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The Boll Weevil Ball

[Hardcover]

Written and illustrated by Kelly Murphy

ISBN-10: 0805067124
ISBN-13: 978-0805067125
Henry Holt and Co. (September 1, 2002)
Illustrations © 2002 Kelly Murphy

From School Library Journal: "The warm blues and greens and muted reds create the perfect ambience. Young children will identify with Redd's predicament and will laugh aloud as the little beetle tries to fit in at the dance."

A Place To Grow

[Hardcover]

Written by Stephanie Bloom
Illustrated by Kelly Murphy

ISBN-10: 1931969078
ISBN-13: 978-1931969079
Bloom & Grow Books (August 28, 2002)
Illustrations © 2002 Kelly Murphy

From The American Horticultural Society: Recipient of the "Growing Good Kids--Excellence in Children's Literature" Book Award for outstanding plant, garden and environment themed title.

Loony Little

[Hardcover]

Written by Dianna Hutts Aston
Illustrated by Kelly Murphy

ISBN-10: 0763616826
ISBN-13: 978-0763616823
Candlewick Press (October 13, 2003)
Illustrations © 2003 Kelly Murphy

"When a drop of water falls - plop - on Loony Little's head, she and her friends decide that they must bring this unfortunate news to the fearsome queen. Maybe she can explain how this strange turn of events will affect them."

Dancing Matilda

[Hardcover]

Written by Sarah Hager
Illustrated by Kelly Murphy

ISBN-10: 0060514523
ISBN-13: 978-0060514525
HarperCollins Publishers (June 14, 2005)
Illustrations © 2005 Kelly Murphy

From School Library Journal: "The endearing Matilda is oblivious to everyone and everything around her, including mud puddles, laundry hanging to dry, and the postman. Murphy's lively and colorful illustrations are a perfect complement to the hopping and bopping verse and its spunky heroine."

Good Babies

[Hardcover]

Written by Tim Myers
Illustrated by Kelly Murphy

ISBN-10: 0763622273
ISBN-13: 978-0763622275
ASIN: B0017HZRDU
Candlewick Press (September 13, 2005)
Illustrations © 2005 Kelly Murphy

From School Library Journal: "Murphy's acrylic, watercolor, and gel illustrations are based in blue. The figures are simply drawn but the rich color and shading bring them to life. An enjoyable story, particularly for children who would like to trade in their noisy younger siblings."

Fiona's Luck

[Hardcover]

Written by Teresa Bateman
Illustrated by Kelly Murphy

ISBN-10: 1570916519
ISBN-13: 978-1570916519
Charlesbridge Publishing (January 15, 2007)
Illustrations © 2008 Kelly Murphy

From Publishers Weekly: "Murphy's textured mixed-media compositions, in a predominantly dusky palette, keep pace with the action. Freckle-faced Fiona's changeable expressions hint at her scheming and the lively sweet-faced leprechauns flit across the pages."

From School Library Journal: "Using the background of the Irish potato famine, Bateman weaves a tale of Irish history and leprechauns, threads it with optimism, and embroiders it with cleverness and luck. At one time, luck was in abundance in Irelandz-until the leprechaun king got angry at the humans for soaking it all up. Using a spell, he steals it away. The people fall on hard times, and Fiona uses her wits to get it back from the wily king. Murphy's illustrations are richly toned and evocative. Some are spreads, full of color in a folk-art style; on other pages, the smaller spot illustrations highlight the details in the story. Each page is a harmonious blend of artwork and text, which makes the story an engaging read-aloud, and it's also accessible to young readers. Children will love this tale, particularly the facial expressions on Fiona and the small people who surround her, and they'll delight in the young woman's cleverness and quick thinking."

