Jonathan Stutzman

Jonathan Stutzman &
Jay Fleck

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jonathan Stutzman

Jonathan Stutzman is an award-winning children's book author and filmmaker. His work for children includes the bestselling Tiny T. Rex series, as well as the Llama trilogy (illustrated by his wife Heather Fox), Bear Is a Bear (illustrated by Dan Santat), Don't Feed the Coos, and Santa Baby. Fitz and Cleo is his debut graphic novel. His books have been translated in over a dozen languages all over the world. He lives in Lititz, a small town in Pennsylvania with his wife and their french bulldog Hugo.

"Books are powerful. They teach. They give joy, courage, hope. They helped me in many many dark times in my life, and I want to (if I can) give a little light to others."

He writes, “One of the best parts of reading is finding books that we can enjoy over and over again. I found many through the years, and I'm still discovering new ones. I hope one (or ALL) of my books end up being special for you... or none, if they aren't quite your style...the most important part is finding something YOU love.”

Jonathan received his masters at Temple University for film and digital media. Along with being a successful children’s book author, he is also is an award-winning filmmaker and writer whose work has shown in film festivals across North America and on television both nationally and internationally. Apart from his own narrative films, Jonathan works commercially and independently, shooting and producing music videos, commercials, and new media. In 2011, Jonathan's short film Paper Turtle earned him a nomination for the Kodak Student Filmmaker Award and a Rising Star Filmmaking Award.

“I devoured books and comics as a kid, and have been telling stories and playing make-believe ever since. I think everyone has a unique perspective on life and the world, and writing books is how I share mine. Books are powerful. They teach. They give joy, courage, hope. They helped me in many many dark times in my life, and I want to (if I can) give a little light to others. Plus telling stories is SO FUN.”

ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR

Jay Fleck

Jay Fleck is a designer and illustrator based in Shorewood, IL. His artwork has been featured on products at the Gap and Papyrus, on Threadless.com and on the front page of Society6.com, as well as a number of other brick-and-mortar and internet stores. His illustrations have been featured in many children’s books, including the Tiny T. Rex series (written by Jonathan Stutzman), We’re Going on a Treasure Hunt (written by Kelly DiPucchio), Black Belt Bunny (written by Jacky Davis), and The Diamond and the Boy (written by Hannah Holt). Tilly and Tank is the first picture book he has both written and illustrated.

Jay’s artwork is bold and imaginative, featuring whimsical animal pairings, images of faraway lands and fantasy playgrounds, and beautiful compositions of colour and shape. He has said that his inspiration comes from old memories from his childhood along with new experiences with his two young children.

Jay drew a lot as a child but grew up to pursue other things, like a degree in computer engineering. After submitting several t-shirt designs to Threadless.com however, he got hooked on art and illustration. Jay lives with my family south of Chicago.

He once said, “I can’t remember not being excited about art. I think maybe it starts when you’re an infant and colours and shapes are flashed in front of your face. Then you’re handed a crayon or pencil and can manipulate and create those same colours and shapes. How is that not exciting?” 📖