Laurie Smollett KutsceraLaurie Smollett Kutscera was born in Greenwich Village and grew up in Queens, New York. At the age of 11, she performed her first magic trick and was destined to be a ventriloquist with the aid of her childhood friend, Neil, who today is a real magican! But rather than follow in the footsteps of Houdini, she went on to study fine art and children's book illustration at Queens College with Caldecott medalist Marvin Bileck. Laurie is an award-winning graphic designer, a published children's book illustrator, and toy designer. Today she continues to write and illustrate and is currently working on several contemporary picture books and middle grade novels. Laurie lives on the North Shore of Long Island with her husband Nick and rescue dog, Cody. You can learn more about Laurie by going to lskillustration.com. Read More Read Less