A graduate of The Ringling School of Art and Design, Bill Farnsworth has spent the last 28 years creating paintings for magazines, advertisements, children’s books, and fine art commissions of portraits and landscapes. A member of the Society of Illustrators, SCBWI, and the Oil Painters of America, his realistic paintings have appeared in many national shows and private collections throughout the United States. He has illustrated more than 50 children’s books, including the Kaya books from the American Girl series. His work has been included in the Society of Illustrators Annual Show and the Oil Painters of America National Show. His children’s book awards include a Teachers Choice Award, the 2005 Patricia Gallagher Award, and the 2007 Volunteer State Book Award. Bill lives in Venice, Florida, with his wife, Debbie, and daughters, Allison and Caitlin.