Bonnie Kelso

Bonnie Kelso is a former Smithsonian exhibit designer turned children’s book author and illustrator. She enjoys writing funny stories that entertain and educate. Her debut picture book, NUDI GILL (2023, Gnome Road Publishing), features a curious snorkeler who almost steps on a nudibranch, sparking a lively conversation about the fascinating life of these colorful but fierce sea creatures. The story tackles the theme of ocean conservation and stewardship in a humorous and non-preachy way. Bonnie holds a Bachelor’s of Fine Art from the Rhode Island School of Design. She often conducts live and online art workshops in the Las Vegas area and beyond. She is the proud recipient of many Nevada Arts Council grants and is on their roster of teaching artists for schools and communities. Bonnie is the 2021 winner for the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) Karen Cushman Late Bloomers Award for her historical chapter book, JOHNNY BELL BAKER AND THE COAL MINE. She volunteers for her regional SCBWI Nevada chapter as the Illustrator Coordinator. An artist and muralist, Bonnie’s work is on a parking garage, in a library, in a community center, on banners and at other public places in Southern Nevada. Bonnie has traveled around the world twice! She is an avid outdoors enthusiast and loves wandering around the desert with her family in Las Vegas, NV.