Frank Remkiewicz

Author and illustrator Frank Remkiewicz has illustrated children's books by many authors, including Alma Flor Ada and Betsy Byars. His self-illustrated works have met with positive critical reception, but he is perhaps best known as the illustrator for the popular "Horrible Harry" and "Song Lee" series, written by Suzy Kline, and the "Froggy" series, written by Jonathan London. Remkiewicz's drawings have been described by Diane Roback of Publishers Weekly as "bold swatches of color crisply outlined."

Remkiewicz's first book with Kline appeared in 1988, introducing second grader Horrible Harry in Horrible Harry in Room 2-B. Narrated by Harry's friend Doug, the "Horrible Harry" series tells how Harry plays pranks and gets into trouble in room 2-B. As the series progresses, Harry develops a crush on classmate Song Lee--who has books in her own series--finds an archenemy in classmate Sidney, and progresses on with his classmates into the third grade. Whether facing a terrifying amusement park ride called the "Drop of Doom," solving mysteries of missing costume pieces at Halloween, or surviving being covered by leeches, Harry, Doug, Song Lee, and Sidney are always depicted in Remkiewicz's humorous illustrations. April Judge, reviewing Song Lee and the Leech Man for Booklist, commented that "Remkiewicz's cartoonlike black-ink sketches are well suited to the comic story" by Kline. A contributor to Kirkus Reviews commented on the combination of "Lively text and humorous drawings" in a review of Horrible Harry Goes to Sea, while Carolyn Phelan, reviewing the same title for Booklist, added that "Remkiewicz's cheerful ink drawings heighten the appeal." Another Kirkus Reviews critic, reviewing Horrible Harry and the Dragon War, maintained that "Remkiewicz's signature illustrations add life" to the story.

For additinal information, please visit: www.remki.com