Biography: Iza Trapani was born in Warsaw, Poland, where she lived until she was seven years old. Although her family of six lived in a tiny one-bedroom apartment, she has fond memories of that time, when her parents fostered a life-long appreciation for books, art, and music. Iza learned to read before she started school and was always encouraged to draw, even though she would take over the entire dining table with her papers and pencils.
When Iza was seven, her mother traveled to America to visit her sister. At the time, whole families were not allowed to leave Communist Poland, so Iza's mother took her, the youngest. Their visit turned into a permanent stay. Her mother remarried and hoped to bring Iza's brother and sister to the United States, but tragically, she died too soon. Iza moved to a children's home in Lodi, New Jersey, where she stayed until she was 16. During this time, Iza's father in Poland also passed away. It wasn't until after she married and became a U.S. citizen that Iza felt she could travel to Poland without fear of deportation. Twenty-five years passed before she was reunited with her siblings.
Over the years, Iza continued to draw and paint. She wanted more than anything to create children's picture books. Crossing paths with a turtle in the woods inspired her first book - What Am I? An Animal Guessing Game. Since then Iza has written and illustrated several books for children including the best-selling Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star, The Itsy Bitsy Spider, and Baa Baa Black Sheep. Inspired by nature, children and animals, Iza has an endless wellspring of stories and ideas to share with young readers.
Iza becomes engrossed in her work and each page shows the love and humor she feels for her stories and characters. She was once told that to be a good author a writer must know CPR - concise, precise, and rounded. In her picture books the illustrations play an integral part in enhancing and clarifying the text. It's a wonderful union of art and story with a fresh and interesting perspective.
Iza lives in the Hudson Valley of New York with her husband on their farm in a house that they designed. She has worked very hard for her success and feels blessed by the warm reception her books have received by readers young and old.
Iza was honored with the Rip Van Winkle Award in 2003. This award is presented by the School Library Media Specialists of Southeastern New York for outstanding contributions to children's literature by an author/illustrator from the seven county SLMSSENY area.
"Known for her beatuiful illustrations and adaptations of classic nurnsery rhymes and stories, Ms. Trapani has a large body of work that delights both children and adults. With titles such as Shoo Fly, Row Row Row Your Boat, The Itsy Bitsy Spider and Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star, she brings to life the stories we fell in love with."
Illustrated by: Iza TrapaniAs told by: Iza Trapani ISBN: 978-1-57091-663-2
Ages: 2 - 5
Availability:In stock Price:$16.95
A group of mischievous animals are eating all the garden's plants and vegetables! The industrious gardener tries to keep the creatures out using netting and fences-all to no avail. Iza Trapani's art delights with a host of lively critters and an exhausted, but ultimately cheerful, gardener. Keep a close eye out for the ladybug and bluebird included on many pages.
"A good choice for reading aloud."
— School Library Journal
Illustrated by: Iza TrapaniAs told by: Iza Trapani ISBN: 978-1-58089-029-8
Ages: 2 - 5
Availability:In stock Price:$7.95
Rhyming text follows a lovable frog through his attempts at and eventual victory in finding true love. Using vivid colors, Iza's art shows a Victorian flair.
"This is a highly enjoyable composite of visually pleasing illustrations and light, catchy text."
— Kirkus Reviews
"Trapani's joyous and bright watercolors are perfectly wedded to the cheerful new version of this Scottish song. A page with the music and all of the verses is handy for a sing-along. A great addition to any library, espcially for story hours."
— School Library Journal
Illustrated by: Iza TrapaniBy author: Iza Trapani ISBN: 978-1-58089-246-9
Ages: 3 - 6
Availability:In stock Price:$16.95
This humorous, rhyming book invites readers to count eerie party guests (1-10) as they arrive at the haunted house of the ghost.
"This funny, warmly illustrated rhyme makes an entertaining choice for holiday storytimes."
--School Library Journal
"[Trapani's] cheery watercolors enliven the verse, depicting grinning ghouls enjoying themselves, the ghostly host in black tie floating about offering eyeballs and coffee."
--Kirkus Reviews
A little boy tries to save his money for a puppy but spends it on his family instead. How will he ever afford the doggie in the window?
"Patti Page made this song popular in the 1950s and now, with slightly different words and 13 verses for additional parental torment, it is surely destined for renewed life in kindergarten classrooms."
— School Library Journal
Illustrated by: Iza TrapaniAs told by: Iza Trapani ISBN: 978-1-58089-010-6
Ages: 2 - 5
Availability:In stock Price:$7.95
Expanded verses of a familiar song tell how a teapot dreams of visiting China, Mexico, the opera, a jungle, and other places while waiting to be used to serve tea. Music and lyrics on last page.
Illustrated by: Iza TrapaniAs told by: Iza Trapani ISBN: 978-1-58089-095-3
Ages: 2 - 5
Availability:In stock Price:$15.95
Iza Trapani extends this popular holiday song to explore Christmas traditions from around the world. Readers travel to Mexico, Sweden, Philippines, Poland, Italy, Kenya, and back to the United States, discovering the customs and foods that each country has to offer.
Illustrated by: Iza TrapaniAs told by: Iza Trapani ISBN: 978-1-58089-090-8
Ages: 2 - 5
Availability:In stock Price:$7.95
Follow the misadventures of Mary's Little Lamb as he heads off alone through the farmyard. Kids will laugh as our woolly hero finds his way in and out of trouble.
Illustrated by: Iza TrapaniAs told by: Iza Trapani ISBN: 978-1-58089-005-2
Ages: 2 - 5
Availability:In stock Price:$7.95
An expanded version of the traditional rhyme, in which the little dog runs away and explores the desert, mountains, and oceans before deciding that home is best. Includes music on the last page.
Iza Trapani was born in Warsaw, Poland, where she lived until she was seven years old. Although her family of six lived in a tiny one-bedroom apartment, she has fond memories of that time, when her parents fostered a life-long appreciation for books, art, and music. Iza learned to read before she started school and was always encouraged to draw, even though she would take over the entire dining table with her papers and pencils.
