J.H. Everett

Visual storyteller (illustrator), writer, and historian

J.H. Everett (aka. Ev Stanton) - Media Artist/ Writer/ Maker - Ev enjoys learning about everything and meeting new people. He is the father of two boys, and is married to Dr. Rebecca Stanton, a professor of Education. On a daily basis, his Pembroke Welsh Corgi, named Lucy, herds him around the house and studio.

Ev has worked as a professional musician, theater director, editor, writer, teacher, and illustrator. He holds a Ph.D in Early Modern European and World history from the University of California, Irvine. He has spent a lot of life traveling, living, and studying in the UK and Western Europe. No matter what he is doing or where he is, he compulsively draws and doodles on everything.

Currently...

J.H. Everett's first picturebook, The Candy Palace, has been published by the MMJ Foundation Press and Second Harvest Food Bank (along with retail partner, Dior). In partnership with MMJ Foundation, Ev has also helped create and implement the school giving programs for the Candy Palace project. He is co-creating the fully illustrated middle-grade nonfiction series, HAUNTED HISTORIES, forthcoming from Christy Ottaviano Books/ Henry Holt Publishing, Inc. And, is co-authoring the biography of Hanna Barbera artist/designer Bob Singer. He is a regular contributing illustrator to the Los Angleles Times. Ev is represented by Jamie Weiss-Chilton of the Andrea Brown Literary Agency, Inc.

Professional background...

In addition to his current book projects, Ev has had the pleasure of working as a freelance concept illustrator for a Jim Henson Company development property and has created concept covers for Scholastic Books. He served as an editor on Me and My World, as well as several other titles for the educational publisher, Teacher Created Resources. He has written articles for children’s literature publications and websites including: SCBWI Kite Tales, Children’s Book Insider, and The Reading Tub and is a featured author in the California Reader's Association and Authors Now! Together, Ev and his wife, Dr. Rebecca Stanton (Professor of Education, Concordia University) continue to write articles and children's books. They also regularly present for school educational programs and academic conferences.

Always learning...

Ev first learned how to write stories from his mom, who happened to be his 8th grade language arts teacher. Over the years, Ev had several wonderful teachers and professors who taught him writing. As a lyricist, Ev was lucky enough to briefly study with famed lyricist, Hal David. In music and theater, he produced several original albums and two original children's musical theater shows. In college, he focused on humanities based disciplines: English Literature, Art, Music, Philosophy, and History.

Ev's first art teacher was his grandfather, Al. Ev would go over to his house after school and create paintings of the local Tucson, Arizona area landscapes, where he grew up. He was influenced by the photography of longtime family friend, Arizona Highways photographer and writer, Dick Frontain. As an adult, Ev studied privately under famed Disney watercolorist, cartoonist, and artist Roger Armstrong. Currently, Ev is a long-time student of celebrated Hanna Barbera artist/designer and animator, Bob Singer. He has also worked with Caldecott award winning artist, Alice Provensen, as part of Studio 5.

Ev has taught students from preschool through the college level. The students and kids that he has worked with have always been a great source of inspriation. While in graduate school, Ev moonlighted as a book store manager who specialized in children’s literature. He has won numerous teaching awards for his pedagogical workshops, and classroom teaching. Ev continues to do research and writing worldwide. He loves visiting people and cultures all over the world.

Influences and favorites...

Ev's art is greatly influenced by the British trad