David Opie
David Opie grew up in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley, where he spent a lot of time roaming around the woods. He went on to earn his BFA in illustration from the Rhode Island School of Design and his MFA from the School of Visual Arts in New York City.
His author-illustrator debut picture book, All the Birds in the World, released in 2020 (Peter Pauper Press), followed by All the Fish in World (Peter Pauper Press, 2021). David also illustrated the picture books Dozer’s Run: A True Story of a Dog and His Race (Sleeping Bear Press, 2014), and There Was an Old Gator Who Swallowed a Moth (Pelican Publishing, 2019).
His illustrations have appeared in many magazines, including Highlights High Five, LA Times, the Providence Journal, Providence Phoenix, Publishers Weekly, Rhode Island Monthly, Spider Magazine, Sports Illustrated for Kids, TimeOut Chicago, and Weekly Reader. He has worked for many educational publishers, including Heinemann/Houghton Mifflin, Macmillan, Learning A-Z, McGraw-Hill, National Geographic School Publishing, Scholastic, and Soundprints/Smithsonian.
David has taught at the Illinois Institute of Art-Chicago and the Lyme Academy College of Fine Arts, and was a full-time instructor in the illustration department of the American Academy of Art in downtown Chicago. He currently teaches at the University of New Haven. David and his wife live with their dog in coastal Connecticut.
Reviews
All the Mammals in the World
All the Fish in the World
“Spread by spread, Mudskipper shows Trout ways that fish are alike and different in underwater scenes filled with clearly recognizable fish. (Scene by scene, over 150 species are identified, according to the key in the backmatter). One spread shows fish that differ in shape and color; another, size; a third, different patterns; and a fourth considers scales. Varieties of sharks and rays illustrate the point that some fish skeletons are made of cartilage, not bone. Rotating the book 90 degrees reveals fish that swim in dark sea depths. The author also covers nests, eggs, and live birthing as well as different sensory organs, locomotion, and breathing . . . A broad and engaging introduction to the largest vertebrate group.” —Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review
“In beautiful, colorful, and detailed underwater scenes with an impressive multitude of fish varieties, Trout announces typical fish traits, like scales, fins, backbones, and gills, while Mudskipper is ready to point out exceptions . . . Finally, the piscine narrators can agree on one thing—fish are amazing in all their forms. A concluding author’s note highlights the elusive definition of fish as well as what makes both mudskippers and trout impressive. And what about all those illustrated fish? A five-page key identifies them in this informative and eye-catching picture book.” —Booklist, Starred Review
All the Birds in the World
''The sparkling and informative text and crisp, clear illustrations highlight a wide variety of birds while creating a sense of belonging for the plain kiwi and anyone else who might feel different.'' —School Library Journal, Starred Review
"Thoughtfully written, engaging picture book . . . Pictures of birds are impressive for their precision, spacing, and use of color, and the simply written, factual sentences are on target for the audience.'' —Booklist, Starred Review
''Affirms one can fit in while standing out.'' —Shelf Awareness, Starred Review
''A simple but effective introduction to the 'feathered family.''' —Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review
''Vibrantly illustrated . . . a captivating display of diversity . . . Fantastical compilations of birds common and rare, depicted with great care and painterly realism.'' —Publishers Weekly, Starred Review