Alphabet Books:The Icky Bug (Hardcover) [Hardcover]

Ralph Masiello -- affectionately known as 'The Icky Bug Man' -- has illustrated several children's books including The Icky Bug Alphabet Book, The Yucky Reptile Alphabet Book, and The Flag We Love. His oil paintings are remarkably rich and realistic and bring to life the subjects of his books--be they bugs, flags, dinosaurs, or well-hidden messages and secret drawings. In 2004, Ralph's first book as both author and illustrator was released - Ralph Masiello's Bug Drawing Book. With his signature humor and simple instructions anyone can learn to draw. A graduate of Rhode Island School of Design, Ralph has produced numerous works of fine art for galleries in addition to picture book illustrations and magazine covers for Omni and Tennis. He is twice the recipient of the Society of Illustrators Certificate of Merit. But it is his visits with school children that give him the most satisfaction. Ralph is the father of two daughters and lives in West Brookfield, Massachusetts.

Jerry Pallotta is an award-winning author of children's alphabet books and imaginative fiction. His combine interesting facts, detailed research, humor, and realistic illustrations that mesmerize children everywhere. Jerry spent his teenage years in the fishing town of Scituate, Massachusetts, where he kept lobster traps, harvested seaweed, and rode on fishing draggers. He wanted to share the creatures of the seashore with his children but could not find an alphabet book that was fun and exciting. This inspired him to write his first book, The Ocean Alphabet Book, which presented oceanic creatures in a creative format. When Jerry began writing, he was a full-time insurance salesman. He wrote, edited, and produced his first book out of his garage and sold 5,000 copies to the New England Aquarium, where it has become a bestseller. Jerry then devoted himself full-time to writing and making school and library appearances. Jerry has written many books for Charlesbridge, including The Icky Bug Alphabet Book, Dory Story, and The U.S. Navy Alphabet Book. Jerry frequently visits elementary schools and libraries across the country to encourage children by teaching them how to create their own alphabet books. A dynamic speaker, he also gives lectures at universities and conferences to promote reading and writing. Jerry's books appeal to children of all ages because of the beautiful illustrations, witty text, and accurate descriptions found in all his work. Jerry lives in Massachusetts with his wife and four children. "Alphabet books constructed around a theme helpfully provide an extra clue for deciphering the word in question. Jerry Pallotta is the king of this subgenre..." The Horn Book For more inforamtion, visit www.jerrypallotta.com.