Bio

Julia Gran's fanciful illustrations have appeared in books, magazines, newspapers, and advertisements, as well as on greeting cards, sleepwear, and umbrellas. She is the recipient of The Educational Press Association of America Distinguished Achievement Award for 321 Contact.

Gran's inspiration for Big Bug Surprise came when her dog, Simon - a loveable bull terrier - mistakenly stuck his nose in a beehive.  She says "I noticed that where he had black fur, the bees had stung him, and where he had white fur, there was not a single bee sting! I wanted to know why, and so my research began." 

Gran made her picture book debut with Princess Penelope and Princess Penelope Takes Charge, both published by Scholastic Press. Her one-of-a-kind, watercolor artwork creates a dual narrative juxtaposing Penelope's real and imaginary worlds. 

Julia Gran lives in New York City with her husband.

Visit Julia Gran's Web site.