We already know Virginia is for lovers, which means book lovers, too!
Check out this ever-growing list of local authors with pieces the whole family can read. From picture books to educational treasures, now’s a great time to support our local DMV talent:
Have one to add? Let us know!
Virginia Tech alum and now retired first-grade teacher Ann Marie Stephens knows a thing or two about the importance picture books can have in the classroom! Stephens views books as an “unforgettable vacation for the brain,” and as such, has written her own incredibly entertaining escapes that invite children into lands where anything is possible, including lots of learning!
When she’s not writing, you might find Stephens adding to her pen collection, traveling, or even diving! Stephens’ adventures undoubtedly make a great foundation for every book she writes. Find this author’s books on Amazon:
Cy Makes a Friend
This is the sweet story of a cyclops named Cy, who can make just about anything except a friend! See what happens as this cyclops tries to win over just about anybody with his antics.
CATastrophe: A Story of Patterns
This playful picture book teaches little ones all about the power of math patterns! Follow countable kitties on their adventure to catch dinner and see what else awaits them on the lake! This book is part of a series that includes additional math concepts like estimation and shapes.
Arithmechicks Take a Calculation Vacation: A Math Story
Follow along as the Arithmechicks head to the beach for games, sun, and surfing! There, the chicks explore fact families while cheering on Mouse in the sandcastle competition. Full of excitement and education, this book is part of the Arithmechicks series, which features math stories, including addition, subtraction, and more.
Loudoun County Momtographer founder and CEO Beryl Young reaches audiences in a new way with her book Phoebe the Photographer: Gets a Camera. Young’s creative skills and steadfast passion for education and photography certainly inspired this children’s book. With a calling to help others, Young wants others to love the photos they take, at any age! Find this author’s book on Amazon:
Phoebe the Photographer: Gets a Camera
About to turn five, Phoebe wants nothing more than a special superhero costume for her birthday. When the big day arrives, however, something else surprises her. Phoebe isn’t thrilled with what awaits her and has to discover that being a superhero comes not from a costume but from the powers within her heart.
Author Craig Bradley, who calls Vienna, VA, home with his wife and two sons, is the man behind adventurer Peter Polo — the imagined younger brother of the legendary Marco Polo! Intrigued by tales of Marco Polo as a child, Bradley often imagined what it might have been like to be Marco’s younger brother — and so his character, Peter Polo, was born!
Bradley is an avid hiker who often chronicles his adventures for his family and friends. He has lived and traveled extensively throughout Asia and continues to travel whenever possible. In Bradley’s two books, you’ll see how his background and imagination inspired a world of adventure. Find this author’s books online:
Peter Polo and the Snow Beast of Hunza
Peter Polo has been waiting his whole life for this: The Great Khan has sent him on a dangerous quest to the far-off valley of Hunza. Peter finally has a chance to step out of his famous brother’s shadow and into the light of his own adventure. But the path to greatness is treacherous. Someone (or something) is causing the sacred snow leopards to disappear, and the people of Hunza fear the return of a legendary monster known as the Snow Beast. It will take great courage for Peter and his friends to uncover the truth and save the people of Hunza… before it’s too late.
Peter Polo and the White Elephant of Lan Xang
Peter Polo is off on another thrilling mission for the Great Khan! This time, Peter and his friends travel across the rivers, mountains, and cities of ancient China to the kingdom of Lan Xang to try and stop a war over a rare white elephant. According to legend, whoever possesses the elephant will rule over all the Tai people, and the sinister King Naja, ruler of neighboring Lan Na, will stop at nothing to steal it.
Diane Helentjaris, a 2024 winner of the Maryland Writers’ Association Novel Competition, is an author and Leesburg, VA, resident. Helentjaris’ writing frequently features artists, women, nonconformists, and other often-overlooked gems.
Helentjaris is a member of the Hellenic Writers Group of Washington, DC, the Maryland Writers’ Association, and NoVA Bards. She judged the Pennwriters Annual Writing Competition and is the current Treasurer of the Frederick Chapter of the Maryland Writers’ Association. Find this author’s books on Amazon:
The Indenture of Ivy O’Neill
Ivy O’Neill’s idyllic childhood ends in 1690 when English soldiers invade Ireland, destroying her home and killing her baby brother. Forced to flee, the family takes refuge in an abandoned house. Ivy and her brother Sean are kidnapped by an English ship captain and sold into indentured servitude in Maryland. Facing a perilous sea voyage and life in a land rife with anti-Catholic, anti-Irish prejudice, Ivy is falsely accused of murder. The Indenture of Ivy O’Neill is a powerful tale of courage, family, and the transformative journey of immigration.
