Speaker Profile - Jennifer Hansen Rolli

Illustrator and Writer

Region:	Pennsylvania: East
Age Levels:	5-10
Will Travel:	Anywhere in the world
Skype Visit:	Yes
SCBWI Profile:	Member Profile
Speaker Email:	jenhansen@earthlink.net
	Publications

Bio:
Jennifer Hansen Rolli is the author/illustrator of picture books. Just One More(Viking/Children’s devision of Penguin Random House) was her first published PB, which went on to become a selection for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library 3 years in a row(bilingual edition, as well), and an imprint for Scholastic Book Club. November 2017, marked the release of Claudia and Moth(Viking) and upcoming in May 2018 How to Trick the Tooth Fairy, (Aladdin S&S) will be her third book in print along with a board book version of Just One More. Recently, her work was included in the Communication Arts Illustration Annual. For 15 years she headed her own design firm in Philadelphia, Hansen Design, achieving national recognition in Communication Arts, Graphis and Print publications. Today she paints, writes and illustrates at her Pennsylvania home with her pug Clyde snoring alongside. She is an avid painter and exhibits her work in several galleries along the northern east coast, which keeps her busy during the lengthy approval periods in the picture book world.

Presentation Description:
My latest school presentation is focused on Claudia & Moth(Viking Nov2017). The premise of the book is to open our eyes and heart to other possibilities when something we've become attached to is no longer available. Claudia loves summer and butterflies but when winter comes creeping in, she loses the pep inner step. One bitterly cold day, she discovers a little moth in her sweater drawer who unexpectedly shows her winter in a whole new light!

In my presentation, I show and tell the process of working as an author/illustrator for picture books, and how creative ideas can come from just about anywhere! I explain that sometimes when I think I am all done, there are usually changes to be made that can go on and on. No amount of bellyaching can erase the fact that I have to get them done, and I show examples of how these challenges have always made my books better. I emphasize the importance of trying our hardest and to power through obstacles. They are usually opportunities to make ourselves better and possibly try something new(hence Claudia)! We discuss the similarities and differences in butterflies and moths, including their life cycle. I will always include the “anticipated" drawing demo toward the end, and finish off with a Q&A(personal favorite). A coordinating Teachers Guide is ready to download from my website for Just One More, Claudia & Moth will be ready by end Oct. 2017.

Video of Presentation:http://yes!/