Step into a world of enchantment with Karen Konnerth! This author and illustrator who started out as a puppeteer, invites you on a journey of whimsical art and captivating stories. Her international puppet theater performance work launched her into school classrooms, where she developed and implemented countless award winning arts integrated projects to enhance elementary education. She went on to teach educators her effective strategies at the National Art Education Association, The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, and for the U.S. Embassy English Language Specialist Program in Central America, Asia, the Middle East, and South Africa. A very few sample projects she has led:¿ Louisiana librarians learning to create their own shows to augment library literacy incentives¿ Classroom teachers in Wisconsin creating a puppet community to teach social studies¿ Pre-school teachers in Umlazi Township, South Africa using puppetry to nurture literacy¿ English teachers in Bahrain using shadow puppets to encourage natural use of language¿ Community Puppet Troupe Director of Teen Docent Program, Ogden Museum of SouthernArt, awarded 2015 National Arts and Humanities Youth Program AwardHer passion for stories led to the writing, illustration, and publishing of the manual for teachers THE SOPHISTICATED SOCK: PROJECT BASED LEARNING THROUGH PUPPETRY ((PaperSunPress, 2017), of the tall tale CALLIOPE KATE AND THE VOICE OF THE RIVER (Pelican Publishing, 2022), to the writing of the musical conflict resolution story THE SNOWMAN WALTZ ( illustrated by Emily Neilson, Sleeping Bear Press, 2022), and to the writing and illustration of a book to inspire kids to explore their passions HOW I LEARNED TO FLY!, with many more on the way! Her present favorite illustration medium is tactile and non-digital cut paper collage, as she finds this closer to the sculpting she did as a puppeteer.Her mission is to share stories that see the world through the child lens of possibility of magic anywhere. From enchanting characters to vibrant illustrations, Karen's creations offer a gateway to creativity and wonder. Whether you're a parent, educator, or simply a lover of art and literature, Karen Konnerth's work promises an unforgettable experience. Discover the magic and let your own playful spirit soar!