About the Author and Illustrator:

In her leafy, shady garden in Connecticut, Frances Gilbert is writing a story about a cookie thief, and keeping an eye on her tea and cookies, just in case he is still around. She thinks of her grandchildren and all the stories told in the family down the years. The Cookie Thief is one of those stories and she needs a really great illustrator to draw the pictures.

Luckily she has met Ben Quesnel, a talented young man just starting an exciting life as an artist and teacher. She liked his faces and his colors; he liked her words and her stories, so they agree to work together to catch that cookie thief.

You can purchase your own copy of The Cookie Thief, as well as signed prints of any desired pages by visiting my “Store”.

Glenn Shapiro of Champ Bear Publishing hired Ben to illustrate his book Sarah Walked to School. This is a short story created to trigger the imaginations of young children. Sarah Walked to School is about a headstrong second-grader who believes she knows the way to school and insists on walking there on her own. A wrong turn out the front door starts her on a very long trip. So certain that she is right, she refuses to turn back and ultimately circles the globe.

Reviews

NPR called Sarah Walked to School "A delightful children's book." On The Book Show, Rose Quiello, literature professor at Southern Connecticut State University, said "I loved this book. It had two wonderful themes. The first was 'I can do it myself' and the second was the idea of getting lost in an adventure. It is just such a fun book for children." The NPR review went on to say, that the book was “filled by beautiful, lively, delightful illustrations that really gripped me." --National Public Radio - The Book Show with Faith Middleton and Rose Quiello

On March 28, 2008, the book was featured on the CBS morning show "Better Connecticut”. Host, Kara Sundlun, called Sarah Walked to School "A beautiful book" where "Sarah's adventures come to life". --CBS WFSB Hartford, CT

Tour

Upon the book's completion in 2008, Ben has been touring local elementary and middle schools to present the book to young students. At the presentations, Ben reads the students the story and tells them about all the fun secrets that he has hidden within the book. They also learn the process of creating a children’s book and are given a demonstration on how to draw their favorite characters from the story. Following the presentation Ben likes to answer any questions the students or teachers may have. Ben also signs copies of every book purchased prior to his appearance. All his time is volunteered! If you are interested in having Ben come present at your school, please contact him. He would love to come.

You can purchase your own copy of Sarah Walked to School, as well as signed prints of any desired pages by visiting my “Store”.