Maryann Cocca-Leffler is an award-winning author and illustrator of over 70 books for children. A Kirkus reviewer said of Maryann; “Cocca-Leffler knows children inside and out.”
Maryann’s inspiration comes from all around her; children, family, school visits and the people she meets along the way. Recent books include; The Power of YET inspired by the growth mindset of the same name, The Belonging Tree, which celebrates diverse neighborhoods, The How Big Is Baby Now? which was designed to help preschoolers prepare for the birth of their new sibling, and Same Way Ben, loosely based on an autistic boy who has difficulty with change.
Her daughter, Janine inspired the book Janine. Together they have developed a corresponding website with a mission to help change public perception of children with disabilities. (www.JaninesParty.com). Their upcoming picture book, We Want To Go To School! A Fight for Disability Rights, releases in Fall 2021. Another book on the topic of disabilities, Sit-In To Stand Up! The Story of Disability Rights Advocate Judith Heumann, releases Spring of 2022
Also a Playwright, Maryann collaborated with a talented team and wrote a musical based on her book Princess Kim and The Lie that Grew. Princess KIM the Musical went on to win first place in a Youth Theater New Play Festival in Ohio. Since then it has had productions in NH, NJ, OH, and CA and is available for license.
Maryann grew up in the Boston area and has a BFA in illustration from the Massachusetts College of Art and Design. She enjoys visiting schools (both in person and virtually) to promote literacy and share her books with children. After spending 20 years residing in New Hampshire, Maryann now happily lives and works in Portland, Maine, (though her Boston accent travels with her wherever she goes.)
