Chris Paul has been Creative Director and Associate Publisher for Candlewick Press for the past 16 years. Candlewick, located in Somerville, Massachusetts, is renowned for quality children's books, ranging from picture books for the very young through sophisticated young adult titles. Candlewick Press is part of the Walker Books Group, along with Walker Books UK and Walker Books Australia.
Chris directs a staff of fifteen, including art directors, designers, and technical support staff. While leading the selection of illustrators for the Candlewick list and monitoring the overall quality, Chris also art directs and designs specific books, most notably all of Kate DiCamillo's titles, and has six Newbery award titles to her credit. Candlewick has also been awarded a Caldecott honor for David Ezra Stein's Interrupting Chicken, and Aaron Becker's Journey, and a Caldecott medal for Jon Klassen's This Is Not My Hat.
Chris has a long history in publishing starting with Macmillan Adult Trade Division, John Wiley & Sons, Little Brown Children's Books and several stints as a freelance graphic designer. During her 30 years in children's publishing, Chris has worked with many illustrators including Jules Feiffer, Tony Fucile, Jamie Wyeth, Rosemary Wells, PJ Lynch, Paul Rogers, and Angela Barrett to name a few.
Her education in fine art, own experience with painting, and interest in art and the creative process have culminated in the best job there is. Working with artists!
candlewick.com and @Candlewick
Chris judged the Children’s Books category for the WIA2015 Awards.