About Cynthia Jabar


Hello there, thanks for visiting my Book & Storytelling Blog; Transmediakids.com. (Wondering, what transmedia is? Click here.)

This is where I keep my digital notes about what I think goes into the recipe for making Children's Transmedia Storytelling Soup. Stuff like:

  • picture books
  • maker culture
  • paper circuitry
  • skateboards & all kinds of other stuff
There are as many Transmedia Storytelling Soup recipes as there are chefs. This is the beauty of transmedia - endless combinations. You are only limited by your own imagination.

My recipe is a bit bookish because picture books have been my friends ever since I was a kid.
After my 4th grade teacher, Miss Kenniston taught our class how to make a collaborative book, something inside me clicked. I felt deeply connected to the process of making stories together.

Looking back, I think  that's why I love working in children's publishing to this day.
I've worked as a picture book author, illustrator, occasional editor, book & jacket designer, researcher & consultant.

I've had the good fortune of illustrating over 24 books while learning from some of the brightest editors and art directors working in children's publishing. I've collectively sold more than 300,000 books from my traditional print publishers.

In the past few years I've concentrated on creating some best selling character designs & surface patterns for children's products. You can find my children's activity kits, stickers, paper products, games & more at CynthiaJabarKids.com.

Clients

  • Candlewick Press
  • Farrar Straus & Giroux
  • Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
  • Harper Collins Publishers
  • Walker Books UK
  • Target
  • Old Navy
  • Peaceable Kingdom Press
  • Blue Apple Books
  • Galison
  • Little Brown & Company
  • Scholastic
  • David Godine Publisher
  • Boston University

Picture Book Reviews


About Wow! It Sure Is Good To Be You! written & illustrated by Cynthia Jabar:
"Positive Girl Power attitude. This ebullient picture book puts the spotlight on loved ones who light our lives from far away...This heartfelt yet lighthearted offering is packed with child appeal." - School Library Journal
About The Sound Of Day The Sound Of Night by Mary Oneill illustrated by Cynthia Jabar:
"A feast for the ears and eyes." - Booklist
"Jabar's imaginative interpretation of O'Neill's economical verse enhances the poems' evocative power; in turn, the sprightly childlike pictures take on a deep emotional resonance." - Publisher's Weekly Starred Review
About How Many, How Many, How Many by Rick Walton & illustrated by Cynthia Jabar.
"This cheerful book, good for independent reading, one-on-one sharing, and story time, is an effective introduction to the first cardinal numbers, but can also be a springboard to further learning experiences. How many counting books does a library need? At least one more!" - School Library Journal

Picture Book Awards

I've received the Oppenheim Gold Medal, parent's Choice Award, Best Illustrated Books of The Year from Bank Street Books, Pick of The Lists from Kirkus & various starred reviews from Publisher's Weekly.
See more of my picture books & reviews at CynthiaJabarKids.com.

Licensing

My characters and surface patterns appear on greeting cards, temporary tattoos, board games, puzzles, diaries, stickers, sticker activity books, paper dolls & sticker craft kits.
Shop for creative children's products at CynthiaJabarKids.com.

Contact

If you would like to see more work, or chat about a project or collaboration drop me a line: cynthia jabar at g mail dot com.
Enjoy!