Layne Johnson is an illustrator of numerous award winning & critically acclaimed books for children. His luminous paintings from "Christmas for a Kitten" (a Book Sense Children's 76 selected title), and his poignant art from "Where Horses Run Free," capture his love of animals. But he loves people, too! "Farmer George Plants a Nation" received a Starred Review from School Library Journal.

A native Texan, Layne earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Houston. Layne still lives in Houston with his wife, son and two cats. He enjoys many interests, including landscape painting, his small grape vineyard, racquetball and traveling to visit schools all over the country.

Published Books
Picture Books

Farmer George Plants a Nation by Peggy Thomas (Author), Layne Johnson (Illustrator) Reading level: Ages 4-8 Hardcover: 40 pages Publisher: Boyds Mills Pr (February 1, 2008)

ISBN-10: 159078460X ISBN-13: 978-1590784600

Besides being a general and the first president of the United States, George Washington was also a farmer and his efforts to create a self-sufficient farm at Mount Vernon mirrored his struggle to form a new nation.

Original illustrations, extensively researched (author and illustrator worked with Mount Vernon).

Editorial Reviews
***Starred review*** This picture-book biography focuses on George Washington s life as a farmer, inventor, and scientist; however, the author also draws many parallels between his role as farmer and as leader. Washington s goal to make his estate self-sufficient carries over to his goal to make the new country independent. Thomas s enthusiasm for her subject is evident in her storytelling-style text. She not only used primary sources in her research, but also included several quotes from Washington s diaries and letters. These quotes are written in large script and inserted appropriately within the text. Johnson s oil paintings support the text while adding a feel of the 18th century. The balanced placement allows both the art and narrative to shine. The author includes useful back matter on visiting Mt. Vernon and an especially enlightening note on George s Thoughts on Slavery. Endpapers show a map of Mt. Vernon taken from a drawing transmitted by General Washington. Students will find this title useful for reports, but will also find it a great nonfiction read. Carolyn Janssen, Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County, OH --School & Library Journal

Remembering Grandpa by Uma Krishnaswami (Author), Layne Johnson (Ilustrator) Reading level: Ages 4-8 Hardcover: 32 pages Publisher: Boyds Mills Press (March 2007)

ISBN-10: 1590784243 ISBN-13: 978-1590784242

Editorial Reviews
From School Library Journal In this beautiful story of remembrance, Daysha strives to ease her grandmother's grief a year after Grandpa's death. The youngster revisits places they shared and finds a button from his coat, flowers and stones, and other items that remind her of him. She shows them to her grandmother, prompting tears and embraces. Then, Grandma takes her out for ice cream, just like Grandpa used to do. Daysha realizes "that Grandma's sadness didn't really need a curejust hugs, and the right kind of remembering." Johnson's oil paintings are set in the sunny springtime of the American Southwest, with misty, golden skies and vistas of rocks and wildflowers. Unfortunately, the decision to depict the characters as rabbits rather than people diminishes the impact of this heartfelt tale. Nevertheless, it's a worthy addition to collections on grief.Laura Scott, Farmington Community Library, MI Copyright Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From Booklist The attractive artwork, done in oils, sparkles with sunlight and glows at sunset. A good lead-in to discussions about remembering those who have gone. Ilene Cooper
Copyright American Library Association. All rights reserved

A Young Man's Dance by Laurie Lazzaro Knowlton (Author), Layne Johnson (Illustrator) Reading level: Ages 4-8 Hardcover: 32 pages Publisher: Boyds Mills Press (March 31, 2006)
ISBN-10: 1590782593 ISBN-13: 978-1590782590

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal Swirling, dancing colors, both muted and sunny, accompany this lyrical story about a boy whose grandmother has Alzheimer's disease. The young narrator doesn't like to visit Grandma Ronnie now that she is in a home and no longer recognizes him. The book also showcases the poignant process that moves the boy toward an understanding and acceptance of his different yet still beloved relative. The boy declares I don't like it here!-It smells funny- there are old people everywhere. His mother says, Their eyes light up when you come. When he complains that his grandmother doesn't even like our favorite cookies, his mother gently reminds him that Grandma Ronnie used to make those cookies for you....It was her gift of love for her favorite grandson. Oil paintings reveal clear, expressive faces on soft, fluid backgrounds that breathe action. In one exuberant picture of happier times, the boy and his grandmother dance together, and she says, A young man needs to know how to dance if he wants to get himself a girl. This metaphor of dance then symbolically carries through to a very touching ending in which the boy dances with his now wheelchair-bound grandmother. All libraries will want to buy one or more copies of this book.-Kirsten Cutler, Sonoma Library, CA Copyright Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc.

