THE AUTHOR
I’ve always believed a good story can make us see things differently.
I’m Lea Maryanow, an educator, reader, and published children's book author. Writing gives me another way to explore the questions I care about—and to create stories that invite children to wonder, laugh, think, and see themselves and others in new ways.
From Teacher to Author
Lea Maryanow started writing as a teen when she especially enjoyed journaling poems. She then made writing part of her profession, majored in English and became an English teacher. When she became a mother later on, it was especially picture books that fascinated her so much that she made those the main focus of her writing career. She joined SCBWI, Julie Hedlund's 12X12 Picture Book Challenge, and has been part of several critique groups. In 2023, her debut picture book STRIPES was published by Storybook Genius Publishing.
Every Story Has a Journey
A finished children's book can look wonderfully simple.
Getting there is another story.
From the first idea and early drafts to revision, illustration, and publication, writing a children's book involves countless decisions—and plenty of changes along the way.
That's one of the reasons I created Spot the Difference, a blog series exploring how children's books evolve from early drafts into the books readers eventually hold in their hands.
Have a Story Idea or Collaboration in Mind?
I'm always interested in connecting with people who share a love of books, learning, and children's stories.
Whether you're planning a school visit, bookstore event, reading, educational collaboration, sponsorship, or something completely different, I'd love to hear what you're thinking.