uthor Krissi Russell is a singer, songwriter, and Spanish teacher who grew up surrounded by music. Her mom sang in a barbershop quartet. As a child, Krissi spent many hours listening (and singing along) during Monday night rehearsals. At age 12, she sang lead in her own quartet, “The Encore Four,” with her mom as coach. Krissi took private voice lessons and sang in a bluegrass band, “Slim Pickins.”
Krissi studied environmental education at Huxley College of Environmental Studies. She graduated from Western Washington University with a degree in education. Her teaching experience, passion for music and environmental education come together in sing-along storybooks for young children.
Little Bear Books began at a Lake Tahoe lemonade stand in 2005. Krissi’s son was selling lemonade when a bear wandered down the street. It came within 10 feet of his stand. Don’t worry; the bear didn’t drink any lemonade! But the event inspired the song “Don’t Feed Our Bears,”, and Little Bear Books’ first sing-along book/CD set. See all Little Bear Books’ sing-along stories.
uthor Krissi Russell is a singer, songwriter, and Spanish teacher who grew up surrounded by music. Her mom sang in a barbershop quartet. As a child, Krissi spent many hours listening (and singing along) during Monday night rehearsals. At age 12, she sang lead in her own quartet, “The Encore Four,” with her mom as coach. Krissi took private voice lessons and sang in a bluegrass band, “Slim Pickins.”
Krissi studied environmental education at Huxley College of Environmental Studies. She graduated from Western Washington University with a degree in education. Her teaching experience, passion for music and environmental education come together in singalong storybooks for young children.
Little Bear Books began at a Lake Tahoe lemonade stand in 2005. Krissi’s son was selling lemonade when a bear wandered down the street. It came within 10 feet of his stand. Don’t worry; he didn’t feed the bear lemonade! But the event inspired the song “Don’t Feed Our Bears,”, and Little Bear Books’ first sing-along book/CD set. See all Little Bear Books’ sing-along stories.
lustrator Lois Olsen is a sculptor, poet and painter. Her work is well known in the Palos Verdes, CA, area where she lives. Lois is happiest when she is painting or sculpting for the sheer pleasure of creating. She enjoys using a variety of mediums and a wide range of art styles. Her illustrations for Little Bear Books are done in watercolor. Bright and vivid, her paintings create a sense of wonder and excitement about the natural world.
lustrator Lois Olsen is a sculptor, poet and painter. Her work is well known in the Palos Verdes, CA, area where she lives. Lois is happiest when she is painting or sculpting for the sheer pleasure of creating. She enjoys using a variety of mediums and a wide range of art styles. Her illustrations for Little Bear Books are done in watercolor. Bright and vivid, her paintings create a sense of wonder and excitement about the natural world.
teve Walker is the recording artist who brings Krissi’s music alive. His trio, The Steve Walker Band, has been entertaining guests on the Tahoe Queen for the past 25 years. Steve is a lead vocalist and guitarist with over 40 years of experience on stage. His influence on Little Bear Books’ songs comprises singing backup vocals, playing bass and lead guitar, mixing and mastering recordings, and contributing to the arrangement of Krissi’s compositions.
teve Walker is the recording artist who brings Krissi’s music alive. His trio, The Steve Walker Band, has been entertaining guests on the Tahoe Queen for the past 25 years. Steve is a lead vocalist and guitarist with over 40 years of experience on stage. His influence on Little Bear Books’ songs comprises singing backup vocals, playing bass and lead guitar, mixing and mastering recordings, and contributing to the arrangement of Krissi’s compositions.
We use the reading-singing connection to teach environmental awareness, appreciation, and stewardship. We connect literature, environmental education and music in our songs and picture books. Rhythm, rhyme, repetition, and imaginative illustrations add magic to our musical message.
Environmental education comes alive in a Little Bear Book!