Christmas for a Kitten by Robin Pulver, Layne Johnson (Illustrator) Reading level: Ages 4-8 Paperback: 32 pages Publisher: Albert Whitman & Company (September 30, 2005)
ISBN: 0807511544
Hardcover ISBN: 080751151X

It's winter, and a lonely abandoned kitten is trying to survive in the woods. Each night, as he hunts for food, the warm glow of houses fills him with longing. While a family carries in its Christmas tree, the kitten slips into their house. Then--danger--a fierce dog lives there! The kitten has not found a haven after all. But it is Christmas Eve, a night when magical things can happen.

Book Sense Children's 76 Winter 2003-2004 award book!

Editorial Reviews
From School Library Journal ... the strength of this book lies in its rich oil paintings, which depict the fuzzy orange feline and its surroundings realistically and from a variety of unusual and exciting perspectives. Warm and cozy, ...-E. M.Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.--
From Booklist . ... the tale is so warm and the art so sweet that the book will immediately put everyone in a holiday mood. Johnson uses plenty of winter whites and midnight blues and candle-lit backgrounds to frame the escapades of this adorable kitten, which pads through a story with a realistic beginning and a fairy-tale end. Ilene Cooper Copyright American Library Association. All rights reserved--

From Children's Literature ". . . Stunning oil paintings filled with texture and light fill the pages with dazzling perspectives and drama. Kitten antics and expressions are beautifully captured. Expressing the joy and miracle of Christmas, the poignant story would be a delight to read aloud."

From Kirkus Reviews "...the oil paintings of the mischievous kitten will please any cat lover. Johnson varies (his) perspectives well, so the reader is looking at the kitten in a different way on every spread. (His) illustrations are filled with glowing tones, the golden kitty, Christmas lights and ornaments, and welcoming lights in the windows."

Grandparent Poems by John, Jr. Micklos (Compiler), John Micklos (Editor), Layne Johnson (Illustrator) Reading level: Ages 4-8 Hardcover: 32 pages Publisher: Wordsong (February 1, 2004) grandparent_cover.jpg (14137 bytes)
ISBN: 1563979004

Editorial Reviews
From School Library Journal A companion to Mommy Poems (2001) and Daddy Poems (2000), this appealing book is similar in scope to Carol and Daniel Hittleman's A Grand Celebration: Grandparents in Poetry (2002, all Boyds Mills). It features 22 selections by contemporary writers such as Nikki Grimes, Francisco X. Alarcn, and Rebecca Kai Dotlich. Many of the poems have been previously published. Relating cherished memories and describing shared activities, they evoke the special bond between the generations. Lee Bennett Hopkins's poignant "Still" is one of several that pays tribute to grandparents no longer living. In the open layout, colorful full-page illustrations alternate with smaller paintings. The realistic artwork shows families from many different backgrounds and complements the warmth and love expressed in the verses.--Sally R. Dow, Ossining Public Library, NY Copyright Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Where Horses Run Free: A Dream for the American Mustang by Joy Cowley, Layne Johnson Reading level: Ages 4-8 Hardcover: 32 pages Publisher: Boyds Mills Press (September 1, 2003) Where_Horses_Run_Free.jpg (11431 bytes)
ISBN: 1590780620

Selected as a 2004 KIND Children's Honor Book by the National Association For Humane and Environmental Education!

Editorial Reviews
From School Library Journal It's impossible to read this book with a dry eye. Poignant oil paintings, most covering full spreads, depict the collective fear, flight, captivity, and dejection of the herds of "useless" wild mustangs corralled onto Bureau of Land Management feedlots. Focusing on one horse and her cowboy rescuer (identified in the flap copy as the real-life Dayton O. Hyde), Cowley and Johnson do an admirable job of condensing the story of Hyde's dream, doggedly fulfilled, of creating an 11,000-acre South Dakota sanctuary for these displaced animals. Sentimental? Sure.... However, readers come away with a feeling of overwhelming optimism shown by one man's ability to correct an injustice. The illustrations superbly convey the magnificence of the wilderness and the adaptation of rejuvenated, galloping residents to it. John Sigwald, Unger Memorial Library, Plainview, TX Copyright Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Ben, King of the River, written by David Gifaldi, illustrated by Layne Johnson, Hardcover (March 2001) Reading level: Ages 4-8 Library Binding: 32 pages Albert Whitman & Co;
LJbencover_small.jpg (4704 bytes) ISBN: 0807506354

Chad experiences a range of emotions when he goes camping with his parents and his five year old mentally disabled brother Ben, who has many developmental problems.

