Join us for a special Humanities at Play stream with author and illustrator Bonnie Kelso! We will chat with Bonnie about her work and discuss her newest book, Nudi Gill: Poison Powerhouse of the Sea, which has been selected by Nevada Humanities and its Nevada Center for the Book to represent Nevada at the 2023 Library of Congress National Book Festival as a part of the Great Reads from Great Places list.
Bonnie Kelso is a former Smithsonian exhibit designer turned children’s book author and illustrator. She is drawn to funny stories that entertain and educate. Her debut picture book, NUDI GILL (2023, Gnome Road Publishing), features a curious snorkeler who almost steps on a nudibranch, sparking a lively conversation about the fascinating life of these colorful but fierce sea creatures. The story tackles the theme of ocean conservation and stewardship in a humorous and non-preachy way.
Bonnie holds a Bachelor’s of Fine Art from the Rhode Island School of Design. She often conducts live and online art workshops in the Las Vegas area and beyond. She is the proud recipient of many Nevada Arts Council grants and is on their roster of teaching artists for schools and communities.
She was selected as the 2021 winner for the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) Karen Cushman Late Bloomers Award for her historical chapter book, JOHNNY BELL BAKER AND THE COAL MINE. She volunteers for her regional SCBWI Nevada chapter as the Illustrator Coordinator.
An artist and muralist, Bonnie’s work can be seen on a parking garage, in a library, in a community center, on banners and at other public places around Southern Nevada.
Bonnie has traveled around the world twice! She is an avid outdoors enthusiast and can often be found wandering about the desert with her family in Las Vegas, NV.
Humanities at Play explores and showcases the significance of the humanities in everyday life through games, media, and popular culture. Join us for dynamic and interactive online and in-person events designed to spark thoughtful conversation and reflection. Learn more at nevadahumanities.org/humanities-at-play.