Then:
My 3rd grade “About the author” page. It says, “She enjoys reading, drawing, and writing. She also likes to jump rope. Her favorite food is spaghetti.”
I’m a little older and I wear glasses. I still love spaghetti, playing outside, and of course, reading and writing!
I started writing poems and stories in first grade and dreamed of becoming an author. Many years and career paths later, I’m delighted to return to my original plan!
Picture books are powerful. The combination of illustrations and words create emotional experiences that help kids dream big, connect with their caregivers, wrestle with difficult questions, and learn to care for one another and our world. I’m honored to be part of these vitally important moments in children’s lives. One of my favorite things is talking with young readers. They continually inspire me to stay curious, laugh often, and see the world in new ways.
When I’m not writing, you can find me hiking or skiing in the woods, swimming, cooking, or playing my ukulele. I grew up in Wisconsin and lived in Michigan, Ohio, New Mexico, California, and Minnesota before moving to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula with my partner and son in 2021.
Favorite Picture Books
I have too many favorites to list, but here are some selected titles:
- Moon Song by Michaela Goade
- Fireworks by Matthew Burgess and Cátis Chien
- I Am We: How Crows Come Together to Survive by Leslie Barnard Booth & Alexandra Finkeldey
- Every Monday Mabel and I am Going to Build a Snowman by Jashar Awan
- Everyday Bean by Stephanie Graegin
- How to Read a Book by Kwame Alexander & Melissa Sweet
- All In a Day by Cynthia Rylant
- Imagine by Juan Felipe Herrera & Lauren Castillo
- Outside In by Deborah Underwood & Cindy Derby
- Sam & Dave Dig a Hole by Mac Barnett & Jon Klassen
- Over and Under the Snow by Kate Messner & Christopher Silas Neal
- In Every Life by Marla Frazee
- And Then It’s Spring by Julie Fogliano & Erin E. Stead
- Farmhouse by Sophie Blackall
- My Powerful Hair by Carole Lindstrom
- Big and Small and In Between by Carter Higgins & Daniel Miyares
…and the list grows every day!
Memberships
Awards
Thanks to…
- My family and friends — for all your support and love.
- My elementary school teachers, who encouraged me to follow my early interest in writing. I’m also grateful to the late Peter Magolda, who gave me the confidence to call myself a writer again as an adult.
- My critique partners, for giving so generously of their time to help me grow as a writer. Thanks too for your friendship and encouragement!
- My agent, Mary Cummings at Great River Literary, editors Paula Wiseman and Danielle Collins and the teams at Paula Wiseman and Beach Lane Books, and illustrator Renata Liwska for making The Solstice/Seasons Series a reality. It is an honor to work with you all.
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Kelsey E. Gross 