A bit about me.

Maurie J. Manning is an author and illustrator of picture books, a digital stamp designer for her own small business, and a starter (and soon finisher!) of YA Novels.

Her work has earned multiple starred reviews from literary periodicals such as The Horn Book, Kirkus, and Publisher’s Weekly and praise from educators for its emotional depth, rich visual storytelling, and inclusive cast of characters.

Books she has written and/or illustrated include Kitchen Dance, Laundry Day, The Aunts Go Marching, How Full Is Your Bucket? For Kids, and Getting to Know Ruben Plotnick. Her illustrations appear in classrooms and libraries around the world, and her book Kitchen Dance is a beloved read-aloud and “small moments” teaching tool.

Maurie lives in California’s Central Valley with her German Shepherd Daisy; two Democats (Hillary and Liz); and a pair of loud and opinionated African Gray parrots. She is currently revising new projects for young readers and writing a YA urban fantasy with deep world-building. She also connects regularly with her crafter friends and fans from around the globe on Patreon and at her e-commerce shop, Mo’s Digital Pencil.