Charlottesville children’s authors and illustrators are a vibrant community shaping the world of children’s literature. From heartwarming stories about family and identity to beautiful illustrations that bring imagination to life, these local creators are inspiring young readers and their families not only in our community but also around the world.
Charlottesville authors are producing books that span all ages of kidlit: picture books, chapter books, middle-grade, young adult, and graphic novels. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or simply a book lover, we hope you find something new to explore as we spotlight Charlottesville’s very own literary community!
Charlottesville Children’s Authors & Illustrators: Picture Books & Chapter Books
Hannah Barnaby
Author of the Monster and Boy series, The Pumpkin Seed’s Secret, and more
Book Summary:
The Monster and Boy series of illustrated chapter books tells the story of the cozy, silly, loving relationship between a young boy and the monster who lives under his bed. The Pumpkin Seed’s Secret (to be followed by The Pine Cone’s Secret) describes the life cycle of a pumpkin seed through rhyme and illustrations.
About the Author:
Hannah Barnaby writes picture books and chapter books for early readers. She has worked as a children’s book editor, independent bookseller, and book reviewer, and she was the first children’s writer-in-residence at the Boston Public Library. She lives in Charlottesville with her family.
Reader Review:
“I love the artwork that is sprinkled throughout this small kid chapter book. It’s the perfect balance of pictures to writing for my 6-year-old to enjoy.” – CR in GR on Monster and Boy (Amazon)
Ainsley Bloomfield
Author and illustrator of Greycat’s Alphabet and illustrator of Oma Always Says Yes by Robi Keyes
Book Summary:
Learn the alphabet in Greycat’s Alphabet. Follow along as Greycat adventures through a cozy home and a small country village discovering the alphabet. Bloomfield brings each page to life with her words and illustrations giving children the gift of learning the alphabet in a warm, familiar setting.
About the Author:
Ainsley Bloomfield is a Charlottesville-based author and illustrator known for her ability to create warm, engaging illustrations that resonate with readers of all ages.
Reader Review:
“This book is well written and uses good descriptive words. It is whimsical and reminiscent of a simpler time. Ainsley’s illustrations are delightful and detail oriented. It’s a well written alphabet book.” – Andy on Greycat’s Alphabet (Amazon)
Marc Boston
Author of The Girl Who Carried Too Much Stuff, What About Me? and A Promise to Grow
Book Summary:
The Girl Who Carried Too Much Stuff tells the story of a young girl learning to balance her material belongings with what truly matters. His other works, What About Me? and A Promise to Grow, further explore themes of self-discovery and empathy.
About the Author:
Marc Boston’s books reflect his love for sharing stories that inspire children to embrace their individuality and foster a sense of community. He lives in Charlottesville with his family and writes for CharlottesvilleFamily magazine.
Reader Review:
“Kids will love this book. The verse is great and the illustrations are wonderful. The story carries an important message and there are supplemental thoughts and ideas for discussion at the end.” – Octavia on The Girl Who Carried Too Much Stuff (Amazon)
Janasha “Jay” Bradford
Author of Mahogany Goes to Wall Street and Mona’s Budgeting Adventure
Reader Review:
“It was such a clever way to introduce children to finance. The storyline is so creative and I love how Mahogany’s imagination seeps through. Love this book!” – Monique on Mahogany Goes to Wall Street (Amazon)
Book Summary:
Mahogany Goes to Wall Street is an empowering children’s book about financial literacy. Bradford takes young readers on a journey to understand basic financial principles through the eyes of Mahogany, a smart and ambitious girl who learns the ropes of Wall Street.
About the Author:
Jay Bradford, a Charlottesville-based author, is celebrated for her work in financial literacy for children. She is a Financial Advisor at Edward Jones and has served in the industry for eight years. Her books aim to teach kids important money management skills in an engaging and approachable way.
Suzanne Tanner Chitwood
Author and illustrator of Wake Up, Big Barn! and illustrator of Boom Chicka Rock by John Archambault
Book Summary:
In Wake Up, Big Barn!, Chitwood’s delightful illustrations and rhythmic storytelling introduce young readers to a barn full of animals starting their day. It’s a vibrant and playful exploration of farm life.
About the Author:
Suzanne Tanner Chitwood is a gifted author and illustrator from Charlottesville. Her artwork is known for its lively characters and engaging narratives that capture the imagination of children.
