Valerie Bolling is passionate about creating stories in which all children can see themselves and feel seen and heard, valued and validated. She is the author of six picture books — LET’S DANCE! (SCBWI Crystal Kite Award winner), TOGETHER WE RIDE, TOGETHER WE SWIM (2023 Kirkus Prize Finalist), RIDE, ROLL, RUN: TIME FOR FUN!, BING, BOP, BAM: TIME TO JAM!, and I SEE COLOR (Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection) — as well as a Scholastic Acorn early reader series, RAINBOW DAYS.
A graduate of Tufts University and Teachers College, Columbia University, Valerie was an educator for 30 years and is an active member of the kidlit community. In addition to being a member of 12X12, she’s a member of SCBWI, Amplify Black Stories, Black Creators HeadQuarters, Diverse Verse, two co-marketing groups (KidLit in Color and Soaring 20s), and three critique groups. She also teaches picture book classes (independently and for the Highlights Foundation), presents at conferences, and participates in book festivals.
Valerie enjoys teaching both students and adults and inspiring them to write their own stories. She lives in Connecticut with her husband where they enjoy traveling, hiking, reading, going to the theater, and dancing. linktr.ee/ValerieBolling
