Kelly Krull

 

KELLY CRULL
Creator Highlight

 

From THE BLACK MAMBAS:
THE WORLD’S FIRST ALL-WOMAN POACHING UNIT 
(Millbrook Press/Lerner)

 SLJ  |    Booklist
 
 “This book? It’s a wonder. A joy. [With its] incredible balance of factual accuracy and kid-interest … it is a template for other nonfiction books to follow. If you are in need of something that takes your faith in humanity and gives it a jolt to the gills, that would be this title.”
—Betsy Bird

Read entire review.

 

Kelly Crull is an award-winning children’s author, illustrator, designer, and photographer with a passion for sparking curiosity and creativity in young readers. His books blend science, adventure, and humor—bringing topics like conservation and climate to life through playful, engaging storytelling.

 

From POLAR BEAR ON THIN ICE (on submission)
 

Readers follow a polar bear across melting Arctic sea ice as it searches for her first meal in five months. Each page is filled with mishaps, witty dialogue, snarky seals, and unforgettable collage illustrations.
 

 

Recently profiled in PW’s “Earth Day 2025” as a creator “highlighting underappreciated processes of nature and the conservationists fighting to protect the environment,” Kelly’s documentary style, informational, accessible text, interactive design and dynamic photographs both captivate and empower. Speaking of:  stay tuned for another picture book coming out next year that’s perfect for anyone who’s ever dreamed of meeting a real dinosaur (and honestly—who hasn’t?). We should probably warn you, though, there is a real dinosaur at the end of the book… but he might not be what you expect!

 

From WASHED ASHORE: MAKING ART FROM OCEAN PLASTIC
(Millbrook Press/Lerner)

 Booklist

A 2025 Panda Book Award for Middle Readers Winner
A Texas Topaz Nonfiction Gem
A 2022 Good Housekeeping Kids’ Book Award Winner
A 2022 Fuse 8 Nonfiction Picture Book
An SCBWI Golden Kite Finalist
A Junior Library Guild Selection
A 2023 Towner Award Nominee (WA)

“Kids will get a big environmental message when they see these sculptures made from objects reclaimed from beaches and oceans. [With] facts about each animal,
as well as a seek-and-find challenge that asks kids to look for things like
lip balm or hangers in the sculptures.”
—Good Housekeeping

 

Whether he’s photographing wildlife, sketching a punchline, or presenting to a packed gym of students, Kelly believes in the power of a good story to make kids think, laugh, and take action. After spending 20 years in Spain, he recently returned to Iowa, where he continues to make books and teaches part-time at a Montessori school.
More Art by Kelly Crull
 

From THE INTERRUPTING COW (on submission)
 

Two flies on a cow pie take readers on a guided tour of the cow’s digestive tract and a trip around the world while considering scientists’ latest attempts to reduce greenhouse gases. Unfortunately, the solution is still up in the air.
 

 

 

 

 
 

 

 

 
 
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