Even Heroes Feel Sad

Collaborations are a wonderful thing, especially when you’re teaming up with the delightful, inspiring and talented Kate Allen Fox.

In response to a competition hosted by Emory University’s Global Health Institute, Kate had written a lovely picture book for children about Covid- 19, that needed to be illustrated. With only one week to create 23 pastel illustrations, I put my foot to the pedal!

Kate, a professional children’s author, worked at the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for eight years. Her public health background is reflected in this book. Watch out for her debut picture book, TREMBLING GIANT, published by Capstone next year!

Illustrator, Laurie Smollett Kutscera, is also a writer, whose debut middle-grade novel, Misadventures of a Magician’s Son, was recently released by Blue Whale Press. She studied Fine Art and Children’s Book Illustration at Queens College, CUNY and is an award winning graphic designer. Laurie lives on the north shore of Long Island with her husband and rescue dog, Cody.

Even Heroes Feel Sad: Fighting Coronavirus Together written by Kate Allen Fox and illustrated Laurie Smollett Kutscera, provides information for children, while also acknowledging the feelings they may have during this pandemic. Great attention was paid to ensuring its scientific accuracy, while also creating an enjoyable and comforting read for kids ages 6—9.