Gallop-O-Gallop

[Hardcover]

Written by Sandra Alonzo
Illustrated by Kelly Murphy

ISBN-10: 0803729677
ISBN-13: 978-0803729674
Dial Books for Young Readers (April 5, 2007)
Illustrations © 2007 Kelly Murphy

From School Library Journal: "Each selection is presented on a single page or full spread and complemented by Murphy's well-composed, beautifully textured art, created with watercolor, acrylic, and gel medium on paper. Many of the paintings feature realistic images of horses in action or young girls interacting with their mounts, while others are more whimsical."

Hush, Little Dragon

[Hardcover]

Written by Boni Ashburn
Illustrated by Kelly Murphy

ISBN-10: 0810994917
ISBN-13: 978-0810994911
Abrams Books for Young Readers (March 1, 2008)
Illustrations © 2008 Kelly Murphy

From Midwest Book Review: "The whimsical color illustrations add just the right touch to this tongue-in-cheek bedtime storybook."

Masterpiece

[Hardcover]

Written by Elise Broach
Illustrated by Kelly Murphy

ISBN-10: 0805082700
ISBN-13: 978-0805082708
Henry Holt and Co. (September 30, 2008)
Illustrations © 2008 Kelly Murphy

From School Library Journal: "Murphy's illustrations add perspective and humor, supporting the detailed narrative. A masterpiece of storytelling."

From Booklist: "Murphy's own pen-and-ink spot art reflects the text's sweet insouciance."

From Publishers Weekly: "Murphy animates the writing with an abundance of b&w drawings. Loosely implying rather than imitating the Old Masters they reference, the finely hatched drawings depict the settings realistically and the characters, especially the beetles, with joyful comic license. This smart marriage of style and content bridges the gap between the contemporary beat of the illustrations and Renaissance art."

Masterpiece

[Paperback]

Written by Elise Broach
Illustrated by Kelly Murphy

ISBN-10: 0312608705
ISBN-13: 978-0312608705
Square Fish (March 30, 2010)
Illustrations © 2010 Kelly Murphy

From School Library Journal: "Murphy's illustrations add perspective and humor, supporting the detailed narrative. A masterpiece of storytelling."

From Booklist: "Murphy's own pen-and-ink spot art reflects the text's sweet insouciance."

From Publishers Weekly: "Murphy animates the writing with an abundance of b&w drawings. Loosely implying rather than imitating the Old Masters they reference, the finely hatched drawings depict the settings realistically and the characters, especially the beetles, with joyful comic license. This smart marriage of style and content bridges the gap between the contemporary beat of the illustrations and Renaissance art."

The Peach Boy

[Hardcover]

Written by Alex Frith
Illustrated by Kelly Murphy

ISBN-10: 0746096658
ISBN-13: 978-0746096659
Usborne Publishing Ltd (July 31, 2009)
Illustrations © 2009 Kelly Murphy

Flight of the Phoenix (Nathaniel Fludd, Beastologist, Book I)

[Hardcover]

Written by R. L. LaFevers
Illustrated by Kelly Murphy

ISBN-10: 0547238657
ISBN-13: 978-0547238654
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Books for Children (September 16, 2009)
Illustrations © 2009 Kelly Murphy

From School Library Journal: "...this American author has crafted an exciting tale. Straightforward sentences, chronological narrative, short chapters and Murphy's plentiful black-and-white illustrations make this appropriate for middle-grade readers looking for a series to grow with."

From Kirkus Reviews: "...The characters are strongly developed and the period illustrations done in line, including some of Nate's own sketches, enhance the tale..."

Brand-New Baby Blues

[Hardcover]

Written by Kathi Appelt
Illustrated by Kelly Murphy

ISBN-10: 0060532335
ISBN-13: 978-0060532338
HarperCollins (December 29, 2009)
Illustrations © 2009 Kelly Murphy

Star Review from School Library Journal: "...Oil, acrylic, and gel are used to create gentle hues. What makes this telling of the new brother/sister theme stand out is how well the verses are in sync with the illustrations, layout, and the characters' facial expressions. Great for sharing with a group or one-on-one."

