Jennifer Cowan

Picture Book Writer

Hello and thank you for visiting my page!

I am a passionate picture book writer who believes that books have the ability to expand worlds, create possibilities, give children the opportunity to witness tribulations and triumphs, and make the littlest among us feel seen, heard, and inspired.

Lofty? Perhaps.

Possible? YES!

About Me

(pretty boring)

B.A. in Psychology, UC Berkeley

Masters of Social Welfare, UCLA

(less boring)

Picture Book Writing Education

Courses through:

Big Sur Writing Workshop

Highlights Foundation

Writers's Workshop

Journey to Kidlit

Susanna Leonard Hill - Making PB Magic

Creating the Picture Book with Kelly Bingham

SCBWI courses and conferences

12x12

Honors:

Winner of Vivian Kirkfield's 50 Precious Words

2022 and 2023

Kidslit Kid's Choice Winner 2023

The Longer Version

I live in Los Angeles and am the mom of three amazing kids and wife of one amazing husband.

I also live with 3 cats, 2 dogs, and 2 hermit crabs.

I love digging in the dirt and gardening -- having a home filled with fresh flowers makes me very happy! I'm on a mission to save the monarchs, and get really excited when their caterpillars make my milkweed their temporary home.

I raised over two dozen last year!

I also love going on long walks, hanging out at the beach, meeting friends for brunch,

and taking ballet classes.

And I LOVE musical theater!

I live in a family of writers.

My husband is a TV writer and producer, my oldest daughter also works in television and my younger daughter is a published author.

I round them out by writing Picture Books!

One of my proudest accomplishments is becoming a therapy dog team with my brilliant Bernedoodle, Queen Victoria (ToTo, V-dog, Tori, Queen V....too many nicknames!). We primarily "work" at UCLA Hospital, and I plan to incorporate picture books into our visits with hospitalized children.

I've always wanted to write for children, and thoroughly enjoy all parts of the process, the endless learning, turning thoughts into outlines, writing, and, yes, even revising. Next up....getting published!

My books run the gamut from lyrical to heartfelt to humorous. There's something for everyone!