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 May?
- It’s an extra busy spring! I’m spending lots of time with both daughters right now. Our older daughter is in a TCU from a foot injury, and our younger daughter will be moving to Oregon at the end of this month. So a lot of my time and focus is on both of them.
Maddie 
Annabelle - My 2026 picture book, Meet the Mighty Helpers, is available for pre-order! Whee!
- I got wonderful news from my Bloomsbury editor, and I can’t wait to share it with you once it’s official!
- All three NCTE proposals I was part of were rejected, so I probably won’t go to Philadelphia this November. I feel sad about that, but it’s just so expensive to go and not present at least once.
- I’m finding slivers of writing time, though life stuff and business stuff leave little time for creative stuff. But I’m trying!
- Spring has sprung, and the world is green and sunny and windy here in Minnesota.
I hope you’re creating and reading and finding joy…
xo,
Laura