Christine Davenier
As a young girl growing up in Tours, France, Christine Davenier loved listening to her older sister read fairy tales aloud. But she frequently found herself wondering, What does the princess’s beautiful dress look like? or How exquisite are her jewels? Christine was left to her own imagination, for the books had few illustrations. So it comes as little surprise that today, Christine embraces her career as an illustrator. “I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to create the illustrations I dreamed about seeing as a child,” she says.
When Christine was fourteen, she received her first box of watercolor paints, a gift from her grandmother. That was the beginning of many afternoons spent painting together in her grandmother’s garden. “My grandmother was an extraordinary woman,” Christine says. “Even though she worked in an office all her life, she was an artist through and through. She shared everything she knew about color—in painting and in life. Her wisdom and talent still inspire me today.”
She has illustrated many picture books, including Sally Jean, the Bicycle Queen by Cari Best. She lives in Paris, France.
Watch
Miss Lina's Ballerinas - Book Trailer
Watch the book trailer for this new and charming read-aloud picture book!
Share This
Christine Davenier
Related Links
Emily Writes
Jane Yolen; illustrations by Christine Davenier
Holt Books for Young Readers
Henry Holt and Co. (BYR)
Jane Yolen's Emily Writes is an imagined and evocative picture book account of Emily Dickinson’s childhood poetic beginnings, featuring illustrations by Christine Davenier.
Available in:
Emma's Circus
Candace Fleming; illustrations by Christine Davenier
FSG Books for Young Readers
Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR)
Emma has never been to a circus, so she is especially excited to see a circus parade in town. But her father says she can't go and see it—they have to get their farm ready for winter. So instead...the...
Available in:
A Day with Miss Lina's Ballerinas
My Readers
Grace Maccarone, Illustrated by Christine Davenier
Square Fish
Square Fish
The sun comes up, and Miss Lina's ballerinas go to ballet class. They jump! They spin! They point their toes! But when class is over, Miss Lina's ballerinas keep dancing wherever they go.
Available in:
Piper Reed, Forever Friend
Piper Reed
Kimberly Willis Holt; illustrations by Christine Davenier
Square Fish
Square Fish
Piper Reed is excited to move to a new state and catch up with old friends. But the move doesn't go as smoothly as she expected: Piper has trouble feeling accepted in her new surroundings. But then...
Available in:
Miss Lina's Ballerinas and the Wicked Wish
Miss Lina's Ballerinas
Grace Maccarone; Illustrated by Christine Davenier
Feiwel & Friends
Feiwel & Friends
Then one sunny day, a guest came to view
Miss Lina's ten dancers plié and tendu.
Miss Lina announced, "This is Mister Brisé.
He'll watch you take class," she explained,...
Available in:
Piper Reed, Rodeo Star
Piper Reed
Kimberly Willis Holt; Illustrated by Christine Davenier
Square Fish
Square Fish
A visit to Piper's grandparents' ranch means time for exploration and adventure!--in Kimberly Willis Holt's Piper Reed, Rodeo Star, featuring illustrations by Christine Davenier...
Available in:
Samantha on a Roll
Linda Ashman, Pictures by Christine Davenier
FSG Books for Young Readers
Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR)
A New York Times Notable Children's Book for 2011
Samantha can't wait to try out her new roller skates, but Mama's too busy too help her. What's a girl to do? Well, this girl isn't waiting....
Available in:
Miss Lina's Ballerinas and the Prince
Miss Lina's Ballerinas
Grace Maccarone; Illustrated by Christine Davenier
Feiwel & Friends
Feiwel & Friends
Miss Lina's ballerinas are back!
Available in:
Piper Reed, Campfire Girl
Piper Reed
Kimberly Willis Holt; illustrations by Christine Davenier
Square Fish
Square Fish
Piper's family is going camping on Halloween, and she's determined to make it a holiday to remember.
Available in:
Piper Reed, Navy Brat
Piper Reed
Kimberly Willis Holt; Illustrated by Christine Davenier
Square Fish
Square Fish
When a man joins the Navy, his family joins the Navy.
Available in:
Piper Reed, Clubhouse Queen
Piper Reed
Kimberly Willis Holt; Illustrated by Christine Davenier
Square Fish
Square Fish
Piper is dead-set on winning the Gypsy Club Pet Show—if only her dog could learn a few tricks!
Available in:
Piper Reed, Party Planner
Piper Reed
Kimberly Willis Holt; Illustrated by Christine Davenier
Square Fish
Square Fish
Every club needs a clubhouse, and Piper Reed isn't going to give up until the Gypsy Club has one!
Available in:
Miss Lina's Ballerinas
Miss Lina's Ballerinas
Grace Maccarone; Christine Davenier, illustrator
Feiwel & Friends
Feiwel & Friends
Nine little ballerinas will dance straight into your heart in this adorable story about making new friends and the joy of ballet.
Available in:
Sally Jean, the Bicycle Queen
Cari Best; Pictures by Christine Davenier
FSG Books for Young Readers
Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR)
I can pop a wheelie, I can touch the sky,
I can pedal backwards, I can really fly!
Sally Jean was born to ride. And her bicycle, Flash, is just about her best friend. But...
Available in: