BACK IN THE DAY
Growing up in southern California, Kary spent her suburban childhood painting backdrops on sliding glass doors, tapping on her typewriter, or directing (bossing around) the neighborhood kids in one of her screen plays. After college she landed a job as an art director, because she liked the bossy part.
But when Kary started hiring illustrators she realized she was on the wrong side of the desk. She took a watercolor class, discovered the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI), her second grade voice and her people. After winning a SCBWI portfolio award she made the pivot to kids publishing. Several picture books, countless friendships and a couple awards later, she’s never looked back.
TODAY
Perched high on a hill, overlooking Puget Sound, Kary spends time in her studio creating art and stories. Her current work is inspired by the working harbor just outside her window and the curiosity of her two young nephews navigating their changing world.
Kary has illustrated several books, including COVID-19 HELPERS, a Bank Street Best Books of 2021 and it's sequel, COVID VACCINES with author, Beth Bacon. Other projects include DIZZY, a Mom's Choice winner as well as many educational and editorial projects.