James Christopher Carroll is an illustrator and poet living in the Hudson Valley of NY State. He has written and illustrated a number of critically acclaimed picture books and received the 2021 and 2023 Award for Excellence in Children’s Poetry by the NCTE. His work has been displayed around the world and honored by the Society of Illustrators, and the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. James was recently welcomed into “The Masters of the Imaginary” at the Museum of Art and History in Geneva, Switzerland. This Foundation collects and exhibits work by acclaimed American and European illustrators.

To live as an artist may be the most selfish thing a person can do; but I have never understood how to do anything else. Perhaps, after all the words and colors have dried, they can bring some beauty to others.

I have spent much of my time illustrating and writing books for children. There’s enchantment in the slow waltz of words and pictures across the page. In truth, I create for myself, to shape a world that I want or that I remember. My best work comes when I allow the process to remain just beyond my control, for as long as I can bear it. Setting the ego aside for a spell allows me to drink from a well that my ancestors dug a long time ago.

I’ve spent my entire life here in these hills; I’ve worked and played, raised my children and fallen in love here in the Hudson Valley. The beauty around us is unavoidable. The mountains are haunted with lovely old ghosts. I wonder if there could be a place, better charmed than what we have here?

– James Christopher Carroll

The StoryWalk® Project was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, VT and developed in collaboration with the Kellogg-Hubbard Library. StoryWalk® is a registered service mark owned by Ms. Ferguson.