Maryann Cocca-Leffler

Maryann Cocca-Leffler is an award-winning author and illustrator of over 60 books for children.  A Kirkus reviewer said of Maryann; “Cocca-Leffler knows children inside and out.” 

Maryann’s inspiration comes from all around her; children, family, school visits and the people she meets along the way. Recent books include; The Belonging Tree, which celebrates diverse neighborhoods, The Power of YET inspired by the growth mindset of the same name, How Big Is Baby Now? which was designed to help preschoolers prepare for the birth of their new sibling, and Same Way Ben,  loosely based on an autistic boy who has difficulty with change. 

Her daughter, Janine inspired the book Janine. Together they have developed a corresponding website with a mission to help change public perception of children with disabilities. (www.JaninesParty.com). Their upcoming picture book, We Want To Go To School! A Fight for Disability Rights, releases in Fall 2021.

Also a Playwright, Maryann collaborated with a talented team and wrote a musical based on her book Princess Kim and The Lie that Grew. Princess KIM the Musical went on to win first place in a Youth Theater New Play Festival in Ohio. Since then it has had productions in NH, NJ, OH, and CA and is available for license.

Maryann grew up in the Boston area and has a BFA in illustration from the Massachusetts College of Art and Design. She enjoys visiting schools (both in person and virtually) to promote literacy and share her books with children. After spending 20 years residing in New Hampshire, Maryann now happily lives and works in Portland, Maine, (though her Boston accent travels with her wherever she goes.)

All copies of Maryann Cocca-Leffler's books ordered through Print: A Bookstore will be autographed by her upon request. If you would like a personalization, please include it in the order comments section during check-out.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and in the interest of the safety of authors and staff, signatures and personalizations for books may now be done on bookplates. If you would prefer a signed book and do not mind a delay before it is shipped, please let us know in the comments on your order. Thank you for your understanding!