• This is me!
  • Me as a child. (Leaf piles were itchy but worth it!)
  • my children reading a favorite book, One Love by Cedella Marley
  • Earnest

I’m Carrie Schneider (she/her). Welcome!

I’m a neurodivergent (autistic + ADHD) and queer author-illustrator of magical, identity-affirming stories for children of all ages. I’m creating both picture books and middle-grade books, many of which center neurodivergent experiences while exploring the hopes, talents, struggles, doubts, adventures, connections, and more that we are so capable of. You’ll find depth, sincerity, and joy in my stories — as well as ducks and dragons!

When I pivoted from my teaching career (PhD in Latin American Literature), I brought the same focus to honing my KidLit craft — and even more passion, because I yearn to help make the world more inclusive and to help young readers embrace unique identities. As part of this goal, I’m so honored to be a designer/illustrator for Stevie Bees’ Safe Spaces apparel!

As a member of 12×12 and SCBWI, I am actively pursuing representation and publication. I dive in daily to workshops, conferences, critique groups, constant creative practice, and contests. I’m excited to be a #PBParty honorable mention in 2023 and 2024 for my illustration work, and a PBRisingStars Mentorship runner-up for 2024 and honorable mention 2025. And I was so honored to be given First Place in the Middle Grade Category at the Fall 2025 SCBWI SoCal conference for my novel Warp and Weave!

I have been writing and making art all my life. When I wasn’t reading as a child, I was filling sketchbooks, journals, and school notebooks with pictures and stories. And I’ve never stopped! I love creating meaningful works for my own children and their peers, plus any others seeking refuge in imagination or needing inspiration to love themselves and others. I hope my contributions will invite readers of all ages to experience wonder, to understand and celebrate their own and others’ differences, and to cherish and mend our world. You may see my art portfolio here. I also run an Etsy shop with stationery, prints, and commissioned portraits.

When not writing or drawing, I’m daydreaming, flapping my dragon wings, learning new languages (fluent in 3, conversant in more!), and immersing myself in nature and storytelling with my husband, two kids, and rescue dog at home (currently in California, with roots in Wisconsin). You can learn more about me in this post!

I would love to hear from you! Please contact me if you have interest in learning more about my work or in collaborating to bring books to children. I’m open to discussing new projects and commissions! Use this form, email me at CSchneiderAuthorIllustrator@gmail.com, or connect through these platforms: