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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 inspired by memorable childhood moments. —Like her debut title, THANK YOU PINE STREET, a celebration of preschool and its messy art, first friendships, and meaningful classroom lessons.
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. Discovering a new medium for her storytelling passion that has since grown into a second career. Her artwork has been exhibited at the Worcester Art Museum and the Briarwood Gallery. And she frequently delights young audiences with character readings of her stories at bookstores, libraries, and schools.
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“Creating books for kids is my joy. — It's how I hear the hopeful voice of the child's worldview. The most satisfying compliment is when a child says, "Read it again!"
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Cynthia continues to create what she calls "little books" from her Massachusetts home — crafting stories that encourage curiosity, nurture empathy, and help children prepare for life.
Illustrations
Some featured works by Cynthia
Free Author Events
THANK YOU PINE STREET
Interactive circle time for schools bookstores, or libraries, with coloring and prompts to help students feel kindergarten-ready.
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POOR FARM MEADOW
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.
YOUTH CAREER FAIRS
Upcoming
07/11/26 Anne Bradstreet Day of Gratitude, North Andover, MA
06/24/26 Shrewsbury Public Library, Author Showcase
05/27/26 Story Time, First United Early Ed, Westborough, MA
05/16/26 New England SCBWI Conference, Stamford, CT
04/13/26 Children's Book Fair, Balogna, Italy
04/07/26 SMS Career Day, Shrewsbury, MA ​​
Past
​​​​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
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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.
