Nicole RubelFun website: http://www.nicolerubel.com Free traveling Rotten Ralph Art Show open to any library in the U.S. More information is on my web site.A Short BiographyNicole Rubel is an author/illustrator known for her uniquely colorful illustrations and charming stories. She has over fifty books to her credit and is the co-creator of the popular Rotten Ralph series.Raised in Coral Gables, Florida, Ms. Rubel received a Bachelor of Science in Art Teaching from the Boston Museum School in association with Tufts University. Ms. Rubel's debut book, Rotten Ralph, earned her the Children's Book Showcase Award for Outstanding Graphic Design. She has since received awards from The American Books Association, The American Institute of Graphic Arts, and American Booksellers. She is a finalist for the Oregon Book award for No More Vegetables 20003. Twice as Nice has won a 2005 Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Book Award and will be featured in the 13th edition of the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio, and on their web site www.toyportfolio.com. Her first novel for ages 10 and up, "It's Hot and Cold in Miami," was received with glowing reviews in 2007. Ms. Rubel's books It Came From The Swamp, Pirate Jupiter and the Moondogs, and Goldie have been adapted for CD-ROM by Vtech and IBM. Her Rotten Ralph books are the basis of a new television series, which began airing on Fox Family channel in 1999.Ms. Rubel's art style was inspired by the paintings of Henri Matisse and the art deco architecture of her hometown of Miami. Her imaginative, poignant and sometimes comical storylines are often derived from growing up with her identical twin sister, Bonnie. As a child she let her sister speak for her. Through the encouragement of an insightful teacher, Ms. Rubel learned to speak and write for herself. Therefore, a significant theme in her stories is finding oneself and learning to express one's feelings and thoughts.She currently resides with her husband on a farm in Aurora, Oregon. Cougar the cat, Fang the dog, their horses Dancer and Hippo and their sheep Lilly and Pansy keep them busy with mischief.Fun website: http://www.nicolerubel.com Free traveling Rotten Ralph Art Show open to any library in the U.S. More information is on my web site.