Gail Schlenger
Picture books with heart 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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Now I have embarked on my second career, that of 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 will read to them, but with the characters themselves. 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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My article, "Walks Focus on a Wildflower," was published in The New York Times. That article, based on my personal experience with my own children, inspired one of my children's books. I also have a story accepted for publication in Highlights High Five magazine (Dec. 2024).
I have a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology and have spoken at workshops, conferences, and other educational organizations. I have been mentored by children's book author Rosie J. Pova, and am a member of SCBWI, The Unstoppable Writer, Picture Book Hub, KidLit411, Picture Book Summiteers, and critique groups.
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.