Last week, Knoch Intermediate Elementary School hosted a special guest. Stacy Innerst is a painter, children’s book artist, and illustrator who came to visit Knoch Intermediate Elementary School on September 6. He has illustrated over 15 children's books and won numerous awards, including the 2020 Sydney Taylor Book Award (for The Book Rescuer), the SCBWI Golden Kite for Picture Book Illustration (The Music in George’s Head), and the New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Books Award (Ruth Bader Ginsburg: The Case of RBG Vs. Inequality). This book was also an ALA Notable Book and was included on the ILA Teachers Choice Reading List.
He now makes his home and studio in Pittsburgh.
During his visit, he talked to students about how he became a children's book illustrator. His love of art and his love of history were able to come together to help various authors create complete picture books. He discussed several of his books and showed how the art reflected the history of each story. To end his visit, he let the students choose characters and a setting, and he drew a sketch for them. Students were able to ask questions about his work and the book industry.
Thank you, Mr. Innerst, for visiting!