I Ain’t Afraid — The World of Lulu Bell Parr, Wild West Cowgirl
Lulu Bell Parr, a forgotten Wild West star, spent her final years in poverty; local history enthusiasts revived her legacy early 50 years after her death by erecting a monument at her grave and inducting her into the National Cowgirl Hall of Fame. The biography “I Ain’t Afraid” recounts her life: from an uneducated girl to a celebrated performer for legends like Buffalo Bill and Pawnee Bill. Renowned for her sharpshooting and trick riding, Parr’s career lasted until the Great Depression. She married at least four times; her shortest union lasted just three days. The book, enriched with rare illustrations from Parr’s collection, preserves her extraordinary story.
Dylan Jones, who wrote his first book as a young Fairfax County student, is not only an author but also a proud community helper! Like Fred Rogers, from Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, said, “When I was a boy, and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.'”
Jones wrote The Coronavirus Monster: An Unwanted Visitor from the Germ Planet to donate his earnings to charity, including No Kid Hungry and Abundance Foundation’s response fund. In fact, Jones has already contributed $200 to No Kid Hungry! Find this author’s book on Amazon:
The Coronavirus Monster: An Unwanted Visitor from the Germ Planet
Help! I am a nine-year-old boy being held hostage by an evil virus. This book is about how everything is normal until it all changes with a big, disgusting monster with a sweet tooth for grandparents. In this story, a young boy makes the monster disappear with a fantastic idea that saves the planet.
Reston, VA-born babies will have a special memento at birth, thanks to Elizabeth English! As a former principal, English prides herself on collaboration and successfully brought members of the Reston community together to create a bilingual board book.
Not planning to have your own Reston baby? No worries! Copies are available at the Reston Historic Trust & Museum. Find this author’s book online:
Reston Baby
Released via Reston Historic Trust, “Reston Baby” features art by Molly Bergin. Through a carefully selected color palette, Bergin highlights all the wonderful things about Fairfax’s very own community.
Gary Gekhman has loved dancing since he was 6 years old! His passion has led him to win multiple dance competitions and be featured on both Dancing with the Stars and American Dance Challenge, all while sharing his love of dance with children and adults.
As the owner of Tysons Ballroom & Dancesport Center, Gekhman is also the proud author of Little Yura Loves to Dance, a book perfect for little dancers! Find this author’s book on Amazon:
Little Yura Loves to Dance
Little Yura loves to have fun and wants to be friends with everyone! His classmates at school aren’t always nice, but one day his friend gives him some advice: “Dance, it’s very good for you!”
James Brown, a skilled researcher and analyst, ensures his books are filled with many interesting facts. After serving in the US Navy for 20 years, this veteran now resides in Fauquier County, where he founded Tinsel Thyme Press with his wife, Nichole.
Brown’s books reflect his varied interests as a local Fauquier history buff, an expert on Santa, and an aficionado of Christmas, his favorite holiday. Find this author’s books online:
‘Twas the Night Before Christmas According to Santa
‘Twas the Night Before Christmas is so well-known that many can recite it by heart, but this fun, clever adaptation makes Santa the storyteller. In this fresh new twist, the reader will experience this classic tale through the jolly eyes of good ol’ St. Nick!
Santa Visits the Old Jail
Have you ever wondered what Santa does on a day off from the North Pole? Find out as you join Santa and his reindeer team on their visit to Warrenton, Virginia. As Santa embarks on his personal tour of the Old Jail museum, you will discover new things about the past, the Old Jail, and even Santa himself in this creative and informative tale.
Beyond the Beard: Exploring the Collective History of Santa
Throughout this book, we explore and explain the facts and myths surrounding Santa. Discover the connections between Saint Nicholas and Santa Claus, the links between marketing campaigns and modern Santa, and the extraordinary impact Santa has had on American culture. Of special interest is the detailed timeline of important Christmas milestones. This book will intrigue the curious, excite the historian, and inspire the Christmas lover; it is a true gem.
Historical Places of Warrenton
Warrenton, Virginia, is a living museum with its historic structures and landmarks. Experience the amazing atmosphere and explore the historical and architectural treasures hidden in plain sight as this book walks you through the streets of Old Town Warrenton.
James Pettinelli is a self-proclaimed kid at heart who loves NERF wars, Cheetos, and cartoons! As a Virginia resident, husband, and father of two, Pettinelli also has a colorful background in anthropology and government contracting.
