Hi!
I’m Nell Cross Beckerman and it’s so nice to meet you! Here are some things I can tell you about myself:
I grew up in California and spent weekends with my dad in San Diego. He is a biologist. I played a lot in his lab and he taught me about animals. My weekends were fun and relaxing, with lots of reading, bike riding, and having fun at the beach. I had no brothers or sisters and often played alone. My mom was a librarian and loved books. I was lucky to have two parents that valued creativity.
I’m Nell Cross Beckerman and it’s so nice to meet you! Here are some things I can tell you about myself:
I grew up in California and spent weekends with my dad in San Diego. He is a biologist. I played a lot in his lab and he taught me about animals. My weekends were fun and relaxing, with lots of reading, bike riding, and having fun at the beach. I had no brothers or sisters and often played alone. My mom was a librarian and loved books. I was lucky to have two parents that valued creativity.
I have two daughters. When they were little one of my favorite things to do with them was read books. Having that cozy, cuddle time, talking about the books, doing funny voices, and getting lost in the art made me appreciate picture books in a way I never had.
Sometimes, when my girls couldn’t go to sleep, I would turn off the lights and just make up stories to help relax them. They loved these stories, and as they grew older, I thought it could be sweet to write one down and try to self-publish it, just as a keepsake. So I signed up for a picture book writing class at UCLA Extension.
During an in-class writing prompt, I had the idea for my first book, DOWN UNDER THE PIER. 30 drafts later, it became a book. And then I got to go back to UCLA extension and share what I had learned in the process.
During an in-class writing prompt, I had the idea for my first book, DOWN UNDER THE PIER. 30 drafts later, it became a book. And then I got to go back to UCLA extension and share what I had learned in the process.
Along the way, I recruited three women from the class to join a writing group with me. Everyone talks about how lonely the writer’s life is, but I had the opposite experience. Becoming a writer gave me amazing friends. As a group, we are so supportive of each other and help each other grow, and laugh a LOT. I thought having a published book would be the ultimate dream come true, but having my writing group is even better. Follow these talented ladies: Chelsea Lin Wallace, Erica Rich, Sasha Mayer, Carter Higgins, Julia Wasson, and Gela Kalaitzidis.
My mission is to share my enthusiasm of the magic of the world, and inspire connections—connection to yourself, connection to others, and connection to the world. My other mission is to have fun!
Official Bio:
Nell Cross Beckerman writes books for children, inspired by adventure and connection found through nature.
A former documentary TV producer at The Discovery Channel, MSNBC, VH1, MTV, and Nickelodeon, she grew up in Southern California with a biologist father and librarian mother. Combining science and poetry delights her!
Award-winning titles include CAVES (Scholastic) illustrated by Kalen Chock, WHEN THE SKY GLOWS (Beach Lane Books/ Simon & Schuster) illustrated by David Litchfield, DOWN UNDER THE PIER (Cameron Kids) illustrated by Rachell Sumpter. Current releases are FROM PARK TO PLAYA: THE TRAILS THAT CONNECT US (Abrams/Cameron Kids) illustrated by New York Times Bestselling illustrator Sophie Diao, and VOLCANOES (Scholastic) illustrated by Kalen Chock. Coming in 2025: FORESTS (Scholastic) illustrated by Kalen Chock.
For school visits, event speaking, and writing classes, visit NellCrossBeckerman.com
Interviews.
interviews and guest blog posts
Picture Book Buzz
Simply 7 Interview by Jena Benton
Interview by Susanna Leonard Hill
Kid Lit Oasis
Patricia Newman LitLinks Blog: How Nature Makes Student Feel Connected to Their World
Nurturing a Love for Reading and Nature: The Magic of Picture Books
Patricia Newman LitLinks Blog: Two ways to uncover nature's secrets using STEM kidlit
Why Does the Sky GLow? Let's Find Out!
Inspired By a Magical Moment with a Bunny blog post on Beth Anderson's Blog
Feature on Shoutout LA: Meet Nell Cross Beckerman, Picture Book Author
Demystifying ALA Annual: How I Got There as a Picture Book Author: SCBWI-LA Kite Tales Blog
Simply 7 Interview by Jena Benton
Interview by Susanna Leonard Hill
Kid Lit Oasis
Patricia Newman LitLinks Blog: How Nature Makes Student Feel Connected to Their World
Nurturing a Love for Reading and Nature: The Magic of Picture Books
Patricia Newman LitLinks Blog: Two ways to uncover nature's secrets using STEM kidlit
Why Does the Sky GLow? Let's Find Out!
Inspired By a Magical Moment with a Bunny blog post on Beth Anderson's Blog
Feature on Shoutout LA: Meet Nell Cross Beckerman, Picture Book Author
Demystifying ALA Annual: How I Got There as a Picture Book Author: SCBWI-LA Kite Tales Blog
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