As Art Director at Simon & Schuster BFYR, Laurent collaborates on picture books, middle grade, & teen novels with both celebrated and new illustrators. He is also author/illustrator of the YA novel, Draw the Line; is on the SCBWI Advisory Council; and is Artistic Advisor for the Original Art exhibit at New York’s Society of Illustrators. Laurent began his career as a puppet designer/builder in Jim Henson’s Muppet Workshop for shows including the Muppet Christmas Carol and Muppet Treasure Island films, eventually becoming Creative Director for the Sesame Street Muppets, winning an Emmy Award.