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, current news and the people she meets along the way. Recent books include; Growing Season which was inspired by her love of gardening, and Same Way Ben, which is loosely based on an autistic boy who has difficulty with change. Upcoming books include; The Belonging Tree, which celebrates diverse neighborhoods, and The Power of Yet inspired by the growth mindset of the same name. Her daughter, Janine inspired the book Janine and its sequel, Janine and the Field Day Finish. Together they have developed a corresponding website, with a mission to help change public perception of children with disabilities. www.JaninesParty.com
Maryann has received many awards over the years.including; The International Literary Association Teacher Pick Book for Janine and the Field Day Finish, The Florida Reading Award and the Hoosier Book Award for Mr. Tanen’s Ties as well as Bank Street Best Book for Bus Route To Boston. Her popular “LET IT” Seasons Series has sold over two million copies.
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. Her play is available for license through Stagerights.com in LA.
Maryann grew up in the Boston area and has a BFA in illustration from the Massachusetts College of Art and Design. She loves visiting schools to promote literacy and share her books with children. After spending 20 years residing in New Hampshire, Maryann now happily lives and works in the Portland, Maine area, (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. If you would like to request 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 will 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!
