Tim Bowers
Even at a young age, New York Times best-selling Tim Bowers' artwork reflected a strong sense of humor and an interest in animals. Prior to illustrating children's books, Tim worked as an artist for Hallmark Cards, where he helped launch the popular Shoebox Greetings card line. His first children's book, The Toy Circus by Jan Wahl, was published in 1986. He has illustrated more than 50 children's books including the NYT bestsellers: Dinosaur Pet by Neil Sedaka, Kristi Yamaguchi's Dream Big, Little Pig! and Sorry Grownups, You Can’t Go to School! by Christina Geist. Bowers worked with Kenny Loggins on Footloose, a children’s book based on Loggins’ iconic song that will have a new generation putting on their dancing shoes. Tim Bowers also illustrated stories featuring the popular character, P.J. Funnybunny, written by Marilyn Sadler.
Bowers has garnered various awards including the Chicago Public Library's "Best of the Best" list and several Junior Library Guild selections. Tim's artwork has been included in the Society of Illustrators Annual Art Exhibition and the S.I. Humor Exhibition, as well as featured in children's magazines, used on a wide variety of products and appeared on hundreds of greeting cards. Bowers is the creator of Uke-n-Draw, a new program that introduces storytelling to children through music and art. Tim and his wife live in central Ohio.
Reviews
Buddy’s New Buddy
“Buddy (from Sorry, Grown-Ups, You Can’t Go to School, 2019, etc.) is feeling lonely. His best friend just moved across town. To make matters worse, there is a field trip coming up, and Buddy needs a bus partner. His sister, Lady, has some helpful advice for making a new pal: “You just need to find something you have in common.” Buddy loves the game Robo Chargers and karate. Surely there is someone else who does, too! Unfortunately, there isn’t. However, when a new student arrives (one day later) and asks everyone to call her Sunny instead of Alison, Buddy gets excited. No one uses his given name, either; they just call him Buddy. He secretly whispers his “real, official name” to Sunny at lunch—an indication that a true friendship is being formed. The rest of the story plods merrily along, all pieces falling exactly into place (she even likes Robo Chargers!), accompanied by Bowers’ digital art, a mix of spot art and full-bleed illustrations. Friendship-building can be an emotionally charged event in a child’s life—young readers will certainly see themselves in Buddy’s plight.”—Kirkus Reviews
Rappy the Raptor
"One look at the title and cover, which features a backward-hat–wearing dino kid, and potential readers will understand that there will be no way to read this, whether aloud or to oneself, without rapping." —Kirkus Reviews