Olson-Surface, Kayla

Contact Info:

Lives in: New Germany, MN

Email address: [email protected]
Illustrator of: Children’s Fiction, Children’s Non-Fiction and Picture Books
Age Group: 0-16
Books and Reviews:

“Lea, The Christmas Angel” written by Brenda Sue Boulden Thompson, Middle River Press, 2014 AWARDS Silver Medal in the 2014 Florida Authors and Publishers Florida Book Award competition  http://middleriverpress.com/book/lea-the-christmas-angel/

“I’m Here, I’m Here!” written by Valerie Carlson Pressley, ALIVE Book Publishing, 2020 (writingforkids.shop for 6 book series by Valerie Carlson Pressley)

-“Wonderfully written from the voice of the newborn, and the illustrations are simply precious.” – Deb, entrepreneur and mom of 2, Chicago, IL

-“What a unique way to celebrate the milestones of a newborn’s first year!” – Chris, teacher and mom of 2, Mill Valley, CA

“I’m One, I’m One!” written by Valerie Carlson Pressley, ALIVE Book Publishing, 2020 (writingforkids.shop for 6 book series by Valerie Carlson Pressley)

-“I can’t wait to give these books to my friends who are expecting and have little ones at home — such a fun way to connect with a child at any age!” – Astrid, recruiter and mom of 3, New York, NY

“I’m Two, I’m Two!” written by Valerie Carlson Pressley, ALIVE Book Publishing, 2020 (writingforkids.shop for 6 book series by Valerie Carlson Pressley)

-“I love watching my daughter’s face light up when we read about the things the children in the book are doing, and then I tell her about the times she did those things too! It’s a really fun book to read together.” – Mary, mom of 2, San Francisco, CA

“Bob E. Bear Goes Fishing” written by Aj Sullivan, Fox Pointe Publishing LLP, 2020 https://www.foxpointepublishing.com/shop-now/bob-e-bear-goes-fishing-softcover

-“I have been fishing with my father since I was 7 years old. I was very excited to receive an advanced sample of this book. This book has strong family themes such as continuing the family’s fishing tradition of starting fishing at 5 years old (father and now son), reliving and creating childhood memories, and pregnant mother bear. Children who are about to be introduced to fishing or have started fishing would enjoy this book. The writing is good and well-edited.” ~ Jan H., Medford, MA

-”We love how excited Bob E. Bear is to go fishing! It is a very cute book for children! My son LOVES fishing!!!” ~ Thea G., Mabel, MN

-“I read the story and the kids really enjoyed it. It was very easy to follow and having it identify with interactions they have with their parents also piqued their interest. Wonderful story, very relatable!” ~ Sue D., Austin, MN

-“GREAT BOOK! The story is fun and relatable. The illustrations are beautiful and really add to the storyline. I love how Bob E. Bear is so easy to read and is about real situations that young children will understand. Definitely looking forward to getting the book when it publishes!” ~ Mary Ellen W., St. Paul, MN

“The Blue Frog” written by Kiersten Hall, Fox Pointe Publishing LLP, 2020 https://www.foxpointepublishing.com/shop-now/the-blue-frog-softcover “An Unusual Tale” written by Helen Holder, Fox Pointe Publishing LLP, 2020 https://www.foxpointepublishing.com/shop-now/an-unusual-tale-softcover

-“The pictures are perfect for the book! They go along with the story very well!” ~ Izabella G., Mabel, MN

-“Everyone has heard fairy tales involving princesses, knights, and dragons before, but this story puts a new twist on it. I like that the text is conversational, like a grandma telling a story to her grandkids. The hesitant knight reminds me of my kids when they are reluctant to try something new out of their comfort zone.” ~ Kaye H. – Austin, MN

-“This is a wonderful take on the traditional prince/princess fairy tale. At each turn of the page I wanted more. Would the prince succeed in his mission? What “unusual” twists and turns would he encounter along the way? The diversity of the characters is wonderful and allows more children to see themselves in the story.” ~ Kristin B. – Simi Valley, CA

-“An Unusual Tale lives up to its name in that it’s one of those stories that you will enjoy reading to your children just as much as they will enjoy listening to it. From the very beginning, I found myself reading as fast as I could to find out what was going to happen next. I couldn’t wait to turn the page! An Unusual Tale has a great cast of traditional fairy tale characters and the perfect “villain” – a dragon who is both scary and adorable. What a fun tale! The story has just the right touch of humor, a tiny bit of quirkiness, and a good dose of adventure and suspense. Readers of all ages will love An Unusual Tale.” ~ Sherrie H. – St. Ansgar, IA

“Glorious Gertie’s Fabulous Fireworks”, Helen Holder, Fox Pointe Publishing, 2020 https://www.foxpointepublishing.com/shop-now/glorious-gerties-fabulous-fireworks-softcover

Book Awards:
Silver Medal in the 2014 Florida Authors and Publishers Florida Book Award competition
Highlights/Bio:
KAYLA LYNN OLSON – SURFACE HAS BEEN DREAMING ABOUT CREATING CARTOONY ENTERTAINMENT SINCE SHE COULD PICK UP A CRAYON AND DRAW. SHE IS AN AWARD WINNING ARTIST AND HAS EARNED A BACHELOR DEGREE IN AN ART RELATED FIELD. KAYLA IS DEDICATED TO IMPROVING HER TALENTS AND STRIVES TO EXPAND HER KNOWLEDGE RELATED TO ART AND DESIGN TOOLS. SHE IS ALWAYS WILLING TO TRY NEW ARTISTIC MEDIUMS, AND IS KNOWN TO BE A PERSEVERING TEAM PLAYER WHO EXCELS IN TIME MANAGEMENT. KAYLA INTRODUCES HERSELF AS “SOCIALLY AWKWARD”, BUT THAT’S OKAY! WHO DOESN’T LOVE A SOCIALLY AWKWARD ARTIST?!
Presentation Title & Description:
Illustrator, concept artist, character designer, logo designer, 2D and 3D artist
*Available for virtual presentations/events via Zoom or Skype*
Fees:
$75/hour, plus travel and expenses if applicable