By Beth D’Ovidio
The best picture books are carefully crafted, with text and illustration working together to tell a story. Through a colorful and engaging presentation, Author-Illustrator Maryann Cocca-Leffler will talk about what it takes to write a successful picture book. She will share her process from ideas, through a manuscript to finished art, to selling her work to publishers. Maryann will talk about her path into publishing (she represents herself) and discuss the current climate and needs of the industry. Her recent entrance into writing nonfiction books grew from her passion as a disability rights advocate and the desire to bring this underrepresented group into the light.
Maryann Cocca-Leffler is an award-winning author and illustrator of over 60 books for children. A Kirkus reviewer said of Maryann, “Cocca-Leffler knows children inside and out.” Her new picture book, We Want to Go to School! The Fight for Disability Rights (AW) is co-authored with her daughter, Janine Leffler, and tells the true story of the people behind a 1972 landmark case, which ensured public education for all. Recent books include; The Power of YET (Abrams) and The Belonging Tree, (Christy Ottaviano Books). Upcoming 2022 books include her debut MG Novel, Heart Stones, and a picture-book biography on disability rights activist, Judith Heumann. Her daughter Janine inspired her to write the book, Janine. Together they have developed a corresponding website to help change public perception of children with disabilities: Janine’s Party.

Maryann grew up in the Boston area and has a BFA in illustration from the Massachusetts College of Art and Design. She lived in Amherst, NH, for 20 years, before recently moving to Portland, Maine. Visit her at www.maryanncoccaleffler.com. You can purchase We Want to Go to School (and her other works) at Gibson’s Book Store.