Exploring forests and wading through ponds as a child in search of turtles and frogs to draw set the stage for Laurie Caple’s career as a children’s book illustrator and natural history artist.  Laurie has been illustrating professionally for nearly 15 years. She has created artwork for 20 books, including a multitude of picture books, and also numerous periodicals such as American Girl and Cricket. 

A graduate of Michigan Technological University, she has also served as artist-in-residence for Hamline University’s Center for Global Environmental Education and 1000 Friends of Frogs.  Although her primary medium is watercolor, Laurie is also newly enthused about painting with pastels because they make the best fuzz for bear fur and peaches.  Reviewers have described her award-winning watercolors as “Expertly painted” and “Beautifully done”. 

Laurie lives in northern Wisconsin with her husband, 2 sons, 2 golden retrievers and 3 turtles named Skittles, Snickers and Sassafras. Her studio overlooks an untamed lake where she delights in catching sight of many forest creatures including bear, otter and eagles. An accomplished speaker, she has also been instrumental in initiating many gallery shows honoring children’s art. Laurie believes every child is talented, original and has something important to say through creative expression. 

SELECTED BOOK LIST

North Star Numbers by Kathy-jo Wargin, Sleeping Bear Press, 2008  
ISBN 978-1-58536-187-8

Giant Sea Reptiles of the Dinosaur Age by Caroline Arnold, Clarion Books, 2007  
ISBN 978-0-618-50449-7

The Legend of Old Abe – A Civil War Eagle by Kathy-jo Wargin, Sleeping Bear Press, 2006  
ISBN 1-58536-232-8

 

Pterosaurs – Rulers of the Skies by Caroline Arnold, Clarion Books, 2004  
ISBN 0-618-31354-0

Mama Loves Me from Away by Pat Brisson, Boyds Mills Press, 2004  
ISBN 1-56397-966-7

When Mammoths Walked the Earth by Caroline Arnold, Clarion Books, 2002  
ISBN 0-618-09633-7




Dinosaurs with Feathers by Caroline Arnold, Clarion Books, 2001  
ISBN 0-618-00398-3

Giant Shark – Megalodon by Caroline Arnold, Clarion Books, 2000  
ISBN 978-0395914199

Bug Watching with Charles Henry Turner by Michael Elsohn Ross, Carolrhoda Books, 1997  
ISBN 978-1575050034

Trout Country by Michael Furtman, NorthWord Press, 1995  
ISBN 1-55971-472-7