About Stephanie Watson

Before I was a creator of children’s books, I was an avid reader of them. A few of my favorites: Pippi Longstocking, Harriet the Spy, Alice in Wonderland, Ramona Quimby and Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle. I read these stories when I was young, and reread them throughout high school and college–secretly–when I wasn’t reading the “grown-up” books my teachers assigned. In spite of the fact that was way hipper to read One Hundred Years of Solitude than Ramona Quimby, Age 8, I could not help myself. I could not let children’s books go. They would not let me go, either. They were forever tugging at my sleeve.

After college, I finally recognized this tug as a desire to write my own stories for kids. Realizing this was a relief. A feeling of Oh, of course! It was also a little scary, because once I knew what my dream was, I’d have to work hard to make it come true.

Elvis & Olive, my first novel for young readers, came out in 2008. It did take a lot of hard work. But it was worth it! Every book I write is hard. And fun. It’s both. 

I grew up in Minneapolis, Minnesota and that’s where I live now with my daughter Ivy. At this very minute, I am probably sitting at my desk drinking too much tea and writing something. Something I hope will be good, and another answer to the gentle but persistent tug at my sleeve.

Want to know more about me? Check out my journal.