JIM!: Six True Stories about One Great Artist: James Marshall

Ages 5 to 8, Grades K to 3

A picture book biography of the late, great James Marshall—illustrator of Miss Nelson is Missing and the George and Martha series—and as clever, delightful, and daring as Jim himself

Author and illustrator James Marshall let kids in on the joke. He knew little kids were smart, and he didn't talk down to them in his stories. He was right—kids loved his picture books. Decades after his death, the characters he illustrated—Miss Nelson, Viola Swamp, George and Martha, Goldilocks, Fox and His Friends—are still beloved. James Marshall should be at least as famous as his characters, and now he is, in his own picture book biography. Created in an irreverent style inspired by James Marshall's own art and storytelling, this delightful biography, featuring James as a fox, celebrates in both form and content what made James—“Jim” to his friends—so talented, funny, and special, and what has made his tales last. This time, Jim is the main character.

About the Author

Jerrold Connors was born in the United States, raised in Indonesia and Canada, and currently makes his home in the Bay Area in Northern California. He has taught STEAM in elementary schools, has made games for websites like PBSkids.org and Noggin.com, and interactive exhibits for museums like The Lawrence Hall of Science and the Children’s Creativity Museum. Jerrold has had an illustration featured in The New Yorker and was the 2017 James Marshall Fellow at the University of Connecticut. Most recently, he’s been livestreaming on YouTube, where he connects with young creators around the world. Jim! is his debut picture book with a major publisher.

Author Residence: Northern California