CLIENTS :
Abrams Kids
Christy Ottaviano Books
Albert Whitman & Co
Sourcebooks
Sterling Books
Scholastic
Penguin/Random
HarperCollins
FS&G
Boyds Mills & Kane
Maryann Cocca-Leffler is an award-winning author and illustrator of over 70 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 a picture book biography, Fighting for YES! The Story of Disability Rights Activist Judith Heumann, which recently won the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) 2023 Orbis Pictus Award Honor Book, as well as the Junior Library Guild Gold. Maryann also just published her debut middle grade novel, Heart Stones, a mystery set on the coast of Maine. Other popular books include The Power of YET inspired by the Power of Yet growth mindset, The Belonging Tree, which celebrates diverse neighborhoods, and Theo’s Mood a book about feelings.
Her daughter, Janine Leffler, inspired the book Janine as well as We Want To Go To School! The Fight for Disability Rights, (co-authored with Janine). Together they have developed a corresponding website, with a mission to help change public perception of children with disabilities. (www.JaninesParty.com). The Junior Library Guild has recently awarded We Want to Go To School! a GOLD Selection.
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.
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. Maryann happily lives and works in Portland, Maine, (though her Boston accent travels with her wherever she goes.)