From Christmas Trees to Newbery Glory

Lynne Rae Perkins, is an American author and illustrator renowned for her 2006, novel "Criss Cross" which garnered the prestigious Newbery Medal, cementing her status as a luminary in children's literature. After completing her Bachelor of Arts at Pennsylvania State University in 1978 and her Master of Arts at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee in 1981, Perkins embarked on a journey that traversed various professional landscapes. From teaching drawing classes to working as a graphic designer in Boston, her path eventually led her to Michigan, where she and her husband cultivated Christmas trees and raised their family in a cozy cabin. Despite her diverse professional experiences, it wasn't until a chance encounter with Mrs. Ava Weiss, the art director of Greenwillow Books, that Perkins began to explore her talent for writing. Encouraged by Weiss's inquiry about her writing endeavors, Perkins penned her first story, "Home Lovely," which was not only published but also illustrated by her. Since then, Perkins has continued to enchant readers with her captivating narratives and charming illustrations. With half a dozen picture books and three novels for older readers to her name, she has left quite an impression on the literary world. Visit her website: lynneraeperkins.com