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 write Picture Books, Early Readers, Early Chapter Books, and Poetry.

(I also write silly songs, which is as fun as writing stories but more annoying for my family.
I write to-do lists too, but I hardly ever use them. They just pile up on my desk and collect dust.)

I am an active member of SCBWI,

The Society of Children's Book Writer's and Illustrators

  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/
  

AWARDS

• Early 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
  

  Here's what people say about me...

• "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!"
  
• "We are returning your manuscript because it does not fit our editorial needs."
  
• "Did you really fall in a creek at your Great-Grandma's funeral?"
  

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