Author/Illustrator Kevin Bloomfield Makes Kids Laugh

Yoti Telio

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Children’s author and illustrator Kevin Bloomfield found his love of children’s books after becoming a father.

Trained as an animator at the Arts Institutes International, Kevin found himself with a career in toy design after graduation. He has worked on toy designs for Disney, Mattel, and Little Tikes and his work brought him to many exciting places including China and France.

Kevin still works as a toy designer, but his weekly visits to the local bookstore with his two daughters, ages two and five, made him yearn to get back to his animation and illustration roots so he decided to write a children’s book.

The result of his labor is an adorable bilingual English/Spanish book about a lonely Sasquatch called Mr. Biggs in the City.

“I used my daughters as my test audience,” said Kevin. “If they didn’t laugh at a page I threw it away.”

Once Kevin finished his book he got up an hour early every morning and sent his book out to ten publishers a day.

“I have a rule with myself that once I start something I finish it. I probably sent this book out to over 100 publishers before a couple of publishers showed any interest.”

Raven Tree Press, a children’s bilingual picture book publisher, was interested in publishing his book bilingually. Kevin’s world travels made him incredibly appreciative of other cultures and he thought an English/Spanish book was a fantastic idea.

“Writing this book has been an incredible experience. I was able to take my wife with me to New York City for the Book Expo America 2011 for the official book launch a few weeks ago. I’ve traveled to many other countries, but I’ve never been to New York. We had a great time.

“Now I’ll be promoting my book via social media, a Barnes and Noble book signing, and by teaming up with a banjo player for an elementary school tour through my friend’s company Cultivating Creative Minds. It’s been a lot of fun and I even have a second Mr. Biggs book coming out in May of 2012.

“The greatest thing about this experience is getting back to my artistic roots and having my daughters help me with this project.”

Skirt: What is your favorite thing about wearing a skirt?

Kevin: The breeze!

To read a review of Mr. Biggs in the City click here. To purchase a copy click here.