For more than 20 years, April Hartmann has been illustrating for children. She loves to create playful characters and imaginary worlds that inspire young minds. Her illustration style is layered and textural, beginning with traditional medium sof water colors, gouache and pastel, and bringing it all together in Photoshop. April earned her BFA in Illustrationatthe Collegefor Creative Studies in Detroit. Her career began as a Graphic Designer and Art Director, working in Houston, Texasand then Chicago, all while building her illustration career on the side. Currently residing in south western Pennsylvania, sheen joys the beautiful hilly surroundings, and life as a full time freelance illustrator. April is a member of SCBWI and also the Pittsburgh Society of Illustrators. When she’s not at the drawing table, she’s usually involved in some other creative task like writing, decorating, or testing recipes together family to eat more vegetables.