Maria, age 5, unaware that the first day of school is not when one learns how to read
An overachiever not prone to taking naps, Maria was eager for more than finger painting and playing blocks. Thankfully her disappointment was short lived and she was soon reading every book the librarian put in her hands, from Judy Blume to James Howe, Avi to Ann M. Martin. (Sometimes she read under her desk when she was supposed to be doing work…Teachers love this!) But Maria always knew that books were special. They inspired her creativity, imagination, and occasionally a little bit of trouble-making. So she dedicated her career to making books that other kids would love to read. Maria is the Senior Art Director at Candlewick Press and lives in Richmond, VA with her family. (She still hates taking naps.)