A bit about me.

Maurie J. Manning is a published author and illustrator of picture books whose work has earned multiple starred reviews from literary periodicals such as The Horn Book, Kirkus, and Publisher’s Weekly, with praise for its emotional depth, rich visual storytelling, and inclusive cast of characters.

She’s the author and/or illustrator of 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.

She has recently completed her first novel, FADE, a literary YA/crossover speculative about a traumatized teen who discovers that disappearing can feel like safety—until something ravenous wants to follow her home.

Maurie lives in California’s Central Valley with her German Shepherd Daisy; two kitties (Hillary and Liz); and a pair of loud and opinionated African Gray parrots. When she isn’t writing or drawing, she loves connecting with friends and fans from around the globe.