Phyllis Harris - May 2026 Featured Author

Phyllis Harris has a passion for creating books that inspire hope, love, and the innocence of childhood. She feels most creative in nature and prefers the songs of birds to the noise of traffic.

Congrats on your recent picture book, Claude, which releases this month, May 2026! Tell us a little about it. 

Thank you, so much! Instead of me telling you about it, I will share School Library Journal’s starred review. Receiving this pre-publication review from SLJ is one of the biggest thrills of my career thus far!

"PreS-Gr 3–This tale of creation and the power of play will delight readers. A young artist approaches her easel with the inspiration of Claude Monet’s painting Poppy Field Near Vetheuil firmly fixed in her mind. Her adorable puppy has other ideas. Despite his best efforts to lure her away from her creation, the puppy resorts to more energetic play until disaster strikes, and paint and paw prints are everywhere. Upon reflection, the friends have not ruined the creation; they have found that it is unexpectedly complete. Illustrations feature black outlines of the girl and the puppy on a crisp white background, with the only color her red beret as well as the paints and painting in progress. Energy and emotion leap off the page, and readers will feel her frustration in the creative process as well as the puppy’s desire for fun. The final joint project is an absolute joy to behold.

VERDICT A lovely introduction to the challenges of the creative process, Monet, and the joys of having a young pet, this is highly recommended for all collections; it’s an outstanding example of the power of a wordless picture book."

How did you get started? Did you always want to be a children's author?

I started as a graphic designer in the 80’s, working for a newspaper and eventually at Hallmark Cards. I always loved drawing and painting, but didn’t have the confidence to make a living at it.  When I was expecting our daughter, I began collecting picture books and board books for her. I was completely smitten and knew I had to learn how to create my own children’s books. In the late 90’s, I began illustrating in children’s publishing for the educational, mass and trade markets, but what I really wanted was to create my own books as an author/ illustrator. It wasn’t until I took a break from full-time illustration to work on my craft of writing that I was able to eventually sign with a literary agent and then shift into the author/illustrator role with my debut, The Gift Shop Bear, in 2021, with WorthyKids/Hachette Book Group.

What do you love about being a writer? 

Making my own schedule and being able to work anywhere. I also love writing for children because it means I can always use my imagination, and I never really have to grow up.

What do you do when you are not writing?

I enjoy spending time with my dog Brinkley, who was the inspiration for my book, Claude. In fact, without Brinkley, the book would not exist. I also love traveling and bike riding with my husband.

Is there anything else you would like to mention or highlight? 

I have another picture book publishing on Oct. 6, 2026, titled The Day Kindness Came. I am really excited about it! It’s a picture book allegory that shows how one act of kindness can change everything―even the heart of a whole forest. 

What are you currently working on?

I am working on a cozy Christmas tale that will be told with hilarious, tongue-in-cheek visuals. I have the text written but the art is challenging. I am in the character-building stage at the moment.