Submitted by Vicki O’Keefe.

When you open some books, a breath of fresh air blows back your hair. Ellie Peterson writes those kinds of children’s books.

Peterson will visit the Orcas School District on Friday, October 7 all day. She is a picture book author, illustrator and former educator living in the Seattle area. Her work is inspired by the countless interactions with kids after 20 wonderful years as a classroom teacher.

According to Peterson, her experience growing up as a biracial army brat led her to become a coordinator with the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for the Western Washington chapter of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, (SCBWI), and a member of Broad Strokes, an all-female illustration critique group.

“My goal is to make books that amuse, intrigue, and inspire children of all,” she said.

In addition to her visit to Orcas Island School District Friday, on Saturday, Oct. 8 she will be appearing at Orcas Library at 11 a.m. and Darvill’s Bookstore at noon. She will also visit Salmonberry School on Monday, October 10.