Cris Arbo

Cris Arbo received her BA from William Paterson University in New Jersey with a major in Art and a minor in Theatre Arts. She worked as a background artist on animated feature films, cartoons and TV commercials in New York and London, and as an Art Director for The Dance Centre, Covent Garden. She also performed as vocalist with the London Philharmonic and the London Symphony.

Cris has four daughters and lives in Virginia where she continues to paint murals, book and magazine illustrations, advertising and private commissions, as well as giving school and conference presentations.

All Around Me, I See (Sharing Nature with Children Book) 1584690690.01._SCLZZZZZZZ_ (62162 bytes)

by Laya Steinberg, Cris Arbo
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Dawn Publications (CA)
(March 1, 2005) ISBN: 1584690682

Paperback: ISBN: 1584690690

With eyes wide open to the mysteries of nature, a child on a hike discovers that "a leaf is a boat for a beetle" and that "a nest is a cradle for eggs." Tired from her long walk, she sleeps-and in her dream she flies like a bird and marvels at the beauty around her. This planet that is home to so many creatures is magical when seen through the eyes of wonder.

Editorial Reviews
From Arizona Networking News, Editor's Choice, Scottsdale, AZ - "This is the exuberant tale of a child's first nature discoveries... celebrated in a realistic fantasy of nature from a child's point of view."

From OC Family Magazine, Newport Beach, CA - The beautiful illustrations convey the sense of wonder that an innocent child has when beholding the world." -Craig Reem

From New Age Retailer's National Review Network, Bellingham, WA - "The bold colors, sharp detail, and active illustrations are captivating.... The book is recommended for children ages 3 to 8. However, both adults and children will enjoy it. Place it face front, and watch people pick it up!" -Jean E. Hansgen

From Church Educator, Prescott, AZ - "All Around Me, I See is to see from a child's point of view, fresh and new.... this is truly a book that belongs in the hands of those who love and care for God's creation."

From Parents' Express, Philadelphia, PA - "Save this picture book for a read aloud treat on a quiet summer night... The pictures are as lush as the rhymes are; readers and listeneres will easily be lulled into the proper mood." -Bobbie Combs

From Learning Explorations, Dayton, Ohio, - "This book captures the eye, mind, and imagination - and you feel that exuberant joy of childhood" Barbara Geiger, President

From The Center For Place-Based Education, Keene, NH - "Immersed in a child's eye view of the world, the reader feels the child's joy in nature..." -Prof. David Sobel, Co-Director

From Library Media Connection, Worthington, OH - "The words match the pictures, which are beautifully reflective of nature, with vibrant colors and realistically portraying the animals and child's family.... The pictures alone could be used as a teaching tool to learn about animals' habitats and the wonders of nature."

From CountyKids.com, Westport, CT - "Illustrator Cris Arbo truly captivates with her colorful artwork, and evokes the emotions of childhood delight. Her techniques of fantasy realism portray the child's eye view with magic and vitality."

The Dandelion Seed written by "Joseph Patrick Anthony. Cris Arbo (Illustrator), Reading level: Ages 3-10 (September 1997) Publisher: Dawn Publications DandelionSeed.jpg (12741 bytes)

Edition: Paperback ISBN: 188322067X;

Edition: Hardcover ISBN: 1883220661;

Publisher: Econo-Clad Books; Library Binding
ISBN: 0613065476; (October 1999)

The humble dandelion, by roadside or mountainside, it flowers every month of the year throughout the world, a fitting symbol of life. Its journey is our journey, filled with challenge, wonder, and beauty. Joseph Anthony's story of mystery and truth, and illustrator Cris Arbo's stunningly detailed illustrations make this book a joy for all.

Winner of Benjamin Franklin Silver Medal Award for Children's Picture Books
and McGraw/Hill ‘early reader program’ for New York City public schools.

Editorial Reviews
From Education Clearinghouse - "What an impressive work I hold in my hand. This book is intended for the age range of 3-10, but even an adult will find it warmly written and easy to embrace as the story unfolds, a bit at a time, page by page... This book has won numerous awards and after reading it, I can see how and why. It is beautifully illustrated and wonderfully written. A true treasure for every child and family to enjoy."

From NAPRA Review "This beautifully illustrated story is profoundly simple and wise." East Sound, Washington

From Children's Literature "Autumn has arrived and there's one last dandelion seed left to be carried away by the wind. The seed tries to resist, but the wind is just too strong. During its adventure in the air, the dandelion seed discovers that the world is made up of many things- some frightening, some beautiful. It takes this discovery for the seed to find out its purpose and where its roots will lie. This is a "spread your wings and fly" story with nature again serving as the great metaphor for life. Fabulous detail-oriented illustrations make this a must have." - Sheree van Vreede

In a Nutshell (Sharing Nature With Children Book) by Joseph Anthony, Cris Arbo (Illustrator), Reading level: Ages 3-10, Publisher: Dawn Publications; Edition: Paperback InANutshel.jpg (25994 bytes)

ISBN: 188322098X; (September 1999)

An acorn drops from a great oak and grows. Animals nibble at it, a fire threatens it, but overcoming many challenges it eventually towers high in the forest, observing the changing human scene below. Eventually its energy passes into many other life forms--even the cherry pie enjoyed by the boy in the house below.

Also Published in in Chinese and Korean.

A Parent Council, LTD "Outstanding Selection" 2000
Virginia State Reading Association's "Children's Choice" List 2002-2003

From Hearthside Books "Dawn finds the most eloquent writers, the best storytellers, the finest illustrators. Books such as 'In A Nutshell'... mesmerize children with their thrilling account from nature, and their breathtaking illustrations..."

From Charlottesville Weekly " Gloriously Illustrated. . . A spiritual story about life from sprouting to rotting and beyond."

Presentations

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Elementary Schools: For younger children, I place a special emphasis on the joys and challenges of being an artist by concentrating on the step-by-step phases of illustrating a children's picture book.
Secondary and Post Secondary Schools: Here my focus shifts to the nuts and bolts of the business of illustration, including self-promotion, markets, contracts, and specific questions.
School Formats are based on a full-day visit and include classroom sessions from 30 - 90 minutes in length. Although I do present to large groups, I prefer a more intimate setting of 50-70 kids so they can have a hands-on experience. I show sketches, drawings, original paintings and models up close, and also do a question & answer-type approach to keep them involved. A presentation with a big screen is okay for adults, but I don't want the kids to feel like they're watching a movie or TV. I want to keep it real.
The Professional Fee is $500 per day, plus mileage. For locations farther from Buckingham Courthouse than 120 miles add hotel expenses. I choose to keep my fee reasonable in consideration of those schools who otherwise might not be able to afford a visit. A good way for a school to share travel expenses is to team up with other area schools for a several-day visit.

School Visit Critiques

"You are an incredible speaker. Your love of art and illustrating shows through your excitement and enthusiasm." -- Rhonda Johnson, Coordinator, Jefferson-Madison Regional Library System In-Service Day, Charlottesville, VA

"The kids loved you!" -Regina Hart, Pocahontas Elementary, Powahatan, VA

"A great job. (The visit) was so enjoyable and informative." -- Diane Lawson, Grandin Court Elementary, Roanoke, VA

"Your talks were truly inspiring." -- Susan Guerrant, Art Teacher, Sutherland Middle School, Charlottesville, VA

"You did such a great job exciting the teachers about your book, and your behind-the-scenes discussion about illustration was fascinating." --
Lisa Kilczewski, Barnes & Noble Educator Night, Virginia Beach, VA

"The students especially appreciated your thoughtful consideration of their many questions." -- Christine Bachmann, Media Specialist, Marguerite Christian Elementary School, Colonial Heights, VA

"What a treat" -- Terry Cox-Joseph, Coordinator, Christopher Newport University Writers Conference, Newport News, VA

In the Trees, Honeybees!

by Lori Mortensen (Author),

Cris Arbo (Illustrator)

Reading level: Ages 4-8

School & Library Binding: 32 pages

Publisher: Dawn Publications (CA) (March 2009)