Reader Review:
“Wonderful book…the kids loved it.” – Working Mama_ on Wake Up, Big Barn! (Amazon)
Lindsay Heider Diamond
Illustrator of Who Am I? by Keith A. Chambers
Book Summary:
Diamond’s illustrations in Who Am I? bring to life Chambers’ lyrical text, helping children explore identity and self-expression in a fun and thoughtful way.
About the Illustrator:
A professional artist and graphic designer based in Charlottesville, Lindsay Heider Diamond’s work can be found in a variety of children’s books, where her illustrations resonate with young audiences.
From the Illustrator:
From the Illustrator:“Maybe we can all learn to not hold on so tightly to our belief structures and expand ourselves. My art helps me do that and I hope that it helps others as well.” – Diamond on her art work (Canvasrebel.com)
Cara Goodwin
Author of What to Do When You Feel Like Hitting
Book Summary:
What to Do When You Feel Like Hitting provides a helpful guide for children learning to manage strong emotions. Dr. Goodwin’s book offers practical advice and strategies for dealing with frustration and anger in a healthy way.
About the Author:
Dr. Cara Goodwin lives in Charlottesville with her family and is a licensed psychologist specializing in child development. As the founder of Parenting Translator, she simplifies scientific research to help parents support their children’s emotional intelligence and coping skills.
Reader Review:
“This book is FANTASTIC! It’s easy to read and has cute and relatable illustrations.” – Sarah on What to Do When You Feel Like Hitting (Amazon)
Mary E. Lyons
Author of Stitching Stars: The Story Quilts of Harriet Powers and Catching the Fire: Philip Simmons, Blacksmith among many others
Book Summary:
Stitching Stars tells the inspiring story of Harriet Powers, a talented seamstress born into slavery. Through her intricate quilts, Powers preserves and shares powerful stories, leaving a lasting legacy of artistry and resilience.
About the Author:
Mary E. Lyons is a celebrated children’s author from Charlottesville, whose works often explore history and celebrate the contributions of African American figures.
Reader Review:
“What a great book! It introduces the reader to a remarkable woman who was able to tell “her story” with quilting.” – Gardenlily on Stitching Stars: The Story Quilts of Harriet Powers (Amazon)
Dionna L. Mann
Author of Mama’s Chicken & Dumplings
Book Summary:
Set in 1935 Vinegar Hill, a thriving African American community of Charlottesville, Mama’s Chicken and Dumplings follows 10-year-old Alexandra Lewis on a determined quest to find the perfect fix-it man for her mama. But when Mama starts taking interest in someone unexpected, Allie must navigate her plans with heart and courage.
About the Author:
Dionna L. Mann, a Charlottesville-based author, has worked as a journalist, educator, and children’s writer, publishing both fiction and nonfiction. Mann’s work comes to life thanks to interviews with local figures like Miss Teresa Walker-Price, whose personal stories from the 1930s helped shape the authenticity of her novel’s setting and characters. Learn more about her journey in Vinegar Hill Magazine!
Reader Review:
“Each of the characters stands out and I really felt like I was back in time in this part of the country. Kids will relate to Allie’s everyday problems with friends and family. Mann is a beautiful writer, and you’ll hang on to each word until the end.” – Miss M on Mama’s Chicken & Dumplings (Amazon)
Anne Marie Pace
Author of Vampirina Ballerina, Mouse Calls, Groundhug Day, and many more
Book Summary:
Vampirina Ballerina is the story of a young vampire who dreams of being a ballerina. The book’s blend of humor and heart made it a hit and later inspired a popular Disney Junior TV series.
About the Author:
Anne Marie Pace first channeled a love for literature into teaching middle and high school English. After stepping away from the classroom to raise a family, a renewed passion for children’s books led to a new calling—writing for young readers, creating stories that inspire and delight the next generation of book lovers. She lives with her family in Charlottesville.
Reader Review:
“I love Vampirina Ballerina and her family. This story is a must for little aspiring ballerinas. Following Vampirina and her transition from beginning ballerina to a seasoned performer the book shows that the art requires patience, practice, and support from your family to achieve your dreams.” – undertheredtree on Vampirina Ballerina (Amazon)
Charlottesville Children’s Authors: Middle Grade & YA
Kathryn Erskine
Author of Mockingbird, The Absolute Value of Mike and Seeing Red
Book Summary:
Mockingbird tells the moving story of a young girl named Caitlin, who has Aspergers, dealing with loss and navigating her way through a world that feels overwhelming.
