“At the end of the day, I took your sketch, had it framed at Michaels and presented it to the principal.” — Erika Makesyn, Authorfest Enrichment Coordinator

Scott Magoon is a native New Englandah who’s been designing, writing and illustrating books for young readers since 2003. He loves putting words and pictures together for kids. Scott is a member of The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI). He has published children’s books, including Linus the Little Yellow Pencil, and has recently published a graphic novel, The Extincts.

Scott has two teenaged sons, and his wife is a school librarian. In his spare time, Scott likes running, skiing, tennis and snorkeling. He loves music. He sings, and plays flute and harmonica. Scott is a proud Northeastern University alumnus where he received a Bachelor’s degree in English literature—and his first paying drawing gig. The Northeastern News published Duct Tape Man, his weekly comic strip! He studied drawing at NU and Mass Art but for the most part is self-taught.

Scott's Featured Titles

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We Have Liftoff: The Art of Launching a Picture Book

Using slides of sketches, final art, and inspiration, Scott shows his process of making a picture book. Features the making of Rocket Ship, Solo Trip by Chiara Beth Colombi, illustrated by Scott. Includes digital draw-along and Q&A.

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More Than Words Picture Book Workshop

This presentation includes slides and the use of Procreate as a drawing and presentation tool. Students will have a chance to learn how to draw the cartoon turtle featured throughout this talk.

Scott takes students through the ways words and pictures can work together using a simple story, and examples from one of Scott’s books. Examples include using motion lines, place, suggesting the passage of time and how words can tell a different story than the pictures do. Includes digital draw-along and Q&A. Limited to groups of 25 students.

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Graphic Novel Workshop

This presentation includes slides, and the use of Procreate as a drawing and presentation tool. Students will have a chance to create their own 6 panels of comics using the conventions, tips and techniques Scott discusses.

Highlights “the making of” process. Tips and tricks to making your own graphic novel, including digital draw-along and Q&A. Limited to groups of 25 students.

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Being Unflappable: The Art to Making a Picturebook

Using slides of sketches, final art, and inspiration, Scott shows his process of making a picture book. Features the making of Unflappable by Matthew Ward, illustrated by Scott. Includes digital draw-along and Q&A.

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Digital Drawing with iPad and Procreate

Features live drawing demonstrations using Procreate and its many brushes and effects. We’ll use Scott’s book work to study real-world applications of Procreate as a next-generation drawing tool.

Samples of Scott’s varied digital art drawing styles and how he got there. Includes digital draw-along and Q&A.

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All Along the Line: The Making of a Picture Book

Using slides of sketches, final art, and inspiration, Scott shows his process of making a picture book.

Features the making of Linus The Little Yellow Pencil. Includes digital draw-along and Q&A.

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You Rescued Me: The Healing Power of Picture Books

Using video, images and a conversational style presentation, Scott talks about his personal journey. From his experience in the Boston Marathon bombing, to the making and reception of Rescue and Jessica: A Life-Changing Friendship. Includes digital draw-along and Q&A.

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Making a Connection

Scott discusses his decision-making path to illustrating books for authors. What does he look for in another author’s manuscript? In short, he looks to emotionally connect via characters, hooks, twists, music, humor and more. Includes digital draw-along and Q&A.

Using images, this presentation helps to frame what illustrators and readers are compelled by in manuscripts.

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Let’s Go Extincts: Creatures, Climate and the Creative Process

In this dynamic presentation, Scott reads an animated chapter from EXTINCTS QUEST FOR THE UNICORN HORN then talks about each creature featured on the team—Woolly Mammoth, Passenger Pigeon, Poison Dart Frog and the Sabertooth Tiger. Each creature features video and fun facts, including their diet, habitat, size and why they went extinct. Then Scott talks about climate change and some ways students can to combat it. Then he’ll talk about making comic books, followed by a Woolly Mammoth draw along. A great way for students and teachers alike to connect to the environment and art.

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Bringing the Magic of Reading to Life: Get a Mural for Your School Or Library

Are you looking for a way to transform the walls of your school or library into a captivating and inspiring space? Let’s talk.

Why Mural? The world needs more art! Why? A good mural enhances the aesthetic appeal of your space to create a vibrant and inspiring atmosphere for students, parents and staff. Perhaps more importantly, the presence of art in educational spaces can foster creativity and critical thinking among students to contribute to a more rounded learning experience. (Not to mention that original art painted by a creator of your students’ favorite picture books is an added bonus!)

Storytime with Scott Magoon

The Extincts — Let’s Save the World….Together!

Visitors can learn about climate change, species extinction and ways young people can help. Plus: activities, videos, further reading and much more—all in one place.

Scott’s Murals Link

Extra, Extra, Read All About It—In the Magoon Tribune!

Honors, Awards & Recognition

NYT Bestseller
ALA Schneider Family Book Award 2019
Bilby Award Australia 2007
Irma & James Black Award 2013
Bank Street Library Best Book of the Year Outstanding Merit 2014
Children’s Choice Book Awards finalist 2013
Christopher Award 2018
Crystal Kite Award 2011
Eric Carle Museum Picture Book of Distinction 2012
GoodReads Choice Awards finalist for best picture book 2012
Huffington Post Best Picture Books 2014
Indiana Young Hoosier Book Award Nomination 2020-21
Junior Library Guild Selections
Kirkus Best Books Best Read Aloud 2014
Chicago Public Library Best Book 2014
Maryland’s Black Eyed Susan Nomination  2020-21
Massachusetts Must-Read Honors 2019, 2021
Minnesota Star of the North Nomination 2021
Mississippi Magnolia Award winner
NEIBA Book of the Year 2019
National Museum of Wildlife Art Bull Bransom Award Nomination 2014
New York City Public Library top 100 Books for Reading & Sharing
North Carolina Children’s Book Award Nomination 2020
Oklahoma Book Award 2011
Pennsylvania Keystone to Reading Elementary Book Award
Pennsylvania Center for the Book’s Baker’s Dozen
Vermont Red Clove Book Award Nomination 2019-2020
Washington State Children’s Choice Picture Book Award Nomination 2022
Wisconsin’s Golden Archer Award 2013
Scholastic Parent & Child Best Book 2010
Swiss Golden Cowbell Switzerland 2019-2020
Society of Illustrators Original Art Show
Texas Bluebonnet Award Nomination 2008

Media Kit

By clicking the link below you will be directed to a Google Docs Folder
where you can download author photos and cover images.

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