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.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
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 Ski!” (Mom’s Choice Awards – Gold Recipient). In the end, chickens really do ski! Theme: When you fall, brush yourself off, and get back up.
https://www.amazon.com/author/laurawillingham
https://www.blackrosewriting.com/childrensmg/chickensdontski
A Lily Saves the Day Book: Chickens Don’t Ski! (Hardcover) – Walmart.com
Chickens Don’t Ski! (A Lily Saves the Day Book): Willingham, Laura: 9781684338597: Amazon.com: Books
Chickens Don’t Ski! by Laura Willingham, Hardcover | Barnes & NobleĀ® (barnesandnoble.com)
Chickens Don’t Ski! by Laura Willingham (booksamillion.com)
Click on link for the puppet read-aloud for my book titled āChickens Donāt Wear Tutus!ā and for “Chickens Don’t Ski!” Don’t forget to subscribe to the Think Ahead Kids YouTube channel.
YouTube:
Read-aloud from YouTube channel, Story Time With Stacey, for “Chickens Don’t Ski!”
Read-aloud from YouTube channel, Story Time With Stacey, for “Chickens Don’t Wear Tutus!”


“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! by Laura Willingham, Hardcover | Barnes & NobleĀ® (barnesandnoble.com)
Chickens Don’t Wear Tutus! by Laura Willingham (booksamillion.com)
A Lily Saves the Day Book: Chickens Don’t Wear Tutus! (Hardcover) – Walmart.com
Reviews for “Chickens Don’t Ski!”






Reviews for “Chickens Don’t Wear Tutus!”





Contact
For general enquiries or school, library and bookstore readings/signings contact: lgwill42@gmail.com
Stay connected: https://linktr.ee/LauraWillingham
SCBWI: