Come celebrate Small Business Saturday with a special appearance by author/illustrator Ralph Masiello! Ralph Masiello—affectionately known as ‘The Icky Bug Man’—has illustrated several children’s books including The Icky Bug Alphabet Book, The Yucky Reptile Alphabet Book, and The Flag We Love.

In 2004, Ralph’s first book as both author and illustrator was released–Ralph Masiello’s Bug Drawing Book. With his signature humor and simple instructions anyone can learn to draw. His latest book, Ralph Masiello’s Alien Drawing Book, was released in October 2019 by Charlesbridge Press.

A graduate of Rhode Island School of Design, Ralph has produced numerous works of fine art for galleries in addition to picture book illustrations and magazine covers for Omni and Tennis. He is twice the recipient of the Society of Illustrators Certificate of Merit. But it is his visits with school children that give him the most satisfaction. “Adults are very subdued. They say, ‘Isn’t that lovely?’ But children will go, ‘That’s so cool, dude!’ That’s better than any award.” Along with discussing the technical aspects of book making, Ralph tells his audience about his own education, stressing reading and library skills as they relate to the research and development of an accurately illustrated book. Audience participation and spontaneity is highly emphasized and always leads to boisterous, but stimulating and educational, fun for kids. For years, children have benefited from visits from ‘The Icky Bug Man.’

Ralph is the father of two daughters and lives in Thompson, CT.