MARGARET CHODOS-IRVINE comes from a long line of craftspeople, so she approaches her work as if tailoring a suit or cobbling a shoe. It all has to fit and look beautiful at the same time. To do so, she uses a variety of printmaking techniques to create innovative patterns, vivid colors, and uniquely textured imagery in her work. She has illustrated 12 books for children and has been recognized with starred reviews and other honors, most notably a 2004 Caldecott Honor Award for ELLA SARAH GETS DRESSED, which she both wrote and illustrated. Margaret is currently living in London, England, with her crafty family.Margaret participates in a group blog-Books Around The Table-with the members of her children's book critique group, Laura Kvasnosky, Julie Larios and Julie Paschkis. In this blog you will find inspiring imagery, thoughts and tidbits of helpful information.Margaret also publishes a blog-Pebbles In The Jar-relating to her work connecting public schools with the arts community. This blog advocates for getting the arts back in public schools and provides resources, information and ideas on how to become an arts liaison for your school. There's some personal stuff in there too.