Kris Tarantino writes picture books for children. Her debut book, Be My ValenSLIME, illustrated by New York Times bestselling illustrator Cori Doerrfeld, is forthcoming from WaterBrook in December 2023.
Kris has a deep appreciation for a child’s inquisitive nature and their fantastical imaginations, and her stories draw on her own experiences, sprinkled with humor, playfulness, and whimsy. She is a member of SCBWI and the 12×12 Picture Book Writing Challenge. She has participated as a faculty speaker on a SCBWI Writer/Illustrator Panel, and has won numerous writing and mentor awards. Kris holds a B.A. in Business, Marketing, and Art. Prior to writing children’s books, she worked in marketing, licensing popular characters for companies that make fun products like toys, books, and balloons. You can find her online at www.kristarantino.com.