Pettinelli wrote the Zagaboo series, which introduces readers to a little troll named Zagaboo. Each book in the series explores science through adventures and mystical creatures while giving children opportunities to use their imaginations and, of course, learn something new! Find this author’s books on Amazon:
The Legend of Zagaboo
Zagaboo is a troll king who rules a magical kingdom deep underground beneath the biggest tree in the forest. Many trolls live there with Zagaboo, each with very different talents. With the help of gophers, their closest friends and assistants, they’ve dug thousands of chambers and built swimming pools, soccer fields, dance studios, and jungle gyms made of huge letters.
Maddie Swims Troll Style
Maddie never learned how to swim and becomes anxious about going to her best friend’s pool party tomorrow. She doesn’t have much time to prepare, so Maddie tugs her ear and recites, “Zagaboo, Zagaboo, where are you?” The chant summons Zagaboo, a troll king who lives underground deep in the forest. Zagaboo immediately assigns Winko and Jingjang (his two swimming trolls) to teach Maddie how to swim.
Charlie Digs Dinosaurs
Before he goes to sleep, Charlie tugs his ear and says the magic words, “Zagaboo, Zagaboo, where are you?” The next thing he knows, Charlie is racing toward Zagaboo’s Kingdom with Dr. Razz atop a speeding gopher. Dr. Razz is a paleontology troll who will help Charlie learn where to find dinosaur bones and how to dig them up.
Leesburg, VA, local Karen Schaufeld is not only a mom, wife, lawyer, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, but also a published author. Among her achievements, Schaufeld dedicates her time to 100WomenStrong, where she serves as Founder and President. She is also the co-founder of All Ages Read Together (AART), a school readiness program dedicated to educating children in need. Find this author’s books on Amazon:
How to Eat a Peach
Read all about a squirrel as he follows his passion for peaches in this highly suspenseful fable! Enjoy this tale of one’s determination and the need to succeed.
The Lollipop Tree
Perseverance prevails in the story of The Lollipop Tree! Through seasons of change, see what happens to this tree when it faces adversity.
Larry & Bob
Follow a special and unique friendship between a bald eagle and a smallmouth bass in this intriguing story.
While raising her family in Fauquier County over the last two decades, Katherine Eppley came to love the county’s beauty, people, and traditions. She enjoyed teaching in local schools, becoming part of the community, and getting involved with Tinsel Thyme Press.
Eppley’s love of education, history, Fauquier County, and Virginia is evident in her writing. She co-wrote her two ‘Twas books with fellow Tinsel Thyme author Nichole Brown. Find this author’s books on Amazon:
‘Twas the Night Before Christmas in the County of Fauquier
This adaptation of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas reveals the beauty of Fauquier County as it depicts Santa’s visit throughout the county on Christmas Eve!
‘Twas the Night Before Apple Blossom
A poetic-style book (loosely based on ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas) that takes the reader to the heart of Apple Country and the fun historical traditions of the Apple Blossom Parade!
A Warrenton Christmas Adventure
Discover the delightful adventures of Santa and Mrs. Claus, the reindeer, and Tinsel the Elf as they visit a small, rural town in this short chapter book!
Loudoun County Public Schools teacher Kathy Rather adds to our local talent list with her book Get Your Mouth Ready for a Treasury of Small Stories. With a twist on traditional alphabet books, this book explores beginning alphabet blends and digraphs through silly, catchy stories! Kids will love the tongue twisters while repeatedly hearing how letter sounds work together.
Rather is currently a kindergarten teacher, and her early childhood background shines in her work. She loves gardening, swimming, and of course, reading! Find this author’s book on Amazon:
Get Your Mouth Ready for a Treasury of Small Stories
Get Your Mouth Ready for a Treasury of Small Stories is an alphabet book that stresses beginning alphabet blends and digraphs rather than single-letter sounds, putting a unique spin on the traditional alphabet book. This collection of small stories reinforces a variety of beginning sounds with two letters working together to form one sound.
Larry Issa is a Northern Virginia native who loves writing! Originally from McLean, VA, this professional designer and self-publisher was recognized by the Moonbeam Children’s Book Awards, winning first place in the picture book category for “Get Back in the Book!” Since then, Issa has earned even more recognition. Find this author’s book on Amazon:
Get Back in the Book!
When Danny, an aspiring young writer and artist, writes his first book, the characters he created come magically to life and want to explore the world! How can Danny encourage them to return to the pages of his book so that you will read about them? This extraordinary tale within a tale features stunning illustrations. More than transporting young readers to faraway places, “Get Back in the Book!” shows them the powerful and positive impact of books and storytelling.
Children’s writer Laura Renauld of Loudoun County shares her passion and talents via her two books, Porcupine’s Pie and Fred’s Big Feelings: The Life and Legacy of Mister Rogers. A former teacher turned writer, Renauld loves picture books, poetry, chapter books, and series books. Her childhood experiences in Vermont and her love of the countryside have undoubtedly shaped her writing adventures. Find this author’s books on Amazon:
Porcupine’s Pie
Porcupine can’t wait to share Fall Feast with her woodland friends, so when everyone she greets can’t bake their specialty because of a missing ingredient, Porcupine generously offers staples from her pantry. When Porcupine discovers that she, too, is missing a key ingredient, the friends all work together to create a new Fall Feast tradition.
Fred’s Big Feelings: The Life and Legacy of Mister Rogers
Fred Rogers was a quiet boy with big feelings. Sometimes he felt scared or lonely; at other times, he was playful and joyous. But when Fred’s feelings felt too big, his Grandfather McFeely knew exactly what to say to make him feel better: I like you just the way you are.
Lindsay Barry’s love of writing and education is evident in her children’s books, Journey to Constellation Station and The Backpack. This local Fairfax County mom and Pennsylvania State University graduate founded LBarryBooks.com and More Than a Mom, a newsletter that brings all of Barry’s loves together in one peaceful place. Find this author’s books online:
Journey to Constellation Station
Journey to Constellation Station is the rhythmic story of an interstellar train ride that whisks you into a special part of space — the magical Constellation Station!
The Backpack
The Backpack is not only a fun rhyming picture book but also a primer on treating others as we wish to be treated.
Author Maria Gianferrari’s love of nature and animals shines through in the library of children’s books she’s written! In each book, children will find furry and feathered friends to laugh with and learn from, including dogs, cats, coyotes, hawks, and many more!
More than books, Gianferrari, who lives in Northern Virginia, has also authored pieces for Highlights Magazine, including stories and poems. Many of these pieces also reflect her love of animals and center on them. Find this author’s books on Amazon:
Whoo-Ku Haiku: A Great Horned Owl Story
Stunning illustrations and gorgeous haikus lead young readers through the dramatic life cycle of one of America’s most beloved wild animals.
Play Like an Animal: Why Critters Splash, Race, Twirl, & Chase
Dash! Hide! Splash! Ride! The exuberant text celebrates all the different ways animals play, from rhinos taking mud baths and parrots somersaulting through the air to kangaroos boxing and dolphins diving through the surf.
Hello Goodbye Dog
For Zara’s dog, Moose, nothing is more important than being with his favorite girl. So when Zara has to go to school, whoosh, Moose escapes and rushes to her side.
And more:
DR. MICHAEL OBERSCHNEIDER
Dr. Michael Oberschneider is a local clinical psychologist and founder of Ashburn Psychological and Psychiatric Services. His background includes articles published in Clinical Child Psychiatry and Psychology and The Washington Post, among others.
Dr. Oberschneider’s book, Ollie Outside: Screen-Free Fun, sends important messages about balancing screen time and spending precious moments with those around us, which can often be difficult in this technology-driven world. Find this author’s book on Amazon:
Ollie Outside: Screen-Free Fun
Ollie has a big imagination and big plans for summer. But no one in his family wants to go outside and play. Dad is sending emails, Mom is watching TV, Ollie’s siblings are playing video games and texting — even Gram and Gramps are too busy downloading photos. Too much screen time! How can Ollie get his family to shut off their gadgets and play together?
Nichole Brown loves how stories touch, teach, and connect people. After living throughout areas of Northern Virginia, her teaching career brought her to picturesque Fauquier County, where she settled with her family and later began writing.
Brown and her husband, James Brown, founded Tinsel Thyme Press. By weaving her love of Fauquier and Winchester, VA, into her stories, Brown connects readers to the traditions and splendor of our local region. She co-wrote her two ‘Twas books with fellow Tinsel Thyme author Katherine Eppley. Find this author’s books on Amazon:
‘Twas the Night Before Christmas in the County of Fauquier
This adaptation of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas reveals the beauty of Fauquier County as it depicts Santa’s visit throughout the county on Christmas Eve!
‘Twas the Night Before Apple Blossom
A poetic style book (loosely based on ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas) that takes the reader to the heart of Apple Country and the fun historical traditions of the Apple Blossom Parade!
