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Spark a Love for Reading with Local Authors

National "Tell a Story Day" is April 27th

By Nicole S, publisher of Macaroni KID Cecil - NE Harford, MD April 23, 2024

Calling all parents and guardians! Are you on the lookout for new children's books to add to your kid's home libraries that will ignite your child's imagination and spark a love for reading? Well, look no further because I am about to introduce you to a great list of talented children's authors right here in our community! These remarkable writers have crafted amazing stories that will not only entertain your little ones but also inspire curiosity and creativity. 

This article is perfect for this week because Saturday, April 27th is National Tell a Story Day! It's a super special day where kids and grown-ups can spend time sharing stories and also reading them as well. From silly stories about talking animals to thrilling adventures in fantasy lands, there's no limit to the magic you can create with your imagination. Plus, it's the perfect time to get your hands on a local author's book and discover even more fantastic stories to enjoy. Read below to discover the magic stories can bring as I shine a spotlight on these local authors and their amazing books that are perfect for sharing with your family. 


Author: Emily Greene


Emily Greene, the Ordinary Guru, is a proud wife and mama of 2. Her skillset is varied as it is long- from radio DJ to college professor. She grew up in the north end of the county which was driven by agriculture and arts. Her family was brought up in the way of the arts. Emily excelled in dance, music, and writing as a young child. She arrived at McDaniel College in the early 2000s, and quickly shared with her professors that she intended to pursue a terminal degree in a helping profession. She studied for her masters in school counseling at Bowie State University and graduated in 2014 with a PhD in Counselor Education & Supervision online with Walden University. Emily worked as a school counselor in various Maryland counties. She also developed her love of movement and yoga as a group fitness instructor. She also focused back on her writing talents and self-published 5 books- four of the children's genre and one technical book. Several titles and ideas are in the works. Emily has been included in several author's events and reading celebrations since publishing her first book, Look Up, in the Fall of 2022. Other titles include Yay or Nay on the PBJ, Grab a Pen, and Kat & Pilar.

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Author: Jamie Guiberson 


Local author Jamie DeFazio Guiberson, residing in North East, Maryland, balances a diverse array of roles. Primarily a veterinary nurse specializing in critically ill farm animals, Jamie also teaches large animal veterinary nursing, lectures, and works part-time at a small animal veterinary clinic. Recently venturing into children’s literature, Jamie finds joy in writing when not caring for her family, rescue dogs, or ponies. With a passion for fostering dogs and carriage driving, Jamie draws inspiration from life at her sister’s bustling Whistle Hill Farm in West Grove, Pennsylvania. Her book series, starting with "Muggles and the Case of the Missing Cat Food," invites children into the charming world of Whistle Hill Farm, where Muggles the Pony and his friends embark on adventures filled with friendship and life lessons. Each book also supports philanthropic efforts, giving back to organizations dear to Jamie's heart. In "Muggles and the Case of the Missing Cat Food," kids aged 7-13 dive into Whistle Hill Farm with Muggles the Pony and his pal Finn the Cat. Together, they unravel the mystery of disappearing cat food, meeting other barn pals along the way.

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Author: Katie MacNichol


Every mom finds herself shouting “be careful” quite literally all the time. But when the day is done, the core memories both mom and child will remember are the little moments we seem to miss if we’re all too consumed with being careful. “Be Careful, Little Duck” playfully highlights the perspective of two brothers who find a way to remind their mom that being careful doesn’t have to be so scary. The author, Katie MacNichol is a mom of two boys (eight and five), living in northern Harford County. A communications professional by day, when she decided to pick up her pen to start writing for children, Katie took her skills to another level and focused on personal experiences to connect with other moms with young children just like her. When Katie’s not daydreaming about her Little Duck’s next story, she, her husband, and their two boys can be found adventuring outdoors or traveling to a sunny, sandy place where the water’s always warm.

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Author: Kayla Deickman


Kayla, a mother of three and married for a decade, embraces her neurodivergent identity, navigating Audhd and dyslexia with resilience. Drawing from her own experiences growing up without resources, Kayla champions understanding and acceptance for neurodiverse children. Alongside her pet birds, notably Beaky the parrot, and beloved dogs, Kayla finds solace in reading, art, and upcoming educational pursuits. Her book "I Love Myself" serves as a beacon of positivity, offering affirmations for children to internalize self-love and confidence. Similarly, "All Brains are Beautiful" celebrates the uniqueness of neurodivergent individuals, emphasizing diverse learning styles and interests. Excitingly, Kayla's latest new release that is coming out soon, "I Love My Family," promises more heartfelt content for readers to anticipate.

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Author: Lindsey Pope


Meet Lindsey Pope, an author living in Havre de Grace. Writing has been a part of her life for as long as she can remember. Since August 2022, she has been actively pursuing the world of children’s book publishing as she is passionate about sharing laughter and love through writing. She firmly believes in kindness and treating others with empathy and respect. Her first book, Found in Faith, debuted in 2018. Her next book, Wisdom from the Womb, came out in 2019. She debuted her first children's picture book, Sheldon's Time, in August 2022 which was followed by Stella's Dream in Spring 2023. In August 2023, her third picture book was published which is titled The ABCs of HdG: Fun and Facts in Havre de Grace, MD. She has a new book coming out in Spring 2025/26. Outside of writing, she enjoys spending time with her family and their orange tabby cat. She also enjoys speaking and leading interactive workshops related to mental health and writing. She truly loves connecting with people and inspiring others to chase their dreams.

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