"It's sort of surreal," says sophomore Nicole Rosano, whose illustrations are featured in "My Special Cupcake."
Nicole Rosano was into baking for a time, at least until middle school when her pursuits turned toward art.
It's something of a coincidence, then, that her first published work includes both those interests.
"It's sort of surreal," the modest Belvidere High School sophomore said two days ahead of her scheduled book signing. "And embarrassing. Because my mom will go and tell everyone about my book."
Rosano's work is featured in "My Special Cupcake" by Washington Township author Julie Lynn Klingel. The book rhymes about a child with food allergies who brings specially designed deserts to birthday parties. Rosano's watercolors on every page depict cupcakes with themes such as space, dinosaurs and the beach.
Both the author and illustrator will be signing books from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday at Mama's & Cafe Baci, 260 Mountain Ave. in Hackettstown.
Please join us for our first book signing at Mama's in Hackettstown, NJ on Saturday, February 6th from 6:00 - 9:00pm
Posted by My Special Cupcake on Saturday, January 23, 2016
Christopher Coyle first knew Rosano as a quiet student when she entered his art class last year.
"She didn't really say anything. She was quiet, but she just produced phenomenal work," the Belvidere High School art teacher said. Then one day last fall, Rosano came in with the book featuring her illustrations.
"I was just amazed," Coyle said.
Rosano's bedroom in White Township doubles as her work space, filled with books and artwork of various styles. Sketches and watercolors adorn her wall, and canvasses are stacked in various places throughout the home.
"One day I was bored so I picked up my pencil and started drawing," she said. "And that's how it started."
Rosano's three siblings have a variety of interests, said her mom Lisa, who as a teacher at the White Township Consolidated School may have inadvertently set up the partnership that led to "Cupcake."
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Nicole's art teacher in eighth grade was impressed by a project in which the student translated a song into sketches. The teacher "showed it to everyone," Rosano said, including her mom. Klingel just happened to be in the room at the time.
The offer to collaborate at first seemed too good to be true.
"I thought it would be something that you say you'd do but never do," Rosano said.
Rosano said she plans to continue studying art in college. But in the meantime, she has a book-signing to prepare for. It will be a unique experience for someone who admittedly shies away from the spotlight.
"It's nerve-wracking," she said. "But I'm excited for it."
Steve Novak may be reached at snovak@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @type2supernovak. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.