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MARY ANN FRASER began writing and illustrating books when she was
in second grade. Actually, it was her teacher's way of keeping her
quiet when she finished work early. (Even back then she was a
talker.)
Following graduation from UCLA and a year of post-graduate
studies at the Exeter College of Art and Design in Devon, England on
a Rotary Fellowship, she became a commercial illustrator. This
eventually led to creating art for children’s picture books. After a
trip to Nepal, she was inspired to write and illustrate her first
book, ON TOP OF THE WORLD, the story of the first successful climb
up Mt Everest. Since then she has written and/or illustrated over
sixty fiction and non-fiction books for young people. Her awards
include a Junior Library Guild Selection, School Library Journal
Best Book of the Year, Book Links Book of the Year, IRA Young
Readers Choice Award, and American Booksellers "Pick of the List."
Mary Ann has taught writing and illustrating children books at
Learning Tree University, is a founding member of the Children's
Author's Network! (CAN!); a member of the Society of Children's Book
Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI); a contributing editor for Kite
Tales, a regional SCBWI publication; and the Illustrator Coordinator
for the SCBWI Central-Coastal California Region. She conducts
presentations for schools, libraries, teacher in-service workshops,
and conferences.
For relaxation, she can be found plein air painting, hiking,
playing her hammered dulcimer, or out in the garden submitting to
the whims of nature. She is a rehabilitated soccer mom, a damage
control specialist (thanks to three sons), and has completed two
tours of duty in scouts. She comes from a family of total foodies,
likes to eat more than cook, but does plenty of both.
 Contacts
E-mail: maryafrase@aol.com
Blog: www.maryannfraser.blogspot.com
Web:www.maryannfraser.com
Books
Awards
- The Elementary, Middle School, and High
School California Collections
- Junior Library Guild Selection
- School Library Journal Best Book
of the Year
- Book Links Book of the Year
- NCSS-CBC Notable Children's Trade
Books in the Field of Social Studies
- IRA Young Readers Choice Award
- NCTE Outstanding Science Trade Book
- American Booksellers Pick of the List.
- Society of School Librarians International Book Award, Honor Book, 2003
Reviews
HEEBIE-JEEBIE JAMBOREE: “Anyone for eyes cream or barbecued
bat wings? A rollerghoster of fun for younger trick-or-treaters.”
- Kirkus Reviews
I.Q. GOES TO SCHOOL: “Fraser's enthusiasm for children exploring
the world is beautifully upheld in all her work....”
-
Kirkus Reviews
PET SHOP LULLABY: “Fraser tells her funny story economically,
with few words—mostly sound effects—and with simple pictures that
convey the mood of the animals through their body language, by the
tilt of an ear or the set of an eye. Sweet without being saccharine,
this will appeal to young preschoolers in a group or at bedtime.”
- The Horn Book
Presentations
As an author and illustrator of both fiction and non-fiction for
children of all ages, Mary Ann can offer assemblies and workshops
for a wide spectrum of audiences. Here is a description of some of
her most popular presentations and workshops.
COOKING UP A STORY explores the wonderful process of
developing a story through illustration. The audience actively
participates in selecting the ingredients that she then sketches out
to make a tasty and satisfying tale. Story structure and
characterization are all part of the mix. This is a fun and
interactive presentation that is sure to get those creative juices
bubbling. This works well as an assembly for up to two hundred or
as an in-class presentation. Many teachers have found useful
ways to extend this experience into the classroom following her
visit.
(WARNING: Some students are so fired up to write after
this assembly it may be difficult to curb their enthusiasm.)
LET’S BAKE A STORY CAKE is a hands-on workshop that
gives students the opportunity to build a story in three layers,
complete with frosting on top. This is a great follow up to COOKING
UP A STORY.
INVESTIGATING THE THREE R’S –An entertaining look at
methods of improving one’s writing using research, revision, and
reading aloud techniques.
What People Say
"We certainly have a clearer picture of the process involved in
publishing a children’s book. Your illustrations are wonderful!"
"Thank you for the ‘high-energy level’ talks. Our students were
very excited to see you work. I’ve requested a repeat visit!"
"We have had a number of guests throughout the years, but I feel
that your presentation was most valuable in encouraging our young
authors and artists"
"Your presentation was great! Very useful and with a different
perspective. It's nice hearing from the real world....It reminded me
of all I should present to students to make reading for
understanding happen."
See Mary Ann's web site for more information, reviews and buzz!
Fun Facts
- Won a Rotary Fellowship to study art in Exeter in Devon
England
- Raises turtles and tortoises
- Has a Black Belt in Okinawa-te
- Plays the hammered dulcimer
- Reached the highest level in the National Forensics League
in high school
- Collects fruit labels, ink bottles, and marbles
Just For You
IQ's "It's About Time" Teacher (140 kb)
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