From Kirkus Reviews: "...Appelt's catchy, child-friendly text and Murphy's energetic, engaging pictures illustrate her woes (...) which modulate in palette from angry blues and greens to sunny yellows, while serene compositions replace off-kilter ones."

Over At The Castle

[Hardcover]

Written by Boni Ashburn
Illustrated by Kelly Murphy

ISBN-10: 0810984148
ISBN-13: 978-0810984141
Abrams Books for Young Readers (March 1, 2010)
Illustrations © 2010 Kelly Murphy

From School Library Journal: "The loving Mom and baby from Ashburn and Murphy's Hush, Little Dragon (Abrams, 2008) reenact a variation of another familiar folk song. Well-rhymed quatrains guide readers through a medieval landscape populated with ever-increasing numbers of inhabitants (from one little dragon and two gruff guards all the way up to ten frisky jesters). Suspense builds on each earth-toned page, as mother dragon advises "patience" while child eagerly anticipates the book's culminating surprise: fireworks ignited by the "whoosh" of the dragons' breath. Simple but richly textured oil and acrylic illustrations contain amusing details for observant eyes (the little dragon can be caught peeking inside the castle walls, and an "old wily prisoner" and his "pet rats five" can be spied planning and executing escape from the dungeon). A playful and comforting addition to storytimes."

From Booklist: "Richly textured paintings in subtle hues that fit the medieval period convey the chores of the occupants of the castle, and comedic touches throughout deepen the story and will have children flipping back through the pages."

Flight of the Phoenix (Nathaniel Fludd, Beastologist, Book I)

[Paperback]

Written by R. L. LaFevers
Illustrated by Kelly Murphy

ISBN-10: 0547408455
ISBN-13: 978-0547408453
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Books for Children (September 13, 2010)
Illustrations © 2009 Kelly Murphy

From School Library Journal: "...this American author has crafted an exciting tale. Straightforward sentences, chronological narrative, short chapters and Murphy's plentiful black-and-white illustrations make this appropriate for middle-grade readers looking for a series to grow with.."

From Kirkus Reviews: "...The characters are strongly developed and the period illustrations done in line, including some of Nate's own sketches, enhance the tale..."

The Basilisk's Lair (Nathaniel Fludd, Beastologist, Book 2)

[Hardcover]

Written by R. L. LaFevers
Illustrated by Kelly Murphy

ISBN-10: 0547238673
ISBN-13: 978-0547238678
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Books for Children (June 7, 2010)
Illustrations © 2010 Kelly Murphy

From Booklist: "...Nathaniel Fludd, Aunt Phil, and the gremlin Greasel pursue an escaped Basilisk, the highly dangerous king of the Serpents..."

From Kirkus: "...The basilisk is appropriately scary, and straightforward storytelling leads to an exciting climax..."

The Basilisk's Lair (Nathaniel Fludd, Beastologist, Book 2)

[Paperback]

Written by R. L. LaFevers
Illustrated by Kelly Murphy

ISBN-10: 0547549571
ISBN-13: 978-0547549576
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Books for Children (April 4, 2011)
Illustrations © 2010 Kelly Murphy

From Booklist: "...Nathaniel Fludd, Aunt Phil, and the gremlin Greasel pursue an escaped Basilisk, the highly dangerous king of the Serpents..."

From Kirkus: "...The basilisk is appropriately scary, and straightforward storytelling leads to an exciting climax..."

The Wyverns' Treasure (Nathaniel Fludd, Beastologist, Book 3)

[Hardcover]

Written by R. L. LaFevers
Illustrated by Kelly Murphy

ISBN-10: 0547316186
ISBN-13: 978-0547316185
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Books for Children (October 2, 2010)
Illustrations © 2010 Kelly Murphy

From Booklist: "...Nathaniel Fludd, Aunt Phil, and the gremlin Greasel pursue an escaped Basilisk, the highly dangerous king of the Serpents..."

