Roxie is the acclaimed author/illustrator of 30 books for children (including Mazescapes; Amazement Park; The Inside-Outside Books of New York City [New York Times Best Illustrated Award], Washington DC, Texas, London, Paris, Libraries; Feathers, Flaps & Flop, Doors, Gargoyles, Girders & Glass Houses; The Great Bridge-Building Contest; Ranch; Wild West Trail Ride Maze; Circus; Mazeways, Rodeo, Texas Rangers (2008), and Go, Go, GO!! (2008).
An artist from the age of six, when she won first prize in a county-wide contest for a painting of a bowl of fruit, she has supported herself all her life on her art, at one point freelancing in Washington DC as a television courtroom artist. Clients included CBS, the Washington Post, and the Associated Press.
She also creates oils, watercolors, prints, and drawings, primarily cityscapes, which are exhibited widely in the US in galleries and museums. Roxie's work is in numerous private, public, and corporate collections. Fourteen of her paintings have appeared as covers of The New Yorker magazine.
Roxie Munro studied at the University of Maryland, the Maryland Institute College of Art (Baltimore), received a BFA in Painting from the University of Hawaii, attended graduate school at Ohio University (Athens), and received a Yaddo Fellowship. She lectures in museums, schools, conventions, and teaches in the Paint in Italy program.
Many oils and watercolors are views from the roof of her sky-lighted loft studio in Long Island City, just across the East River from her home in mid-Manhattan. Roxie is married to the Swedish writer/photographer, Bo Zaunders.
Selected Reviews of Roxie's Books
Amazement Park
Roxie Munro
Twelve mazes invite the viewer to trace a finger along the route to explore the double-page illustrations of a gigantic amusement park. That finger can hardly get lost in the earlier parts, given that most mazes do not feature choices leading to dead ends. Thus, very young children can spend hours "seeing" the features of the castle shown in birds-eye view or making sure to have sampled every amusement ride. However, some of the maze paths lead nowhere so older readers can be challenged as well. The end pages give the correct routes and the locations of the man with three balloons and a class of kids who may be found on each spread. There are two ways to visit the pages--by train that merely passes around each page and exits to the next in one continuous journey, doubling back after reaching the end maze. The other is to get off the train at the designated stop and let that finger join other walkers moving along the paths to explore. Either way, this book is sure to absorb young lookers during that long wait for the restaurant dinner or the hot and boring car ride. 2005, Chronicle Books, $16.95. Ages 4 to 9. Reviewer: Susan Hepler, Ph.D. (Children's Literature).
Gargoyles, Girders, & Glass Houses: Magnificent Master Builders
Bo Zaunders
Illustrated by Roxie Munro
There are many different people who have contributed to the design and the make of the buildings. In this book, you learn all about the different architects that have the creative minds to make buildings that have been noted as some of the most amazing works of art. This book was amazing, I learned so much about the different architects that have created such wonders in our world. It went into such detail, that any student who is interested in learning about different architecture would be fascinated. Category: . 2004, Dutton Children's Books, $17.99. Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer: Lisa Marie Allen (The Kutztown University Book Review, Fall 2005).
Mazescapes
Roxie Munro
When the hours seem to drag on while driving in the car or you're trapped inside on a rainy day with nothing to do, one quick solution is Mazescapes. Navigating your way through thirteen aerial landscapes with looping roadways, twisting side streets and winding tunnels poses a challenge for all ages. Your observation skills will be tested as you search for hidden letters along the way. Don't let the one way streets lure you down the wrong path. Keep track of bicycles and schools buses you can find along your journey and challenge your family to do the same. Each book comes complete with six punch-out cars and an answer key for those having more trouble. 2001, SeaStar Books, $16.95. Ages 7 to 10. Reviewer: Sharon Tolle (Children's Literature).
School Visits: Roxie will visit 3 classes (35-45 minutes each with 10-15 minute Q&A) per day, with a book signing session. Fee: $1000-1200/day plus travel expenses. Programs are tailored for grade level, venue, and class size, but the following gives an idea of the content and possibilities.
K-Grade 2: Read and discuss lift-the-flap books (Doors, Circus, and Rodeo). In small groups (under 50), Roxie also discusses Ranch and shows Mazeways: A to Z Alphabet art. Her presentation also includes distribution of coloring sheets.
Grades 3-5: Several programs are available.
- Maze program: Show original art and discuss 4 maze books (Mazescapes, Amazement Park, Wild West Trail Ride Maze, and Mazeways: A to Z). Roxie teaches students how to make a Geometric and/or a Random Roxie Reversing Maze. Giveaways: Three-part maze, or several of the letter mazes, including finding elements. All can be colored in also.
- Biography program: Read and talk about characters in Crocodiles Camels & Dugout Canoes; Feathers Flaps & Flops; Gargoyles Girders & Glass Houses; and The Great Bridge-Building Contest. Roxie will show some of the original art.
Grades 6 and up: Several programs are available.
- Show how to make a book with storyboards, dummies, sketches, and finished art from actual books. Roxie will discuss her art career, from childhood to present.
- Biography program: Read and talk about characters in Crocodiles Camels & Dugout Canoes, Feathers Flaps & Flops, Gargoyles Girders & Glass Houses, and The Great Bridge-Building Contest. Show some of the original art.
- Mastering the Maze (PowerPoint): How my maze idea developed, a brief overview of mazes and labyrinths (history and geography of mazes), how to make a Geometric Maze and a Random Roxie Reversing Maze, examples of Real Life Mazes, and a sampling of Mazeways: A to Z.
Presentations are tailored to venue and audience. Roxie will discuss her career path from childhood and influences, covering school, television and editorial work, to book publishing. She will provide information regarding the current children's book publishing world including, creative and editorial process through marketing and book publication and trends and publishing tips.
Adult Programs (conferences, teachers, librarians, etc): Roxie presents a 45-minute PowerPoint, with Q&A and a signing session. Fee : $750-1250 per program plus travel expenses.
- For western audiences Roxie will present a program on the research and writing/illustration of her five western-themed books (The Inside-Outside Book of Texas, Ranch, Wild West Trail Ride Maze, Rodeo, and Texas Rangers).
- "Where do you get your ideas?" This program highlights the progression from the Inside-Outside Books through lift-the-flap and maze books, discussing how each concept builds upon the others.
- Mastering the Maze: Roxie will share how her maze idea developed, a brief overview of mazes and labyrinths (history and geography of mazes), how to make a Geometric Maze and a Random Roxie Reversing Maze, examples of Real Life Mazes, and a sampling of Mazeways: A to Z.
- The research and development of the Inside-Outside series (New York City, Washington DC, London, Paris, Texas, and Libraries).
Please note, all travel and lodging expenses are to be covered by the booking organization.
To learn more about Roxie and her publications please visit www.roxiemunro.com.
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