The Secret Olivia Told Me Is Worthy of a Second Look

The Secret Olivia Told Me, a picture book about a friend who spills a secret and watches it spin out of control, published by Just Us Books, illustrated by Nancy Devard and written by N. Joy, won a 2008 Coretta Scott King Honor Book award for illustration.
This is the first Coretta Scott King Honor Book award for Just Us Books, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, as well as the first for Nancy Devard.
“Nancy is a talented artist who brings a distinct and fresh approach to the books she illustrates,” says Wade Hudson, president and CEO, Just Us Books. “We’re excited for her and proud of this distinct accomplishment that she earned so early in her publishing career.”
A native of West Philadelphia, Nancy Devard began drawing at age three. She earned a BA in Electrical Engineering Technology and minored in art at Temple University. After a brief career in engineering, she turned her talents to her true passion: art. She worked for Hallmark as a staff illustrator in its Mahogany division, and has illustrated two books for the educational market. The Secret Olivia Told Me is her first trade picture book. Devard created the silhouetted illustrations featured in The Secret Olivia Told Me using Adobe Illustrator. A versatile artist, she also paints and does graphic design. MORE