Cover Illustration

From Take Me Out to the Ball Game, by Maryann Kovalski.  Richmond Hill, Ont.: Scholastic Canada, 1992.  ISBN 0590743155

Maryann Kovalski was born in the Bronx (New York), and from a very early age loved to draw.  Although her family had no background in art, they encouraged Maryann to follow her dream.  She "doodled" her way through school, went to the New York School of Visual Arts, and moved to Montreal to immerse herself in its vibrant arts community.  After her marriage, she and her husband moved to Toronto where the family, which includes two young daughters, now make their home.  Professionally, Maryann Kovalski devotes most of her time to writing and illustrating children's books.  Her talent for highlighting everyday events and pinpointing human foibles, lovingly and honestly, engages readers from the beginning of her books to the end.  Among the books she has illustrated are Take Me Out to the Ball Game, Jingle Bells, Pizza for Breakfast, Princess Prunella and the Purple Peanut by Margaret Atwood, and I'll Make You Small by Tim Wynne-Jones.