Valerie Bolling is an award-winning author/educator who is passionate about creating stories in which all children can see themselves and feel seen and heard, valued and validated. She is the author of eight picture books, including SCBWI Crystal Kite Award winner, LET’S DANCE!; Kirkus Prize Finalist, TOGETHER WE SWIM; Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection, I SEE COLOR; and Notable Social Studies Trade Book, A FLEA FOR JUSTICE.
She’s also written a Scholastic Acorn early reader series, RAINBOW DAYS and books for teachers, GOAL SETTING IN THE WRITING CLASSROOM: BUILDING STUDENT AGENCY, INDEPENDENCE, AND SUCCESS and WRITING POETRY MONTH BY MONTH: INSPIRING THE POET IN ALL STUDENTS.
A graduate of Tufts University and Teachers College, Columbia University, Valerie was an educator for 30 years and currently teaches picture book classes (independently and for the Highlights Foundation and Maine Writers and Publishers Alliance) and presents at conferences, such as SCBWI and NCTE. She enjoys teaching both students and adults and inspiring them to write their own stories.
An eternal list-maker, professional walker, and guacamole connoisseur, Valerie lives in Connecticut with her husband where they enjoy traveling, hiking, reading, going to the theater, and dancing.
