Kyra Teis
Children's Book Author & Illustrator

As a kid...

I have been surrounded by the arts all my life. Everyone in my family makes art - my three sisters, my brother, nieces and nephews. You can see some of their art and music here.

I learned my paper collage illustration technique from my father, Dan Teis, a contemporary artist and professor of art at the University of Delaware. Dad's studio was always open to me and I had unlimited access to paper, paint, and other art supplies. Even as a little kid, I wrote and drew the stories in my head.

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My love of costume comes from my mother, whose first career was a costume designer for the theater. From a very young age, I  played in theater sewing shops with fancy wigs, fabric and colorful trim. 

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And of course, I loved playing dress-up!

As a grown-up...

I write and illustrate books for kids. 

Best independent bookstore moment ever: 

The fabulous Oblong Books in Millerton, NY invited regional children's book authors to create displays for their front window. Here I am with my Magic Flute display.

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Inspiration:
The inspiration for my books comes from a busy life with my husband and two young daughters. I love to visit schools to do workshops on writing and illustrating stories. I live in Schenectady, NY.

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WOW - Writers on Wednesdays. 
My terrific critique group which actually meets on Tuesdays. 
From back left: Liza Frenette, Nancy Castaldo, Lois Huey, Rose Kent, Me, Helen Mesick.

SCBWI-Eastern NY
I am the Illustration Coordinator for SCBWI-Eastern NY. I help organize an annual Master Class retreat called Falling Leaves. Info available on the SCBWI-Eastern NY site.

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I'm also a costumer for a regional ballet company. To see more, go to my sewing page.

Northeast Ballet Images