My Official Author Bio:

Claire Annette Noland is the author of picture books, early readers, and magazine stories for young children. Her debut picture book, EVIE’S FIELD DAY: More Than One Way to Win has been honored with many awards and was named to the New York Public Library’s best picture book list.

A Bit More:

I love children’s books and have made a career sharing them as a children’s librarian, reading specialist, kindergarten teacher, mom of four, and grandmom to three bright and beautiful grandchildren. I live with my husband, Michael and faithful poodle mix, Mr. Ernie, in Central California.

When I was a girl, my father gave me his old binoculars, which I still use, and my mother handed me a journal. It was only natural that I became an explorer and writer.

My second home was the library where I attended weekly story hour with my three brothers and sister. I still remember the librarian reading “If you were a bull and a bee sat on you, what would you do?” from my favorite book, The Story of Ferdinand.

I traveled with my grandparents and stayed in trailer parks all over the west. In every town, we stopped at the local library to read. My favorite section was 398.2, folklore and fairy tales.

I attended the University of California, Santa Barbara where I studied geography and comparative literature, combining my love of travel with the stories of the places and people.

I earned my master’s degree in library and information science from the University of Southern California and became a children’s librarian and later a reading specialist. I promote literacy by making sure that children have access to books and information. I am currently developing a library collection for children in Nicaragua.

When not writing, you can find me stocking my Little Free Library and taking field trips using children’s books as travel guides.

Fun Facts About Me

• My favorite word is the first word I learned to read – Look!
• My first job was in a bank basement sorting silver dimes and quarters from those with copper. I was on the lookout for rare and valuable ones.
• My next job was selling Christmas trees. I’ve also sold fruit and vegetables at farmers markets and roadside stands.
• I am a citizen scientist. Depending on the time of year, you can find me cleaning a beach, teaching in a pumpkin patch, or counting bees, birds, and butterflies.
• My husband and I have four children, two adopted internationally.
• My work as an advocate for children at risk has given me the opportunity to travel around the world.
• I wear a bracelet with silver charms from countries I’ve visited. I have 25 charms so far.
• I love finding notes and cards in my mailbox.
• I stop for food trucks – especially ones with grilled cheese sandwiches.
• My favorite dance is the Hokey-Pokey because that’s what it’s all about.
• My favorite sport is beach bocce ball. I also like to jump in waves and float down rivers.
• When not traveling, I spin a globe and dream of where to go next.

All these things find their way into the stories I write for children.