Valerie Sokolova holds a BA in Graphic Arts and Illustration and MFA in Applied and Decorative Arts. She serves as an Associate Professor, Graphic Design & Illustration Program Director and the Art Department Academic Liaison at Kingsborough Community College. She teaches design, typography, illustration and writing intensive courses. Outside of KCC, Valerie is an active award-winning illustrator on a national and international scale, as well as an icon painting instructor. She has published more than 30 illustrated picture books in the U.S. and many books abroad. She is especially passionate about illustrating storybooks for children. Her illustrations have been featured in publications such as The New York Times, TIME Magazine for Kids, Highlights etc. Her books include My Royal Birthday Adventure, Bella Bassett Ballerina, Thankful Together etc. She has received numerous awards, among which are the Best Cover Design by Purple Dragonfly Book Award Contest Winner (2018), Winner of the International Literature Award “The Golden Rose” (2018), the Winner of the 49th International Biennale of Illustration “The Golden Feather of Belgrade”(2017), the Winner of the Best Book Award at the Publishers Forum XXIII – National Award (2016), The Golden Feather Award for Best Children’s Illustrator of the Year (2013), the Creative Child Book of the Year Award (2012) and the Mom’s Choice Gold Award in the Children’s Picture Book category (2012) and many more.
