Lorisa Harrell is a graphic designer who also writes and illustrates children’s picture books. She graduated from the University of Illinois with a Bachelor’s in Fine Art from the School of Graphic Design. Inspired by the San Diego shoreline, Lorisa’s latest story, “Sarah and the Ocean” tells of a little girl overcoming her fears of the unknown and learning to love the ocean and its critters. Lorisa lives in San Diego California with her husband and looks forward to visiting the beach soon.
Contact Lorisa Latest PostsI've always been a story teller. As a kid I would create complicated settings and scenarios for my Barbie dolls (who wore brilliant couture aluminum foil and scotch tape outfits). I also loved making up stories for the kids who I babysat—this was great fun because everybody could contribute to the outcome. It was only as an adult that I began writing down the ideas percolating in the back of my mind. I would often be happily designing at the computer doing graphic designerly things when an idea would strike and I'd then add it to the post-it doodle collection framing my monitor.
As a kid, I was a slow reader, it was a real workout absorbing every letter. This made me not want to read for pleasure. However, with picture books, I would happily lose myself in the illustrations and drink in the visual narrative. I remember loving a fairy tale picture book given to us by our babysitter. The illustrations were spectacular—I could almost feel the story embedded in the brushstrokes of the mermaid’s hair. Thank you Ms. Cunningham!”
Kids amaze me. They are these wonderful, messy cosmic singularities bursting simultaneously with innocent wonder and ancient wit... Who wouldn’t want to write for them?!! I am in awe with kids. Often I’m taken aback by their unfiltered speech and purity of heart. I want make them laugh as well as feed their spirit. If I can contribute to family bonding time with a mere book, then I’d be over the moon with joy.
“Chris Van Allsburg and Graeme Base are two of my first author/illustrator heroes. I love picture books filled with amazing illustrations that suck you into their world. Wonder Woman is another favorite hero, but I don’t think she has written anything lately.”
FAVORITE NEW BOOK:
Sulwe by Lupita Nyong’o
6-yr old me would want to look at this book every day. The illustrations are sumptuous and the story manages to be both magical and honest. It’s a beautiful new addition to my collection.
FAVORITE OLD BOOK(S):
Good Night Moon
I read this for the first time as an adult. The rhythm of the language and simplicity of the 60’s illustrations makes me sleepy just thinking about it.
Peter Rabbit
Beatrix Potter, the matriarch of children’s picture books, will always have a place of honor in my heart. Her work shall never cease to be enthroned by loving nostalgic sentiment. (Too much? Can’t help it, I love her!)
I WILL ALWAYS RECOMMEND:
Shel Silverstein, what a brilliant mischievous wizard of word and picture. As a babysitter, “Where the Sidewalk Ends” was always a winning move.