Welcome to my site!

Come on in and learn a little bit about me, a little bit about my writing, and a little bit about how to spell the word weird...

  I was a guest reviewer on Good Reads With Ronna!

• http://www.goodreadswithronna.com/2015/09/02/circus-mirandus-by-cassie-beasley/
  
• http://www.goodreadswithronna.com/2015/08/12/the-perfect-percival-priggs-by-julie-anne-graham/
  

I am an active member of SCBWI,

The Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators

      Jo Ann Banks                Writer of Stories, Poems, and Silly Songs

SCBWI  AWARDS

• Chapter Book manuscript The Weird Kid, won First Place in its category at SCBWI Los Angeles, 2014
  
• Manuscript A Baaad Idea, A Sheep's Tale, won First Place in the Picture Book Category at SCBWI Los Angeles, 2012
  
• Manuscript Goat Mountain Vacation, won Special Mention in the Picture Book Category at SCBWI Central-Coastal Writer's Day, 2010
  

I write Picture Books, Early Readers, Chapter Books,

Middle Grade, and Poetry.

(I also write silly songs, which is as fun as writing stories but more annoying for my family.)

Here's what critiquers say...

• "Jo Ann's stories are, at once, both whimsical and touching."
  
• "These two endearing characters are portrayed in fun-to-read-aloud language."
  
• "This story offers a wealth of illustration opportunities."
  
• "Hey, this is really funny!"