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Laura Willingham

Children’s Book Author and Illustrator

Hi! I’m Laura. In my children’s picture book series, Lily, the main character, doesn’t like the words “don’t” and “can’t.” Follow Lily as she solves problems with her resourcefulness, tenacity, and crafty creations. The titles are: “Chickens Don’t Wear Tutus!” (Mom’s Choice Awards – Gold Recipient), “Chickens Don’t Ski!” (Mom’s Choice Awards – Gold Recipient), “Chickens Don’t Live in Tree Houses!” (released 6/23/22), and “Chickens Don’t Swim!” (released 12/1/22).

“Chickens Don’t Swim!” In the end, chickens do swim! Theme: Where there’s a will, there’s a way.

https://www.blackrosewriting.com/childrensmg/chickensdontswim

https://www.target.com/p/chickens-don-t-swim-a-lily-saves-the-day-book-by-laura-willingham-hardcover/-/A-87711603#lnk=sametab

https://www.walmart.com/ip/A-Lily-Saves-the-Day-Book-Chickens-Don-t-Swim-Series-4-Hardcover-9781685130787

https://www.amazon.com/Chickens-Dont-Swim-Lily-Saves/dp/168513078X

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/chickens-dont-swim-laura-willingham/1141896738?ean=9781685130787

https://www.booksamillion.com/p/Chickens-Dont-Swim/Laura-Willingham/9781685130787?id=8374727270829

Goodreads review:

“Chickens Don’t Live in Tree Houses!” In the end, chickens really can live in tree houses. Theme: Discovering that home is where you make it.

https://www.blackrosewriting.com/childrensmg/chickensdontliveintreehouses

Chickens Don’t Live in Tree Houses! (A Lily Saves the Day Book): Willingham, Laura: 9781684339709: Amazon.com: Books

Chickens Don’t Live in Tree Houses! by Laura Willingham, Hardcover | Barnes & Noble® (barnesandnoble.com)

A Lily Saves the Day Book: Chickens Don’t Live in Tree Houses! (Series #3) (Hardcover) – Walmart.com

Chickens Don’t Live in Tree Houses! by Laura Willingham (booksamillion.com)

All books are available (US and UK) in hardcover, eBook, and Audible (“tutu” & “swim” story). Order from retailers such as Amazon, Walmart, Target, Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million, or independent bookstores.

In this series, I created the illustrations in a simplistic style (similar to “Pete the Cat” books) with the intention for the illustrations to stand alone in telling the story. However, there is a text. The goal being, to appeal to very young children, non-verbal children, and to be a fun/quick story for older children. These stories can be defined as fun, innocent, and entertaining, not moral expounding.

I have many different illustration styles which can be seen on the SCBWI.org website. I’m originally from North Carolina, but currently living in Oklahoma. I enjoy the Blue Ridge Mountains, Pawleys Island, SC, and Grand Lake, Oklahoma. When I’m not creating and writing, I enjoy all things outdoors, especially running, hiking, tennis, and walking my dog. My purpose for writing picture books is to create fun and adventurous stories for children.

My motto: If you have an idea, go with it, express it, create it…even if it’s outside the norm.

“Chickens Don’t Wear Tutus!” (Mom’s Choice Awards – Gold Recipient). In the end, chickens really do wear tutus! Theme: Always express yourself and do what makes you happy!

https://www.blackrosewriting.com/childrensmg/chickensdontweartutus

Chickens Don’t Wear Tutus! (A Lily Saves the Day Book): Willingham, Laura: 9781944715861: Amazon.com: Books

Chickens Don’t Wear Tutus! by Laura Willingham, Hardcover | Barnes & Noble® (barnesandnoble.com)

Chickens Don’t Wear Tutus! by Laura Willingham (booksamillion.com)

https://www.target.com/p/chickens-don-t-wear-tutus-a-lily-saves-the-day-book-by-laura-willingham-hardcover/-/A-83980820#lnk=sametab

A Lily Saves the Day Book: Chickens Don’t Wear Tutus! (Hardcover) – Walmart.com