Cheryl Bielli is pictured with a copy of the first book she illustrated, “The Boy Who Never Threw Anything Away.” P-J file photo

Cheryl Bielli, an artist, art teacher and former Chautauqua County resident, has illustrated her second children’s book, titled “Henry Didn’t Listen.”

“Henry Didn’t Listen” is the story of a young frog who wants to stay at the park as darkness falls instead of coming when his mother calls. Henry thinks himself clever before an owl, a snake, and a coyote teach him a life lesson: Parents know better.

Prior to illustrating “Henry Didn’t Listen,” Bielli illustrated Crave Press’s “The Boy Who Never Threw Anything Out,” a story about a packrat named Tommy who doesn’t want to part with his toys but soon learns the value of donating and recycling his toys.

Cheryl Bielli is an art teacher and artist in the Southern Adirondacks of New York State and operates Mrs. B’s Petite Galerie & Studio. She is also a state University at Albany alumna. Bielli has illustrated for regional publications in Florida, New York and Pennsylvania as well as national trade publications and tabloid magazines. She has been drawing since she was a small child.

For Bielli, illustrating and children’s books have always been a part of her life, so illustrating one was something she has always wanted to do.

“I have three kids that are all grown up now, but we used to go to the library when they were little and get a ridiculous amount of books,” Bielli said told The Post-Journal in 2022. “I would always pick some out because I liked the illustrations and children’s books in general. So, illustrating one has always been on my bucket list.”

Bielli also makes semi-annual trips to the area, and hopes to return in May to do some potential readings at Chautauqua Institution.