ABOUT ANITA
I'm a mom of three, grandma of three, wife, music teacher, drama teacher, art teacher, math, English, science and history for K-12. I also taught as an Adjunct Professor in a Psychology Masters Program.
I fell in love with picture books when I read my first Beatrix Potter story. I have been telling stories and creating books ever since.
I was about 8 when I started writing, illustrating and binding my own books. I'd arrange our garage into a classroom and teach the neighborhood kids using my home made books.
No surprise I grew up to be a K-12 teacher for 25 years. No surprise that writing and illustrating picture books are my dream and passion. No surprise that other than college books and personal development books, most of the books I own are picture books with some MG sprinkled in.
Here I'm with my two daughters and grand baby. I love research, so no surprise that I am drawn to Creative Non-Fiction. I do enjoy fiction as well. Bottom line. I believe that children deserve the most incredible literature we can create. That is my vision.
Some of my favorite activities are playing the drums, bass guitar, banjo, and piano. I love to play and watch sports, especially basketball.
Research & Writing
Education
Art Education
Creative Nonfiction Picture Books
Obviously I love research
Fielding Graduate University
Media Psychology, MS
Otis Art Institute of Parsons School of Design
Fine Art & Interior Architecture
Middle Grade & Young Adult Novels
Several ideas in the oven here, too
Full Sail University
Creative Writing, MFA
Children's Book Academy
Craft & Business of Illustrating Kids Books
Storytelling
No surprise this is one of my fav areas
University of California, Davis
Sociology, BA
O C Art Studios
Drawing for Animators and Illustrators
Digital and Media Literacy
I'm a teacher, so of course this is top of mind
Awards
SCBWI OMA Award 2022
Out from the Margins Award