About the Author

Author Info

Writer, Patricia Petersen, and Illustrator, Sheli Petersen, are a mother-daughter duo who are lifelong bird watchers. "Rascally Ravens of Greystone Farm" is based on their direct observations of ravens in the wild. 

Patricia holds a master's degree in composition from Missouri State University. An educator and scholar, she has presented papers at the American Cultural Studies Conference and written picture books published by McGraw-Hill and Laredo.
"Nothing gives me greater pleasure than seeing my words brought to life by Sheli's exquisite illustrations," says Patricia Petersen.


Sheli Petersen exhibits her award-winning artwork at international, national, and regional venues and has five published picture books. She is an active member of the Society of Children's Book Writers & Illustrators, providing leadership for their Nebraska chapter as Webinar Coordinator. As Professor of Graphic Design and Illustration at Texas Woman's University, Petersen loves sharing her knowledge and discoveries with her students.

News

Rascally Ravens of Greystone Farm placed as a FINALIST in the prestigious THE WISHING SHELF BOOK AWARDS picture books for 6-8 year olds category.

In this international competition, the children's books were read and judged by students in eight U.K. primary and secondary schools, and marked according to EDITING, THEME, STYLE, COVER, and ILLUSTRATIONS. Out of nearly 400 total submissions in all categories, ONLY 30% of the books were selected as finalists.

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Events

Author Patricia Petersen’s and illustrator Sheli Petersen’s picture book Rascally Ravens of Greystone Farm will be showcased in two exhibitions in Denton, Texas during spring and fall 2025.

The first, Empowering through Visual Storytelling: Rascally Ravens Picture Book Process at the Texas Woman’s University Blagg-Huey Library Living Room Gallery, Feb. 24 – May 16, examines designing characters and world-building from photographic references and life-sketches, storyboarding for planning and sequencing layouts, and applying traditional and digital techniques to finish the illustrations.

The Greater Denton Arts Council will host the second exhibit Sept. 16 – Nov. 29, with a reception on Sept. 18 at 6 p.m. The exhibit will feature a maker-space, a video version of the Rascally Ravens picture book, and information on self-publishing and alternative venues for distributing visual narratives. Petersen will offer free, public workshops on self-publishing and character design on Nov. 8 and Nov. 22, 2025.

The Rascally Ravens exhibitions are funded in part by a Greater Denton Arts Council micro-grant, a TWU School of Arts & Design faculty development grant, and a TWU Creative Arts & Humanities grant.

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