Gail Schlenger
Picture books with heart, humor, and whimsy
About Gail
I am a retired special education teacher. I think being an educator was in my DNA...I knew in high school that I wanted to teach. What mattered most to me as a teacher were the connections I made with my students, and my efforts to help them feel good about themselves and their abilities. How rewarding it was to see my students become more confident, capable learners!
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My first foray into creative writing came many years ago. I wrote 3 children’s stories, but put them aside to focus on my education, job, and eventually family. Several years later, based on an experience with my young children, I wrote a human interest article entitled “Walks Focus on a Wildflower” that was published in The New York Times.
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Now, I am thrilled to be pursuing my second career as a children's picture book author. Writing for children is also a way of connecting with them. When I write stories, I envision children connecting not only with the people who read to them, but with the characters themselves and the life lessons embedded in the storyline. And if my stories can enrich their lives in some way, if they say "read it again!," and if my stories can bring them joy, then I will have achieved my goal.
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I have been mentored by children's book authors Rosie J. Pova and Lizzie Brooks. I am a member of SCBWI, The Unstoppable Writer, KidLit411, and Picture Book Summit. I have a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology and have spoken at workshops, conferences, and other educational organizations.
I am a mom and grandma, and absolutely love reading to my grandchildren and bringing them books galore every time I visit. I enjoy personal fitness and have completed 3 triathlons. I'm an avid reader (give me a good page-turning psychological thriller any day!), love word games, travel, musical theater, dancing, dark chocolate, and most of all, spending time with family and good friends.