Patrice Wilkerson, a Story Monsters Approved Award Winner, is an author from Mecklenburg County. In 2010, she published her first book, “Through It All, I’m Going to Make It.” Her writing has been featured in “Quilted Poems: An Ekphrastic Collaboration of Poets & Quilters” and “Dear God: 118 Devotional Prayers for Teens and Young Adults.”
Wilkerson is a member of the Poetry Society of Virginia, the Virginia Writers Club, and Hampton Roads Writers.
In 2023, she published her first children’s book, “My Favorite Season Is Spring.” Find this author’s book on Amazon:
My Favorite Season Is Spring
My Favorite Season Is Spring is a beautifully illustrated picture book that every child will love. Through rhythm and rhyme, take a fun and exciting journey with little Susie as she describes her favorite season. She finds so many fun things to do and loves the outdoors, and you will, too!
When she isn’t at the beach, reading, or eating grilled cheese sandwiches, Rebecca Greene, MSW, LMSW, volunteers or writes for her own publishing company, Tabby Cat Publishing. As a licensed social worker, Greene writes to inspire children, big and small, as they overcome life’s challenges. Find this author’s books online:
My Perfect Cupcake: A Recipe for Thriving with Food Allergies
As part of the Fearless Food Allergy Friends series, this story follows a boy named Dylan who has an allergic reaction after tasting a new cupcake flavor. Join him as he learns the ins and outs of baking to create allergy-safe cupcakes he can enjoy!
The Teenagers’ Guide to School Outside the Box
Written to introduce teens to an endless world of possibilities, this guide helps readers choose alternative learning scenarios and nontraditional learning experiences. It’s the perfect book for teens and high school students who are discovering what else is out there.
The Kids’ Goal-Setting Journal
The Kids’ Goal-Setting Journal is a guided journal just for kids. Designed for kids ages 6-12, it gives readers 52 opportunities to write down and plan out their goals each week. Writing, drawing, and activity prompts make goal-setting exciting and fun. Setting goals and achieving them helps kids improve their self-confidence and self-esteem and nurtures important social-emotional skills such as perseverance, determination, and resilience.
Northern Virginia author Shannon Inanloo turned a homemade family tradition into a picture book! After moving to the DC area from Augusta, Kansas, Inanloo created a simple Christmas Light Bingo game to make drives around town a little more fun and help her new surroundings feel a bit more like home.
That game grew into TwinkleTown Adventures, which brings families together through stories, games, and real-world adventures. Inanloo’s public health background shapes her belief that small, shared experiences can strengthen families and communities. Visit her website for a free Christmas Light Bingo sample to bring along on your next neighborhood light hunt! Find this author’s book online:
TwinkleTown: A Christmas Light Adventure
When Linda and her daughters move from Kansas to Virginia, familiar traditions help them discover new places and make new memories. This warm family story celebrates the magic of Christmas lights, includes Christmas Light Bingo cards for your own outings, and invites little readers to search for Winston, a curious companion tucked into the illustrations!
Inspired by her own life and stories, Tiffany Foo created a unique and relatable character named Ruby Foo, who takes readers on exciting adventures in Ruby Foo & the Traveling Kitchen. In this exciting book, children can expect plenty of cook-off challenges, mysteries, and even recipes that played a huge part in Foo’s own life.
If culinary creations are your jam, then this is a book to snag for your shelf! Find this author’s book on Amazon:
Ruby Foo & the Traveling Kitchen
Ruby Foo might seem like a normal middle-schooler until you taste her amazing culinary creations! In the kitchen, she transforms into a fearless superhero, the Fantastic Foo, and uses her love of cooking to connect with people from all walks of life. Ruby travels far and wide to see her new friends, embarking on exciting adventures and challenging cook-offs all over the world.
Valerie Johnson is on a mission to ignite a love of math in all children! As a Northern Virginia educator, speaker, and now author, Johnson has carefully connected her love of math with reading to make real-world connections for even the littlest learners.
With organic opportunities for discussion, Johnson notes that math anxiety decreases and students become empowered. From workshops to Parent Lunch & Learns, Johnson hits on the importance of foundational math concepts, making math fun and accessible. Her website offers more ideas, coloring pages, and contact information. Find this author’s book on Amazon:
1,2,3 Count with Me on Granddad’s Farm
Little ones will have so much fun counting to 10 down on Granddad’s farm! Among the barns and orchards, count chickens, hens, and horses while learning all about farm chores through the eyes of a child.
