Shy Steve

A Children’s Book Council Summer 2024 Showcase: Imagination Celebration! PickA gentle lesson about overcoming shyness takes center stage in this uplifting and beautiful picture book. Stuck in a mundane routine caused by his own shy behavior, Steve gets coffee from a barista who constantly misspells his name, rides to work on rickety bus, and gets piles of work from his grumpy boss. But one day, Steve’s life changes when he meets Marianna, a guitarist, who brings out the hidden, confident songwriter he holds deep inside. With collage-style illustrations coupled with a whimsical story, Shy Steve will speak to kids hindered by their own shyness and fear, and inspire them to let their inner light shine.

Originally from Ukraine, Katerina works and lives as a professor and artist in Northern California. She received her BFA in illustration from San Jose State in 2019.