.png)
Centerbar
Picture Books
WRITTEN & ILLUSTRATED BY CYNTHIA CENTERBAR
Cynthia Centerbar is a grandmother, author, and illustrator. Praised by Readers' Favorite as a “gentle and engaging” storyteller, her picture books are created by memorable childhood moments. —Like her latest title, POOR FARM MEADOW, a true ghost story. A mysterious Halloween encounter that left her forever curious about its spooky visitors.
Cynthia’s book journey began when her brother convinced her to learn to draw so she could illustrate the stories she had been writing since childhood. Preferring paper over a digital page, her artwork has been exhibited at the Worcester Art Museum and the Briarwood Gallery. "Using mediums familiar to young children, like finger painting, is how I empathize with a child's way of learning. I like how my mistakes influence the organic growth of the final piece. To me the most satisfying reaction is when a child wants you to read it again. That's when you know the story gave them an emotional thrill. I find it hard to create that with digitally rendered art."
Cynthia continues to create what she calls her "little books" from her Massachusetts home — crafting stories that encourage curiosity, nurture empathy, and help children grow.
Illustrations
Some featured works by Cynthia
Author Events
THANK YOU PINE STREET
_edited.jpg)
POOR FARM MEADOW
YOUTH CAREER FAIRS
Interactive circle time with letter writing activity to help students feel ready for school.
A spooky storytime with Grandma Caw and a mini history lesson on 19th-century poor farms. Best for Grades K–3.
A discussion with students who have an interest in the arts focused on the business side of creative careers.
Upcoming
09/01/26 Capital Region Lifestyle, News Channel 13, Albany, NY
10/24/26 Hummingbird Books, Chestnut Hills, MA
10/25/26 Hummingbird Books, Chestnut Hills, MA
Past
06/24/26 Shrewsbury Public Library, Author Showcase, 06/01/26 Kirkus Reviews Magazine, Editors Pick, 05/27/26 Story Time, First United Early Ed, Westborough, MA, 05/17/26 Stamford Children's Book Festival, Stamford, CT, 05/16/2026 New England SCBWI Conference, Stamford, CT, 05/08/26 Story Time, The Goddard School, Westford, MA, 04/22/26 St. Mark's Day School, Venice, FL, 04/13/26 Children's Book Fair, Bologna, Italy, 04/07/26 SMS Career Day, Shrewsbury, MA, 03/09/26 Story Time, God's Little Children, 03/05/26 Read For Fun Book Club, 03/03/26 SHS Career Fair, 08/24/25 Tatnuck Book Store, 08/23/25 WBZ Interview, CBS News Boston, 08/19/25 Sterling Street Market, 08/10/25 TidePool Book Shop, June/July 2025 VizArt Exhibition Briarwood Gallery, 06/04/25 Readers' Favorite Review by Jennifer Senick, 07/25/25 Author Showcase, Shrewsbury Public Library, 07/09/25 Story Time Little Beginnings Preschool, 07/01/25 Community Advocate Interview with Evan Walsh, 06/04/25 All About Picture Books, Highlights Foundation, 10/2024 Art of the Macabre, Worcester Art Museum
Patty's Recommendations
Book's recommended by THANK YOU PINE STREET'S, precocious Patty. For "I'm ready for big-kid school," click the yellow bus. For "I am grateful," click the "scrump-deli-cious" food.
