Meet Baltimore Children’s Book Author Kevin O’Malley

 Meet Baltimore Children’s Book Author Kevin O’Malley
Photo courtesy of Kevin O’Malley

Kevin O’Malley has written and illustrated many popular children’s books including “Once Upon a Cool Motorcycle Dude” (Bloomsbury USA Childrens), his New York Times bestseller “Gimme Cracked Corn and I Will Share” (Walker & Company, 2012) and books in the Miss Malarkey series. O’Malley lives in Baltimore with his wife and two sons. Learn more about Kevin and his work in children’s literature.

I wanted to do a kid’s book since the fourth grade. I think that most creative folks spend a good deal of time looking at the world around them. They internalize what they see and reach within themselves when the need requires.

I didn’t get published until I was 28. My first book has always been my favorite book. I am really fond of “Once Upon a Cool Motorcycle Dude” as well.

Meet Baltimore Children’s Book Author Kevin O’Malley
Photo courtesy of Kevin O’Malley

I write down every notion for a story, but I don’t write out the story until I am sure of the ending.

When I have a completed manuscript, I consider the style of the art and design. Each book calls for its own look.

I try really hard not to moralize. I think that humor is a far better way to reach children. A message can be there, but it shouldn’t hit you square in the face. Kids know when they are being lectured to.

Kevin’s advice to aspiring children’s book authors and illustrators: “Write your story and send it off to a publisher. Immediately start working on your next idea.”

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