Editorial Reviews
From Children's Literature ". . . Johnson's brightly colored, expressive paintings successfully render the characters' feelings, the bracing outdoor beauty and the coziness of camping. . ."

On the Day His Daddy Left, written by Eric J. Adams and Kathleen Adams, illustrated by Layne Johnson, Reading level: Ages 4-8 School & Library Binding - 24 pages (October 2000) Albert Whitman & Co;

ISBN: 0807560723

Paperback ISBN: 0807560731

On the day his father moves out of the house, Danny’s teacher, friends, and family reassure him that his parents’ divorce is not his fault.

Awards
Pick of the Lists, ABA
Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Seal Award (2001) Winner

Editorial Reviews
From School Library Journal ... The realist, full-color illustrations capture the characters' emotions. An honest, soothing treatment of a situation faced by many children." Suzanne Marie Pitard, Weezie Library for Children, Nantucket Atheneum, MA Copyright December 2000 Cahners Business Information
From Children's Literature
This is a sensitive, thoughtful book that should help children share their emotions and confusion when parents separate. The expressive and real-life illustrations will be easy for young children to identify with. A recommended book for opening up discussion about divorce.
From Kirkus Reviews, October 1, 2000
Johnson's illustrations are appropriate to the text. They show a believable second- or third-grad troubled boy and the sympathetic adults who try to reassure him. A useful title for adults who counsel children, for teachers, and for parents who want a way to discuss divorce with their children.
From Booklist, November 15, 2000
"This valuable, therapeutic book speaks volumes on a few thoughtful, briefly worded pages, with Johnson's caring, photographically realistic artwork not only mirroring the people and surroundings in Danny's life but also his intense conditions. . ."
From Midwest Book Review
". . . A heart-touching, powerful, and highly recommended story about adjusting to traumatic change, On The Day His Daddy Left is realistically illustrated by the artwork of Layne Johnson and an important addition to school library, community library, and family counseling collections."

Brian's Bird, written by Patricia Anne Davis, illustrated by Layne Johnson, Reading level: Ages 4-8, 32 pages (April 2000) Albert Whitman & Co; BriansBird.jpg (10482 bytes)
ISBN: 0807508810
Eight year old Brian, who is blind, learns how to take care of his new parakeet and comes to realize that his older brother, while sometimes careless, is not so bad after all.

Awards
Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Seal Award (2000) Winner

Editorial Reviews
From Booklist February 15, 2000 The deceptively simple story credibly introduces several themes: sibling rivalry, dealing with a disability, and the loss of a pet. Johnson's bright, eye-catching artwork does a good job of capturing family life. Ilene Cooper
From School Library Journal This is a simple story featuring a loving African-American family. The brightly colored illustrations show the feelings of the boys and provide particularly good images of the bird. Use this book with Nicola Moon's Lucy's Picture (Dial, 1995) to show how children can lead normal lives even when dealing with a disability. Margaret C. Howell, West Springfield Elementary School, VA Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information.
From Children's Literature - Children's Literature Kids who may have wanted a pet parakeet will enjoy the story while gaining insight into a blind boy's daily life. This interesting, real, but never sappy story about brothers who fight and the plight of the youngest is depicted with bright illustrations that offer an interesting variety of perspectives. Reviewer: Martha Shaw

Abuelito Eats With His Fingers, illustrated Layne Johnson, written by Janice Levy, Reading level: Ages 4-8 Hardcover - 32 pages 1 Ed edition (April 1999) Eakin Publications; LJ1571681779.01.MZZZZZZZ (6868 bytes)

ISBN: 1571681779
A girl learns to appreciate her grandfather's wisdom and love

Editorial Reviews
From School Library Journal
Excerpt: According to Tina, her grandfather is different. Abuelito doesn't speak English, his hands are rough and gnarled from cutting sugar cane, and he doesn't drive. And, horrors, he eats with his fingers. However, when her mother unexpectedly leaves the two alone one afternoon, Tina's attitude changes. By days end, granddaughter and grandfather nave started on a journey of friendship, free of invidious comparisons. Except for one double-page spread in the middle, each full page of text is accompanied by a small illustration. Words and pictures are framed in a lovely design of seemingly old photo-album pages with deckle edges. An interesting addition to intergenerational collections. Ruth Semrau, formerly at Lovejoy School, Allen, TX Copyright 1999 Cahners Business Information
From San Antonio Express News from Texas
This charming picture book is about a young girl who hates to visit her grandpa. but one day, when her mother leaves her with him, the girl learns that her grandpa can make delicious totals and is quite an artist. This sweet book, filled with vibrant illustration would make a good read-aloud for any child. Reviewer: Judyth Rigler
From Horn Book
Except: Sun-tinged illustrations deftly convey emotion... -- Copyright 1999 The Horn Book, Inc. All rights reserved.

