing,
and storywriting, Author/Illustrator Laura Nyman Montenegro
invites her audience into the fascinating and quirky world of the picture
book maker where trials and triumphs abound. Through book dummies, paintings
and stacks of revisions, she reveals the inner workings of the artist's
life. And through the creation of a story with the audience, she invites
participants to experience the picture book art form as a rich and inviting
world for storymaking and expression.
Montenegro’s picture books, A Bird About to Sing, Sweet Tooth, and One Stuck Drawer, all published by Houghton Mifflin Company, have won Parent’s Choice Awards and A Bird About to Sing was featured on Reading Rainbow.
Her newest book, A Poet’s Bird Garden, published by Farrar, Straus & Giroux has been described as ‘Beautiful to look at and to contemplate the serenity within.’ (Kirkus Reviews)
Laura is an art educator, with a BA in Fine Arts and Anthropology and an MA and certification in Art Education. She is a puppeteer and movement artist, co-founder and ensemble member of Theatre Zarko in Evanston, IL. She teaches classes for adults in the art of making picture books.
Presentations
Suitcase Stories
Explore the the intricacies of the art of picture book making through
the playful and quirky puppet presentation, Suitcase Stories. Discover
the secrets of the picture book maker’s craft through visual artifacts;
book dummies, paintings, and storyboards. Then create an illustrated
picture book story, together!
40-50 minute presentation for groups of up to 60 children, grades K-6
The Intuitive Suitcase
Participate in the entire process of picture book creation from tiny story
seed to published book. Create your own picture book story combining
poetic narrative with visual imagery. Shape the book dummy for some of
the most exciting moments in the creation of a picture book. A lively,
hands-on introduction to the picture book art form.
2-3 hour presentation for groups of up to 20 adults
Contact Information:
Email:lauramontenegro@sbcglobal.net
Phone: 847-328-4175
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