From Kirkus: "...The basilisk is appropriately scary, and straightforward storytelling leads to an exciting climax..."

Haunted Houses (Are You Scared Yet? 1)

[Hardcover]

Written by Robert D. San Souci
Illustrated by Kelly Murphy and Antoine Revoy

ISBN-10: 0805087508
ISBN-13: 978-0805087505
Henry Holt and Co. (BYR) (July 20, 2010)
Illustrations © 2010 Kelly Murphy and Antoine Revoy

This chilling read is a collection of stories revolving around the theme of haunted domains and is oriented towards young adults (ages 9-12).

Kelly Murphy and Antoine Revoy created black and white art in crow quill and ink washes to illustrate the book's ten horror stories (full drawings and spot illustrations), as well as a cover in mixed media. One of these illustrations, "The Lodge", was chosen by American Illustration for publication on their website during their 29th annual competition.

The Unicorn's Tale (Nathaniel Fludd, Beastologist, Book 4)

[Hardcover]

Written by R. L. LaFevers
Illustrated by Kelly Murphy

ISBN-10: 0547482779
ISBN-13: 978-0547482774
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Books for Children (April 4, 2011)
Illustrations © 2011 Kelly Murphy

Product description: "Is there no rest for the travel worn and weary? Not if you're Nathaniel Fludd, the world's youngest beastologist-in-training! All Nate really wants is to track down his missing parents, but when a unicorn falls mysteriously ill, Nate's Aunt Phil makes it clear where a beastologist's duty lies: to the beasts.

And if taking care of the world's beasts isn't difficult enough, Nate and Aunt Phil must also keep them safe from the villainous Obediah Fludd, who intends to do them harm. With all this taking up every last bit of his energy and time, will Nate ever find the parents he is so absolutely convinced are alive?"

Creepy Monsters, Sleepy Monsters

[Hardcover]

Written by Jane Yolen
Illustrated by Kelly Murphy

ISBN-10: 0763642010
ISBN-13: 978-0763642013
Candlewick Press (July 12, 2011)
Illustrations © 2011 Kelly Murphy

With wildly colorful illustrations full of whimsy and warmth, Kelly Murphy brings to rambunctious life Jane Yolen's gently rhyming tale of snarfing, growling, snoring way that monsters go to bed.

Secrets At Sea

[Hardcover]

Written by Richard Peck
Illustrated by Kelly Murphy

ISBN-10: 0803734557
ISBN-13: 978-0803734555
Dial (October 13, 2011)
Illustrations © 2011 Kelly Murphy

Product description: In the beloved tradition of The Borrowers, The Tale of Desperaux, and The Cricket in Times Square, here is an irresistible adventure story of the tiny individuals who secretly live among us humans.

Helena is the oldest of four mouse siblings who live in the walls of the Cranston estate. It is 1887 when the nouveau riche Cranstons decide to take a cruise ship to England in search of a husband for their awkward older daughter. The Cranston mice stow away in the luggage . . . and so begins the time of their lives, as they meet intriguing, cosmopolitan mice onboard and take it upon themselves to help the human Cranston daughters find love. They might just find perfect futures for themselves as well!

Full of laughs, near-misses, and surprise, this is Richard Peck at his best and most playful.

The Wyverns' Treasure (Nathaniel Fludd, Beastologist, Book 3)

[Paperback]

Written by R. L. LaFevers
Illustrated by Kelly Murphy

ISBN-10: 054785823X
ISBN-13: 978-0547858234
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Books for Children (April 17, 2012)
Illustrations © 2010 Kelly Murphy

From Booklist: "...Nathaniel Fludd, Aunt Phil, and the gremlin Greasel pursue an escaped Basilisk, the highly dangerous king of the Serpents..."

From Kirkus: "...The basilisk is appropriately scary, and straightforward storytelling leads to an exciting climax..."