OTHER BOOKS

Young Patriots: Inspiring Stories of the American Revolution by Marcella Fisher Anderson, Elizabeth Weiss Vollstadt, Layne Johnson (Illustrator) Reading level: Ages 9-12 Hardcover: 112 pages Publisher: Boyds Mills Press (February 1, 2004) Young Patriots.jpg (40131 bytes)

ISBN: 1590782410

Editorial Reviews
From Children's Literature ". . . The simple but warm charcoal illustrations complement this appealing and enlightening book." Deadly%20Drive.jpg (34269 bytes)

Deadly Drive Young Adult novel written by David Patneaude, cover art by Layne Johnson,
Reading level: Young Adult
Hardcover: 184 pages
Publisher: Albert Whitman & Company (March 30, 2005)
ISBN: 0807508446

Nine years ago, a hit-and-run driver killed Casey’s mother. Casey swears revenge if she ever finds out the identity of the driver. Complicating her feelings, every year on the anniversary of her mother’s death, Casey receives an anonymous envelope full of money. Is it blood money—from her mother’s killer?
Casey, who shares her mother’s passion for basketball, is busy with practice and her new team. Still, she finds time to spend with her beloved neighbor, Megan, who helped care for her when she was younger, and with Megan’s daughter Dulcie. When it looks like Megan’s computer might contain a clue to the identity of her mother’s killer, Casey feels confused and betrayed.

Editorial Reviews
From Booklist, May, 2005 Readers will be pulled into the mystery, but the hard-fought, well-described games...will provide the strongest draw.

Framed in Fire, jacket art by Layne Johnson, written by David Patneaude, Reading level: Ages 9-12, Paperback (April 2001) Albert Whitman & Co; lj0807590967.01.MZZZZZZZ (5921 bytes)

ISBN: 0807590967
Peter has been sent to Resthaven Hospital because his stepfather thinks he's emotionally disturbed and dangerous to his younger half-brother, Lincoln. But Peter loves Lincoln. In fact, he's the only one who knows about Lincoln's dreams about Peter and a man with wings. And Peter thinks there's more to his father's death than his mother is telling. With the help of Lincoln and some friends at Resthaven, Peter begins a journey that could change his life forever.

Editorial Reviews
School Library Journal, April, 1999 "Patneaude's story has enough tension and suspense to keep the pages turning."
From Kirkus Reviews Patneaude resurrects elements from his first novel, Someone Was Watching (1993), in which a supposedly drowned sister has really been kidnapped, and in which a cross-country trip unfolds without much mishap. His writing style, however, is so robust that even if readers find little remotely connected to reality in these pages, there's more than enough suspense in the fast-paced narrative to keep them entertained. (Fiction. 8-13) -- Copyright 1999, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.
The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, May, 1999 "Kids looking for enjoyable adventure will warm to the 'My real parents would never be this mean' fantasy played out as truth in novel form."

Haunting at Home Plate, jacket art by Layne Johnson, written by David Patneaude, Reading level: Ages 9-12 School & Library Binding - 192 pages (September 2000) Albert Whitman & Co; LJ0807531812.01.LZZZZZZZ (37617 bytes)

ISBN: 0807531812
With only a few games left in the regular season, Nelson just wants to play baseball and maybe, one day, realize his dream of pitching. Then his manager is suspended and two players leave the team. On top of that, it seems that the park where the team practices may be haunted. Nelson convinces his cousin Mike (short for Michelle) to manage his team so the boys can stay together. It's Mike who tells them the story of Andy Kirk, a boy who long ago fell from a cedar tree to his death while watching his older brother play ball. When messages to the team begin to appear in the dirt near home plate and are signed, A K, the team must decide what to make of them. Is the ghost of Andy Kirk trying to tell them something? And should the team do what the messages suggest? LJ0807571105.01.LZZZZZZZ (64169 bytes)

Rope Burn,
jacket art by Layne Johnson, written by Jan Siebold,
Reading level: Ages 9-12,
Paperback - 80 pages (March 2000)
Albert Whitman & Co;
ISBN: 0807571105

While working on a writing assignment at his new school, Richard learns the meaning of various proverbs and how to express his feelings about his parents divorce.

