Dianne Ochiltree

Dianne Ochiltree has been writing stories and poems since she was a little girl. Today, she is a nationally recognized author of books for girls and boys, from toddlers to teens. Her picture book, LULL-A-BYE, LITTLE ONE has been a selection for the Dollywood Fourndation's national literacy program for several years. Her picture book for grades 1-3, MOLLY BY GOLLY! The Legend of Molly Williams, America's First Female Firefighter, received the Florida Book Awards Bronze Medal in the Children's Literature category in 2012. It was also selected for the ALA Amelia Bloomer list for feminist literature for young readers in that year. IT'S A FIREFLY NIGHT, her not-just-for-bedtime book for kids 3-7, was awarded the Silver Medal in children's literature in the 2013 Florida Book Awards. Her latest book, IT'S A SEASHELL DAY, was released in July 2015 from Blue Apple Books and has already received favorable reviews. Many of her earlier books have been translated into foreign language and Braille editions as well as audio and paperback versions. For more information about Dianne and her books, go to www.dianneochiltree.com. Dianne lives in sunny Sarasota, Florida with her husband, Jim. Besides writing for kids, she loves to hike in the great outdoors, explore the local bay waters on a stand-up paddle board, and is a certified yoga instructor. She and with her chocolate Lab, Sally, are a Therapy Dog team, visiting local nursing homes and schools.