Children's Book Author and Illustrator Jackie Urbanovic - New York Time's Best Seller

from School Library Journal The charming watercolors will give audiences plenty to look at as these expressive creatures search the house for an alligator-sized hiding place and plot to save their new guest. The animals are clearly the movers and shakers in this household, and Urbanovic has done a fine job of rendering each one with clever humanlike postures and expressions…With a comedic story and strong visuals, Duck and Cover is sure to please.-Jayne Damron, Farmington Community Library, MI “When a desperate alligator named Harold, on the lam from the zoo, turns up at Irene’s door, she and her pets are reluctant at first to provide him with amnesty given his crime (he claims to have accidentally eaten someone’s pet)… Max and his crew continue to be a personable bunch, and Urbanovic still knows how to up the melodramatic ante with both her witty narrative (“…they decided to sleep on it. In Irene’s room. With the door locked tight”) and her comically slapstick illustrations (there’s lots of rushing around and waving paws or wings about). She capably depicts the pets’ understandable nervousness around their pointy-toothed houseguest while also portraying Harold as a lovable, if large, reptile with fears of his own (the basement, for example). This is rife with riotous readaloud potential, so grab the previous title and make it a Max Marathon, or just enjoy it solo.” BCCB (circ. ) The newest offering in the best-selling Max the Duck Series! "Like the first Max story, Duck at the Door (January 2007), the cartoon cover is irresistible and the comical illustrations spice up the clever story. Kids will love the misidentified body parts. As silly and funny as the Marx Brothers movie of the same title.” --Kirkus* “Urbanovic creates a slapstick delight with her wildly expressive characters and expertly conveyed physical comedy. Particularly uproarious are the animals’ reactions as they discard the soup and imagine, momentarily, that the potatoes, carrots, and onions are, in fact, Max. Like its best-selling predecessor, this is sure to be a read-aloud hit.” --Booklist Chosen as one of the Top 10 Booksense Spring picks!! New York Times Bestseller!! New York Times Bestseller!! “…this is her first work as writer-illustrator, and a very promising start it is. The story is simple, the expressive pictures are pleasing, and both work well together…” --Booklist “…The big-hearted open-door policy here will appeal to a wide range of readers.” --Kirkus “This is a funny, loving book that subtly reminds readers that friendship is important, that families can be made up of friends or individuals…and that there is a place for each of us in this world…Highly recommended.” --Cheryl Rainfield’s Children’s book reviews Click here to find out more about the wacky, quacky world of Max the duck!

Here are some books I've illustrated for other authors- (You can purchase all of my books online at Amazon or support an independent bookstore near you by going to Book Sense)

A 2005 Aesop Accolades book The American Folklore Society "...This comfortable, cumulative story with an African-American flavor, is smoothly rendered and jauntily illustrated with expressive color paintings...."  ----Deborah Abbott, The Chicago Sun Times "...Well written, charmingly illustrated, and with a new ethnic twist, this book is a first choice for libraries....."  ---Mary Hazelton, School Library Journal

An absolutely hysterical story by Elizabeth Cody Kimmel with illustrations by Jackie Urbanovic. The story is about Patricia and Harriet, two hamster sisters, who feel they need to become glamsterous in order to be adopted.

"...The story has a good, zippy tempo and the waggish art makes it all seem possible, capturing Eddie in his cool, maverick glory." ---Kirkus reviews

"...The illustrator's colorful artwork perfectly complements the humor and tenderness of this refreshing picturebook.  She creates an imposing Horace who barely fits on the page until he is reduced to human emotions and proportions..."  ----Linda Salisbury, ForeWord

"...The illustrations are colorful and engaging....."   ---Elaine Lesh Morgan, School Library Journal

Email Jackie-jackieurbanovic@rcn.com

Jackie Urbanovic • Author/Illustrator/Cowgirl

I began drawing characters and telling stories before I could read. In my family, the art of telling a good story---especially a humorous one-- was highly prized. This shows up in my work over and over. Whether I am doing a single illustration or an entire book, I am always telling a story. This has promoted my interest in sequencial art: character development, animation, picturebooks, and comic strips. Although I work in a range of styles, my illustration is primarily characterized by a sense of humor and whimsy. My primary medium is watercolor with pencil or brush/ink but I also work with papercuts, acrylics, scratchboard, photoshop and painter. After a lifetime of studying and practicing art, I am still fascinated by what is possible and I'm always experimenting. I've illustrated posters, packaging, picturebooks, magazines, flip books, flash animations, t-shirts, comic strips, brochures, and even a bus! My publishing credits include: Harper Collins Childrens, Hyperion, Albert Whitman, Cavendish Children's Books, Scholastic Inc., Boyds Mills Press, Novartis Nutrition, Kopp Funds, Stein Roe Farnham, Pokemon USA, Klutz, Consumer Reports and Publisher's Weekly. And lastly, I enjoy talking and teaching about art almost as much as I enjoy doing it. I do school presentations and I'd be happy to send you information or give you a call! Just email me a note.

Jackie Reveals All! Read her Alphabet Soup interview! Part 1. and Part 2. Here's another great interview, by Jama Rattigan-- CLICK HERE

If you would like to talk about doing a trade book with me, please contact my agent, Marcia Wernick - marcia.wernick@sheldonfogelmanagency.com • http://www.sheldonfogelmanagency.com/ •

Here are some of my favorite works of art.

To see more of my work please check these links: Illustrator's Club To see Comic Strip go to: MaggieInc.com

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