Bio:

Verla Kay writes historical picture books in a special kind of poetry she calls "cryptic rhyme." She has sold a total of eleven picture books, three of which are still "in the works." All eight of the books that have been published have received recognition, including "Tattered Sails, which was named a "Child's Best Book of the Year" by Child Magazine. The text from “Covered Wagons, Bumpy Trails” is in a 2nd grade social studies program in schools. Verla’s book, “Rough, Tough Charley,” received a starred review by Publisher’s Weekly and is on the 2008 Amelia Bloomer Project list of recommended feminist literature for young readers. Her newest book, “Whatever Happened to the Pony Express?” is getting great wonderful feedback and her next book, “Hornbooks & Inkwells,” is due to be released in July of 2011. Verla Kay's website has become almost an "icon" in the children's publishing world, due to her message board which gets 900,000 to 1,000,000 hits a month!

Besides writing award-winning picture books, Verla is a former instructor for the Institute of Children’s Literature. She taught the basic “How to Write for Children” course. Since retiring from ICL in 2009, she has been concentrating on her own writing and what she loves best -- doing author talks at schools and conferences! Verla lives part of the year in eastern Washington and the rest of the year in Yuma, Arizona.


Writer
PAL
Member since 1991
Region: Inland Northwest

Contact Information

Phone:   509 284-2433
Current Location:   Tekoa
Website:  http://www. verlakay.com

Published In Children's Market: Yes
Available for Speaking Engagements? Yes