Kyra Teis

Imagining Stories

How do you pronounce your name?

My parents blessed me with a first and last name that are impossible to pronounce. Don't fret. Say it like this: "Kee-ra Tice"

How did you become an illustrator?

I think I considered myself a book artist since I was three. As soon as I could use a crayon, I was making little books for my dollies.

My professional career began in earnest during my senior year of college. I was studying folktales, and was so enthralled with the symbolic imagery in them that I had to create artwork to explore it on a deeper level. I designed an honor's thesis to retell and illustrate four folktales, and that work became my first professional portfolio.

During the time I was in graduate school, I worked very hard developing my artistic style. It was a time of powerful artistic exploration for me - both in terms of building skill, and also learning about my artistic voice. It wasn't long before I was doing artwork for Cricket Magazine, and then a few years later, I received my first book contract with Barefoot Books for Daughters of Eve, Strong Women of the Bible.

How do you do your artwork?

I use a technique called "paper collage." I cut out bits of paper that I have painted or spattered with acrylic paint and glue them together to make a picture. It takes me a few days to complete one illustration. To learn more, click here:

Would you come to my school?

I would love to visit your school! I do talks and creative workshops for Pre-K to Grade 12. Please click here for more information:

What are your favorite children's books?

When I was a kid, my parents read to me every night before bed but I didn't read all that much by myself. I preferred to make up my own stories and draw them. But now that I'm an adult, I read constantly. Mostly I read fiction for Young Adults, but also many Picture Books too. Here is a list of books I especially like: