Leslie Helakoski

How do grownups help kids be creative? Today on Worlds Awaiting Rachel visits with children’s book author and illustrator, Leslie Helakoski, who remembers the encouragement she received from her grandmother and parents that allowed her to pursue her interest in art. Leslie’s style of illustration and storytelling often uses animals. We’ll learn how she uses animals to portray human emotions, providing a safe distance that helps the child explore real and important feelings. Helakoski is the author and sometimes illustrator of ten picture books including Woolbur, Big Chickens, and Big Pigs. Her books and illustrations have garnered a number of awards. Two new books are in the works and will be released in 2017.