This Kansas City artist's love letters helped launch a career illustrating children's books

Charlie Mylie felt relief when the pandemic allowed him to give up his "Pop Up Charlie" performance-drawing routine. Now he's a full-time children's book illustrator who is published by major houses.
Charlie Mylie is well into his next big adventure. Not hiking around the perimeter of Kansas City — he’s done that. Nor embarking upon a 38-state drawing tour — that happened some years ago. Not even taking a swing at parenting, which he’s been doing successfully for the past four years. Mylie’s newest undertaking is writing and illustrating children’s books.

Many Kansas Citians might have encountered Mylie during the decade he branded himself “Pop Up Charlie,” when he frequented First Fridays and other local events to sell his sketches for a small sum or a good joke. His spectacle featured a dingy table, cone-shaped gold hat, sequined cape and cardboard sign reading, “Yes it’s true! Pop Up Charlie can draw anything for you!”