I've been studying and writing picture books since 2017, and my first book, Let's Dance!, was published (without an agent) in 2020, one week before our world "shut down" because of COVID. I was fortunate to sign with my agent extraordinaire, James McGowan, three months later, and he has sold 12 books for me (seven PBS, a three-book early reader series, a WFH BB, and a book for teachers). I'm grateful for the books I've sold, but what fills my heart the most are all of the opportunities and adventures that I'm able to have because of my books—connecting with other creators, teaching classes, and presenting at conferences as well as visiting students in schools, sharing my books with young readers and their families at library and bookstore events, and attending book festivals. I enjoy creating stories in which all children can see themselves and feel seen and heard, valued and validated.I also strive to inspire both children and adults to tell their own stories. My husband and I live in Connecticut and enjoy reading, going to the theater, and traveling.

Visit Valerie online.

Follow her on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

Books by Valerie Bolling