Maryann Cocca-Leffler

Maryann Cocca-Leffler is an award-winning author and illustrator of over 70 books for children.

Maryann’s inspiration comes from all around her; children, family, school visits, current news and the people she meets along the way. Some new books are “Marabella’s Moment” which inspires children to notice the world around them, and “Don’t Ask Cat”, a humorous lesson about knowing when to keep your words to yourself. Other recent picture books include; “The Power of YET “inspired by the ‘power of yet’ growth mindset and “Theo’s Mood”, a book about feelings.

Her New England roots established the setting for many picture books, including “Clams All Year” and “Bus Route to Boston”, as well as her debut middle grade mystery novel, “Heart Stones”, which is set on the coast of Maine. “Thanksgiving at the Tappletons” (written by Eileen Spinelli) is a treasured family classic.

Maryann’s disability rights advocacy has inspired the award-winning books; “We Want to Go to School! The Fight for Disability Rights”, co-authored with her daughter, Janine Leffler, who was also the inspiration for the picture book “Janine.” Maryann’s book “Fighting for YES! The Story of Disability Rights Activist Judith Heumann” won the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) 2023 Honor Book Award, is a Junior Library Guild Gold Selection, and winner of the Maine Literary Award.

Maryann is happy to announce that her very popular books, “Wednesday is Spaghetti Day,” (first published in 1990 and Mr. Tanen’s Ties (’99) and Mr. Tanen’s Tie Trouble (’03) are now back in print directly through Amazon.

Maryann grew up in the Boston area and has a degree in illustration from the Massachusetts College of Art and Design. She enjoys visiting schools to promote literacy and share her books with children.