Thanks so much for coming to visit! I’m Laura Purdie Salas, and I write children’s books and poetry. Books saved my life as a kid, and I love creating fabulous children’s books today–for all the kids who wonder, worry, laugh, learn, explore, and escape through reading. Like I did.
Like I still do.
I’m a visiting author, a storytime presenter, a writing teacher, and a freelance writer. Personally, I’m someone who’s still awed by the first snowfall of the year. Who gets excited about a good cupcake. Who can stare at a tree or the moon for a long time. I adore sunrises, science, and stories. I know nothing’s perfect, and we have to work for a better world. But I also believe that savoring what’s already incredible about our world makes every day better. And I know that reading small books and poems makes me feel more connected, hopeful, and grateful. I bet it can make you feel the same way.
—Laura
My Latest Books
What’s New in April?
- Life is a lot right now. We’re dealing with a lot of medical issues for our older daughter, who’s in the hospital right now. Good thoughts and prayers are all felt and appreciated!
- My 2026 picture book, Meet the Mighty Helpers, is available for pre-order! I’m working on resources and ways to share this book honoring adaptive tools and devices and the people who use them (which, it turns out, is most of us, in some form or another).
- My book We Belong is one of 132 books being moved from the children’s section to the adult section in a Rutherford Co. (Tennessee) library. It’s an attempt to disappear any hints of inclusiveness and diversity, especially around gender identity. The board fired the librarian for refusing to move the books. Freedom to read is under attack in our country, and it makes me incredibly sad.
- It was heartening and exhausting and inspiring to take part in the St. Paul, Minnesota No Kings rally. Here I am with Randy and Maddie, surrounded by more than 100,000 people who believe in democracy.
- I’m struggling to write right now. Life and worry and industry upheaval are all extremely distracting. But I’m awaiting revision notes on one picture book and a reaction from another editor to a different manuscript on a topic she suggested. Hopefully, I’ll have one of those to work on and focus my brain soon.
Wishing you a lovely spring!
xo,
Laura