In 2018, Sant Bani School (NH) second grade teacher Kari Allen got a call from her literary agent. She was in the car and had to pull over because her hands were shaking—she had landed a book deal, which had been nearly a decade in the making, for not one book but several.
At Smith College, Allen—a Sant Bani alum—took a course that sparked her love for children’s literature. After graduating in 2002, she began teaching at Sant Bani but took a break in 2009 to stay home with her son. During that time, she started to write children’s books. She entered a contest for unpublished writers, and although she didn't win, it planted a seed. She attended writing conferences, entered other contests, and researched the publishing industry. It took her several years to find an agent and get a foot in the door. “On average, a picture book takes two years to make. You can have things out in submission for months or even years,” she says.
She continues to write and draw inspiration from those around her, particularly her students. “I love books like Frog and Toad and endeavored to create an early reader that not only was for beginning readers but is hopefully a great story as well. I wanted to write a book for my students."
Her first book will be the start of a series. Maddie and Mabel is an early reader about two sisters navigating the dynamics of their relationship; the first book will be released in March and the second in August. The Boy Who Loved Maps, a picture book inspired by her son, comes out in July.
Kari Allen
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