Nancy Carlson

Nancy Carlson is an American children’s book author and illustrator who has published over 60 books. She is also a speaker visiting up to 150 schools a year all over the country.

Nancy Carlson was born and raised in Edina, Minnesota. Her parents read to her and her brother and sister every night. The comic books she loved to read as a child have influenced her drawing style. Many of Nancy’s stories are taken from her own childhood experiences.

According to Carlson, she was one of the few people who knew even back in kindergarten, what she wanted to do for a living: “Make pictures and tell stories!”

In 1976 Nancy graduated from the Minneapolis College of Art and Design with a major in printmaking. Shortly afterward became fascinated with children’s books while working at Minneapolis’s Walker Art Center.

Nancy Carlson began to write her stories and created accompanying drawings. She had numerous art exhibitions before getting into the publishing world.

Recognition for her published books includes several Reading Rainbow selections, the Children’s Choice Award from the International Reading Association and Children’s Book Council, the Minnesota Children’s Museum Great Friends to Kids Award, and several others.

Nancy considers that life should be fun for everyone but especially for children. This optimistic message permeates her picture books and provides a positive counterpoint to much of what children are influenced by in today’s society.

Her characters often have fears, anxieties, and disabilities. Through her works, kids learn to cope with different challenges. They can understand that they don’t have to be perfect to be a good person. Her characters also convey optimistic messages without being “preachy”.

Her artwork also is held in many private and public collections.

Nancy Carlson lives in Minnesota with her husband and three children.

Photo credit: Craig Perman