Selected for the master reading lists
of the Texas Bluebonnet Award
and the Land of Enchantment

LJ0613073924.01.LZZZZZZZ (36835 bytes) Brad and Butter Play Ball
(Stepping Stone Book)
illustrated by Layne Johnson, written by Dean Hughes, Paperback - 80 pages (April 1998) Random House;
ISBN: 067988355X
Econo-Clad Books; Hardcover
ISBN: 0613073924
Brad loves baseball and wants to be a star player like his best friend, Butter, but he's probably the worst player on the whole team. When the big game arrives, will Brad strike out or become a home-run hero?.

Editorial Reviews
From School Library Journal
Excerpt: In this beginning chapter book, Hughes presents believable characters and situations. Brad's father pressures his son to keep working harder and practicing longer, pushing the boy in a way that other children might relate to, whether in sports or in other activities. Johnson's pencil sketches appear every few pages and add to the story's realism. The children look and act like typical third graders. A good addition to any collection. Bob Lawler, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, PA

Additional illustrated cover art for middle grade & YA Books
Beachmont Letters Cover art by Layne Johnson Young Adult novel written by Cathleen Twomey Boyds Mills Press Copyright 2003	*Doing Time Online* Cover art by Layne Johnson Written by Jan Siebold Albert Whitman & Company Copyright 2002

Layne's next book, "Kingfisher Book of Horse and Pony Stories",
will be coming out in October. It's an anthology of 12 stories - He illustrated 3 of them.
ISBN: 0753458500

Laynedrawing2.jpg (80191 bytes) Layne can give an entertaining presentation at your school! He will educate the children in a fun way, using a few props and a little audience participation.

1) “How do you draw faces?”
Kids ask Layne this a lot. Well, there are all sorts of faces. And they show many feelings. Emotions are what make faces, people, characters, books . . . interesting. But how do you draw them? This visit, one of his most requested, empowers kids . . . letting them know that they can draw expressions in a simple and fun way. Great for Kindergarten to 5th grade.
This is a very interactive presentation. Layne talks about the basics of the face. He then draws – using fun props and input from the kids. What does macaroni have to do with drawing? You'll find out! You'll then see a few slides of his artwork as he discusses how emotions appear on faces. Then finally, everyone draws!

The kids love it and learn a little about drawing faces. They can use this in the future when they become artists! This visit is “hands on” for the kids. Children produce something they can take home and be proud of!

2) "How did you make that book?”
This is another of one of the most often asked questions. In this presentation, Layne walks through the step-by-step process with real examples – from manuscript, thumbnails, sketches, color art – till the finished picture book is complete!

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pb101graphic.jpg (49363 bytes)

3) “Picture Books 101”
This multimedia program is aimed at young authors and illustrators. Layne gives a lively presentation that shows what basic elements are crucial to make picture books great. He shows you the things to do, and things not to do. (This is an excellent program for classes writing picture books themselves!)
Elements of writing and illustrating are covered!
Layne%20Johnson%20visit%203.jpg (12995 bytes)

4) “Read and Draw”

This program is aimed at kindergarten and pre-k's. Layne will read from his picture books, then he will draw on a large pad . . . a kitten, a horse, who knows?! It's lot's of fun and the kids get to interact with the artist as he draws. Alternative: after reading, kids can draw along with Layne.

Flexible program!

Book Sales?
Are you planning on doing a book sale and autographing session (a great way to off-set costs!)? If so, books should be pres-sold. However, there should be extra books on hand for sale on that day and after.

Books to sell should be ordered at least a month in advance. Unsold books can generally be returned later for full credit, though shipping costs are typically your own. Most publishers, wholesalers, and distributors, and many bookstores, will grant discounts for quantity and/or educational buying.
These discounts can be used to earn money for the school or can be passed on as savings to students.

Book A Visit I am available for both elementary and middle school visits.
My printable flyer is also available in a PDF format here!. Be patient while it opens.

Email me today to set up your visit! layne@laynejohnson.com

Layne Johnson
7811 Highland Arbor Drive
Houston, TX 77070
Phone (281) 469-1133
mailto:layne@laynejohnson.com
Web Site: http://www.laynejohnson.com

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