Marianne is an award-winning children’s author of fiction and nonfiction picture books. She celebrates writing about the wonders of the world around her to spark curiosity, imagination, and creativity in young readers and occasionally stumbles upon a lighthouse.
Her works include the picture books, TAKING TURNS and TOMANDO TURNOS in English/Spanish, illustrated by Gail Nelson, Star of the Sea Publishing, 2020. It became a number one best seller on Amazon and won several awards for independent publishers and authors.
Her upcoming second and debut nonfiction picture book, THE LAST LIGHTHOUSE KEEPER, with Islandport Press, illustrated by Ann Curch Gagliano, releases June 2027. This picture book biography tells the story of Sally Snowman and how her journey navigating her learning disabilities helped her become the first woman keeper and the last official lighthouse keeper in U.S. Back matter includes the history of Boston Light, the first lighthouse in America.
Marianne has been a strong advocate for children’s literacy and diversity since her days as a special education teacher in the Boston suburbs, her years as a mom and as a Mimi to her grandchildren. She has also helped countless families find the perfect place to call home as a Realtor. She volunteers in her local public school system to help struggling young readers make connections with words. Marianne is a member of Emerald Keepers, a local coastal advocacy environmental group.
Marianne earned her B.S.Ed. in both Elementary and Special Education from Fitchburg State University and her Certificate in Writing For Children at The University of California San Diego.
She now lives, writes, and plays in sunny Coronado, CA with her partner, Keith.
When Marianne is not writing books for children, you can find her reading stories virtually to her granddaughter or traveling to discover new faraway places.
She is represented by Stephen Fraser at The Jennifer De Chiara Literary Agency (JDLA).
