One of the best things about living in the Twin Cities is the fabulous arts and cultural scene for kids. Museums, concerts, zoos, you name it and the Cities have it. A lesser known gem of living here is the overabundance of talented children’s authors and illustrators who call this area their home and make public appearances on a regular basis. One of my recent favs is author/illustrator Stephen Shaskan (rhymes with “Trashcan”!). In January 2021, Pizza and Taco: Best Party Ever joins its predecessor Pizza and Taco: Who’s the Best? If you loved the first book, you’ll want to grab this one to extend your collection. Stephen’s first picture book, A Dog Is a Dog Find a list of our favorite books by Stephen Shaskan on Bookshop.org, including: I first met Stephen when he was a special storytime guest star at my library during Children’s Book Week, and let me tell you, he was wonderful. His background is in Early Childhood Education, and you can tell by the way he interacts with children. He entertainingly read from his first book, then lead the children in a singalong. He also brought his “storytime guitar” to play for the kids . . . it’s totally covered with stickers, AND he lets kids touch and strum it. How cool is that? He was very charming, I would love to have him back someday. Check out Stephen Shaskan, you won’t be disappointed! In 2014, when this article was originally written, Stephen and Trisha Speed Shaskan co-taught a Comic Book Workshop. While that workshop is past, Gianna had a chance to interview Stephen Shaskan and introduce us to this wonderful couple of local children’s book authors. …Books by Stephen Shaskan
Most Recent Book
First Picture Books
* (Chronicle Books), came out in the Fall 2011 and was featured in the New York Public Library’s “Best Picture Books of the Year” list. His second book, The Three Triceratops Tuff
* (Beach Lane Books), was released in April 2013 it is just as brilliant. Stephen’s books make me laugh and smile, and I highly recommend them for one on one reads or reading aloud to a group. I have A Dog is a Dog at home and my 6 yr old daughter loves the part about the squid . . . that’s right, I said squid. You’ll just have to read it . . .
Other Books by Stephen Shaskan
Stephen Shaskan’s Background in ECE
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