Kerry Maguire

As an artist who LOVES to draw nature, animals in particular, my dream job would be to work at the zoo. Boy, oh boy, would I have almost an endless supply of models!

I’m an Indiana “Hoosier” who grew up on a horse hobby farm surrounded by animals large & small. It wasn’t hard to find something beautiful in every creature—even the opossum (my parents made me let it go free). Mom and Dad were used to me bringing home snakes, baby mice, even a bat (yes, I had to let them go too).

My supportive parents were generous with art materials, allowing me to draw my “found” models. I had an endless supply of drawing paper, always a giant box of crayons, and a cigar box full of colored pencils. My favorite treasure was a really neat big 15”x15” tin of lil’ watercolor blocks…SO many colors to choose from!

My husband and I now enjoy living on a lake in Minnesota and I work in a home studio with two Ragdoll cats, "my late-night studio pals."

I enjoy the research and challenges that come with each illustration project. I have the best job in the world!

Saber-Toothed Cats
written by Susan E. Goodman
illustrated by Kerry Maguire
Millbrook Press, 2006
ages 7 to 11, ISBN 978-1575057590

Do you know which ice-age animal was as strong as a bear, had a short stubby tail, and razor-sharp, 7-inch teeth? Saber-Toothed cats! Fierce predators, large saber-toothed cats lived more than 11,000 years ago—so how do scientists know so much about them? By studying their fossils and the parts of the world where they once lived! Dig through the past to uncover how these remarkable predators once lived—and died.

Eye on the Wild: a Story about Ansel Adams
written by Julie Dunlap
illustrated by Kerry Maguire
Carolrhoda Books, 1995
ages 9 to 12, ISBN 978-0876149447

During a family vacation in Yosemite National Park, fourteen-year-old Ansel Adams received his first camera. He dashed around snapping photographs of meadows, rocks, and streams. Ansel learned that day that he could use a camera to express his deepest feelings about nature. In this lively biography, Julie Dunlap tells the story of how Ansel Adams became one of the greatest photographers of all time. Throughout his life, this passionate environmentalist used his camera both to create beautiful photographs and to champion the Amercian wilderness. The unforgettable images he created have had a profound impact on how Americans see and value their wilderness areas.

Oh, the Places He Went: a Story About Dr. Seuss
written by Maryann N. Weidt
illustrated by Kerry Maguire
Carolrhoda Books, 1994
ages 9 to 12, ISBN 978-0876148235

Dr. Seuss is known as the creator of some of the most beloved children's books of all time. Journey to the fantastic world he created in this appealing story about the author/illustrator whose magical, rhyming characters have delighted children of all ages.

Of Things Natural, Wild, and Free:
a Story about Aldo Leopold
written by Marybeth Lorbiecki
illustrated by Kerry Maguire
Carolrhoda Books, 1993
ages 8 to 11, ISBN 978-0876147979

As a child, Aldo was always looking for adventure. He found it in the birds, plants, and creatures that lived in the wild. Aldo Leopold grew to be a forester, wildlife scientist, and a pioneer in conservation. He convinced the nation to protect its last patches of wilderness for the future.

Awards
1993 John Burroughs Nature Book; Distinguished Service to History Award, State Historical Society of Wisconsin

Kirsty's Surprise
written by Sara Hoagland Hunter
illustrated by Kerry Maguire
The Benefactory, 1997
Reader’s Digest Young Families, 1998
ages 4 to 8, ISBN 978-158021-009-6, out of print

True story involving the bi-coastal rescue and refuge organization The Farm Sanctuary. Sometimes a cow of smallest size can bring the world a big surprise!