“You have to write the book that wants to be written.

And if the book will be too difficult for grown-ups, then you write it for children.”

Madeleine L’Engle

I write stories for children that encourage kindness, empathy, and diversity while celebrating special qualities, change, and emotions. I also create humorous picture books with surprise endings and silly twists, as well as those that promote girl power packed with punch.

I love a good laugh and a good cry; tears and tickles. Because life is all about balance…and rediscovering ourselves through our inner child.

I am a member of SCBWI with an English degree in creative writing. I often travel with my sidekick, Memphis the dog on wheels, and together we attend classroom and event appearances promoting kindness, acceptance, and empathy. I lend a paw in helping Memphis bark his blog on MemphistheDog.com. An article I have written on our adventures together has been published in Pets In the City Magazine, March 2019.

“The words we leave behind are our mark on the world”

Melissa Rutigliano

I have found that the kid lit community is such an inviting, encouraging, and uplifting one. There are so many resources we can rely on. These resources are like building blocks- all the substantial parts we put together, gaining momentum and structure so we can build ourselves, our books, and our brands to new heights.

Here are some of my trusty resources: