The Silver Lining

Breathtaking ice-crystal landscapes, sledding snowmen, playful penguins, beautiful nativities: These are just a tiny peek into the artistic world of award-winning children's illustrator, Tim Coffey. Grace Lin sure knew what she was doing when she contacted Tim through his publisher, Albert Whitman and Company. His whimsical, snowy creations are perfect for a Robert's Snow for Cancer Cure snowflake. Just take a peek at a mug he did for Demdaco!

Tim started on his award winning career path at the University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth where he majored in illustration. (Did you know he had switched his major from electrical engineering? Boy, are we glad, Tim!) He found children's illustration later, after an extensive successful career designing paper products, prints, stationary, party-ware, and more. I even found out that he has his art on those Thirsty Stone coasters! Wow! But while he earned success in the adult consumer world, it was children's illustration that held his heart: "I chose children's books because I was having more fun doing that than illustrating for adults." 

And fun he's been having! His first illustrated picture book, Red Berry Wool, by Robyn Eversole, won an SCBWI Golden Kite honor and his second book, Mabela the Clever by Margaret Read MacDonald, was an ABA Pick of Lists book. His first children's book that he also wrote is entitled, Christmas At The Top of the World. See? He's a snow-season expert! 

When asked to lend his snowy talents to a Robert's Snow snowflake, Tim was happy to oblige. "It's an honor to be involved in a project with so many fine illustrators. And it just feels good to help out a good cause." 

Here's his whimsical snowflake entitled, "Christmas Wishes". Look familiar? (Did you click on that mug link earlier?) "I had been working on penguins recently and it seemed like a perfect subject matter for a snowflake. And it seems penguins are popular these days."

They sure are! And I'd love to get this snowflake to match my Tim Coffey coffee mugs. Wouldn't you?



Tim diligently works in his studio in New Hampshire where the beautiful landscape continually inspires his work. He is now writing and developing more picture books. I can't wait to see what Tim will offer the children's literary world in the future. Maybe that will satisfy his SIX SISTERS! Yes, he's the youngest of seven children!

"Christmas Wishes" will go to auction on November 26th, so put that on your calendar! 

And please visit the other blogs outlining today's snowflake illustrators (including illustrator friends, 

sruble

• Elizabeth Dulemba at sruble's world
  
  
• Chris Gall at Through the Studio Door
  
  
• Amy Schimler  at Please Come Flying

Mmmm...now where is that Tim Coffey mug? I want some hot chocolate! Yum!