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 dad, mom, three sisters, my brother, nieces and nephews, and now my children. You can see some of my family's art and music here.
This photo is how I looked on an average day: always in costume. I had a fabulous costume box because my mom's first career was a costumer and professor of costume design -- lucky me!
This photo is how I looked on an average day: always in costume. I had a fabulous costume box because my mom's first career was a costumer and professor of costume design -- lucky me!
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.

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.

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 served as Illustration Coordinator for SCBWI-Eastern NY, and helped organize our annual Falling Leaves Master Class retreat.
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 served as Illustration Coordinator for SCBWI-Eastern NY, and helped organize our annual Falling Leaves Master Class retreat.
Sewing:
My mom taught me how to sew when I was very young. One of my favorite hobbies is designing clothing and costumes. For ten years I costumed for a regional ballet company. To see more of my costuming, go to my sewing page.
My mom taught me how to sew when I was very young. One of my favorite hobbies is designing clothing and costumes. For ten years I costumed for a regional ballet company. To see more of my costuming, go to my sewing page.