About the Author:
Kathy Erskine, a Charlottesville-based author, has earned critical acclaim for her young adult and children’s novels. In 2010, she won the National Book Award for Young People’s Literature for her novel Mockingbird and received the Dolly Gray Children’s Literature Award for this novel in 2012. Her books often deal with complex emotional themes and important life lessons for young readers, exploring themes of self-discovery and personal growth.
Reader Review:
“I enjoyed reading this, especially as a teacher getting to see her side of everything! The ending also made me tear up a bit to see her growth and ‘closure’.” – Molly on Mockingbird (Amazon)
Looking for more about reading and learning with your kids? Check out all of CharlottesvilleFamily’s educational resources, including school guides, learning tips, reading lists, and more!
Kristen-Paige Madonia
Author of Invisible Fault Lines and Fingerprints of You
Book Summary:
Fingerprints of You follows the teenage Lemon Williams as she attempts to track down the father she’s never known in a desperate attempt to avoid repeating her mother’s mistakes. In Invisible Fault Lines, protagonist Callie investigates the disappearance of her father from his construction job.
About the Author:
Kristen-Paige Madonia is the author of two literary young adult novels and many short stories, which have been published in FiveChapters, the New Orleans Review, the Greensboro Review, and more. She was awarded the Tennessee Williams/New Orleans Literary Festival Prize in 2010 and was the 2012 D.H. Lawrence Fellow. She lives in Charlottesville and teaches creative writing at UVA, JMU, and the local nonprofit WriterHouse.
Reader Review:
“Fantastic book. I could not put it down. Perfect beach read.” – Andrew on Invisible Fault Lines (Amazon)
Emily Thiede
Author of This Vicious Grace and This Cursed Light
Book Summary:
Thiede’s fantasy duology tells the story of Alessa, a young woman marked by the gods. Her extraordinary powers are supposed to save her island home, until her people turn on her and she must seek help from a killer-for-hire with dark secrets of his own.
About the Author:
Charlottesville resident Emily Thiede’s fantasy debut, This Vicious Grade, was called “One of the best fantasies of 2022” by Buzzfeed. It was a 2023 Southern Book Prize Finalist, an Indie Next Pick, and Barnes and Noble YA Bookclub pick. Her books deal with complex emotional themes and the ways that young people must shoulder adult responsibilities before they’re ready.
Reader Review:
“I absolutely adored this book! I thought it was beautifully written, the magic system and Italian-inspired setting was well-introduced and refreshing, and the story was so original.” – Darcy on This Vicious Grace (Amazon)
Children’s Book Authors Near Charlottesville
M.K. England
Author of Firefly: What Makes Us Mighty, Roll for Love, the Player vs. Player series, and more
Book Summary:
The Player vs. Player series of illustrated books follows four kid gamers who must learn to trust themselves and work together to win a virtual tournament. Roll for Love is a YA romance about queer teens navigating summer love in a small town while playing Dungeons & Dragons.
About the Author:
M.K. England writes novels for kids, teens, and adults across a variety of genres and themes. They previously worked in public libraries, often as a Teen Librarian. M.K. lives on a microfarm in rural Virginia with their partner and child.
Reader Review:
“The characters were portrayed well, and the story well written. You can see the story play out in your mind’s eye because the author stayed true to the series.” Veronica on Firefly: What Makes Us Mighty (Amazon)
Ben Hatke
Author of the Zita the Spacegirl series, Little Robot, Nobody Likes a Goblin, and more
Book Summary:
The Zita the Spacegirl graphic novels follow the adventures of Zita, who was a normal girl until her best friend was abducted by aliens and she chased after. Little Robot (middle grade) and Nobody Likes a Goblin (picture book) both explore themes of friendship and belonging.
About the Author:
Ben Hatke is a writer, cartoonist, and illustrator who writes middle-grade graphic novels and picture books. His work has won the 2011 Cybils Award and the 2016 Eisner Award for Best Publication for Early Readers. He lives in Winchester with his family.
Reader Review:
“I absolutely loved this children’s graphic novel. The characters are distinct and memorable, the illustrations are vibrant and full of life, and the pacing makes it a quick, engaging read. I was completely absorbed in the story and lost track of time.” Christina on Zita the Spacegirl (Amazon)
AMANDA DANAHER is a busy mom of five who is passionate about bringing encouragement to other parents through writing. She focuses on freelancing for Virginia parent and family magazines where she can utilize her journalism degree and share her parenting experience.