Hi Dara, welcome to the blog. Please tell us about your books!

Thank you to The Children's Literature Council of Southern California for inviting me to share about my books.

I love writing books that speak to my heart about families, traditions, and nature. I hope the stories and characters I create are relatable, inspiring, and help readers form connections and build empathy.

Have you received any special reviews/award/honors you would like to share with our readers? Please share links if available.

Hanukkah Pajamakkahs received a Northern Lights Book Award for the Holiday Category. I feel so honored that it was recognized along with many other wonderful books.

How does living in Southern California inspire your writing?

Southern California’s beaches, deserts, and mountains create settings that inspire vivid description and unique inspiration for storytelling. Various aspects of my community find ways into many of the manuscripts I write. In fact, I am currently working on two manuscripts, both of which were inspired by living in the area. Plus, the constant sunshine and wonderful weather lifts my spirits and boosts my mood.

What do you like best about the children’s book community in So Cal? Do you belong to any groups? Do you have any favorite local libraries or bookstores to shout out?

The children’s book community is wonderful. Getting to know other authors through joining different groups, expanding my network, and connecting with people has helped me grow as a writer and has been a lot of fun. I’m a member of The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI). It’s a fantastic organization that provides resources and valuable opportunities for children’s book creators. SCBWI has regional groups. I haven’t been as active in the regional group recently, although all of the events I’ve attended have been great.

Note from editor: one of the regional SCBWI groups is https://www.scbwi.org/regions/losangeles

I have a network of local authors friends who have formed a supportive, informal group. While we meet in person occasionally, we primarily stay connected and encourage one another through emails. Building relationships with other local writers has been an enjoyable part of this journey.

Libraries are a vital part of the community. There are a few local libraries that stand out as favorites. The following cities have multiple library branches, all of which are great: Redondo Beach, Palos Verdes, and Los Angeles.

Pages: a bookstore in Manhattan Beach is one of my favorite independent bookstores in the area. It’s so charming! They have such a lovely children’s section and the staff is extremely helpful. Plus, you can grab a book and sit by the ocean or walk down the street for a delicious ice cream treat. I also really like Vroman’s Bookstore in Pasadena. They have such a wide selection of books; it’s easy to lose track of time browsing the aisles, discovering fantastic books to buy. The staff is also very helpful. I high recommend stopping by these bookstores if you are ever in the area.

Do you offer school visits? If so, can you tell us a little bit about them and where interested schools can find out more?

I am available for school visits. As a former elementary school teacher, I have a passion for being in the classroom and engaging with students. Sharing books and talking with students about writing is so much fun! I like to get kids involved and engaged during my presentations.

There are more details about school visits on my website: www.darahenry.com

What are your favorite books from your childhood?

I have many fond memories of reading during my childhood. My mother would read to us at night, making those moments before bed feel extra special. One of my all-time favorite picture books is: The Bed Book by Sylvia Plath. It’s a whimsical story that describes all sorts of imaginative beds—ones where you can do much more than sleep, like the snack bed or the jet-propelled bed.

There are a few others that hold a special place in my heart as well such as:

Professor Wormbog’s Gloomy Kerploppus by Mercer Mayer (this one was scratch-and-sniff), Professor Wormbog and the Search for the Zipperump-a-Zoo by Mercer Mayer, Fables by Arnold Lobel, Superfudge by Judy Blume, and Sideways Stories from Wayside School by Louis Sachar.

What are you working on now/what is coming up next for you? Please include publication dates so we can celebrate you in the future!

I’m thrilled to share that I have a new book coming out September 16, 2025 with Sourcebooks Kids, illustrated by Varda Livney, called MAZEL TOV, BABY!. It’s a playful and interactive book about celebrating life, milestones, and every step along the way.

I have other exciting projects in the works that I can’t wait to share with readers (some are further along in development than others). Hopefully I’ll be able to disclose more details soon.

I’m grateful for the opportunity to do what I love and to share my books with the world.

Follow Dara here:

Website: www.darahenry.com

Instagram: @dara_henry_writes

X: @dshenry1

Bluesky: @darahenrywrites.bsky.social

Southern California Creator Spotlight : Author Dara Henry

The 2025 CLCSC Award Winners