Jessica Lee Anderson
Jessica Lee Anderson is an award-winning author of over seventy-five books for kids including the Naomi Nash chapter book series from Capstone/Picture Window Books: Saving Snakes, The Mystery of the Ball Python, The Drama Noodle, and Problems at the Pond. She’s published fiction and nonfiction with publishers such as Scholastic, Milkweed Editions (winner of the Milkweed Prize for Children's Literature), Rourke Educational Media, Heinemann, Pearson, and a variety of magazines including Highlights for Children and Highlights High Five. Jessica graduated from Hollins University with a Master of Arts in Children’s Literature, and she previously taught at St. Edward’s University. She lives near Austin, Texas with her husband, daughter, toothless rat terrier, and pet corn snake.
Frog Butts and Toad Warts? Fascinating Frog Facts is now available!
"Whether you’re just looking for a fun book for a frog-loving child, or an educational tool to be used in the classroom or your homeschool program, this book is amazing and one-of-a-kind! I’ve never seen anything else like it. The photographs are stunning and diverse, and the text is simple enough for the smallest child to understand while being packed with educational information that will be new to many adults. I’ve both kept and studied frogs and toads since I was a child, and currently teach Herpetology to kids in the local homeschool community, and even I learned new information from this book! I’m definitely adding it to my teaching tools! Whether for fun or learning (or both!) I highly recommend Frog Butts and Toad Warts!" - Crystal McGough, book reviewer
Naomi Nash
Saving Snakes was a Cybils Awards finalist and a 2024 Green Earth Book Award Recommended Reading selection.
Join Naomi on her snake and reptile filled adventures!
Also available through bookshop.org
Long bio: I was born in Phoenix, Arizona, although my family didn't stay there long. My father served in the Air Force and we soon moved to Texas. Honolulu, Hawaii was our most exotic station. I'll never forget the excitement of winning a hula competition. Those who know me now would never guess I had that kind of coordination.
When we moved back to San Antonio, Texas, I missed the Aloha State, but books served as a great distraction. Around that same time, I wrote my first book, Fuzzy the Fox. I tried to write my first novel in high school. The story had a strong beginning and a promising ending, but the middle of the book ruined it all. Even though the book was not a success, the experience taught me much about the writing process, especially about revision.
In college, I took a children's literature course that inspired me to write books for children and teens. I eventually went on to graduate from Hollins University with an M.A. in children's literature. In addition to my book publications, I've written magazine stories and articles for Highlights for Children and Highlights High Five among other. I have stories featured in several anthologies.
While I'm passionate about writing, I'm also passionate about teaching and school visits. I've taught a graduate children's literature writing course at St. Edward's University and previously instructed at the Institute of Children's Literature. I edit projects through Reedsy.
I love to read, and some of my favorite authors are: Mildred Taylor, David LaRochelle, S.E. Hinton, Karen Hesse, Judy Blume, Avi, Eoin Colfer, and Christopher Paul Curtis. The list could go on and on!
I live north of Austin with my supportive husband, Michael, my daughter, and my dog Nike.
We all love books!
When not writing, I enjoy traveling and have a goal to travel to as many national parks as possible.
Author Jessica Lee Anderson discusses where she gets her inspiration for her books and how it relates to personal experiences, big and small.