Hi, I'm Stephanie Henson

Award-winning children’s book author writing poetry and picture books that help kids feel seen.

Stephanie Henson, children's book author, smiling outdoors in a sunflower field
See My Books

FROM MY BLOG

Awards

In the Right Lane

  • Book Excellence Award Finalist 2023
  • Number 1 New Release on Amazon (Children’s Poetry ebook)

No School, My Rules!

  • Kirkus Get It Designation
  • Number 1 New Release Amazon (ebook Children’s School and Education Books)
  • Regal Summit Book Award Winner – Teaching Category
  • Readers Favorite 5 Star Review Award
  • International Impact Book Award Winner – Education Books Category
  • American Writing Awards Finalist – Education Books Category
  • Pencraft Book Awards – First Place, Emotions Category
  • Story Monsters Approved Award Winner – School Life Category
  • Seasons of Kidlit Summer Best Book Award Runner Up

Tall as the Sun

  • Readers Favorite 5 Star Review Award
  • Children’s Book International Award Finalist – Picture Books
  • Literary Global Book Awards Finalist – Picture Books
  • Purple Dragonfly Book Awards – 2nd Place Winner Outdoor Recreation Category

BOOKS

no school, my rules

A heartfelt story that takes readers on a lyrical journey through the eyes of a child coping with school refusal.

"Sweet, gentle, and full of poetic prose, TALL AS THE SUN is a relatable story of a girl experiencing the joys of a beach day through a unique vantage point." - Jake Lockett, Children's Book Author

tall as the sun

Join a young child as they discover the magic of perspective during a day at the beach with Dad. As our little hero rises higher and higher on Dad's shoulders, the world transforms into a playground of endless possibilities.

in the right lane

SEL Based Poetry Collection for Middle Grade Readers

Available everywhere books are sold online and in select independent bookstores.

COMING SOON

The Magical Parachute — a lyrical picture book about a parachute that brings ideas to life in gym class, teaching kids patience, creativity, and teamwork. Told from the perspective of the parachute.  Publishing Winter 2027 with Blu Caboose Publishing.

REVIEWS

In the Right Lane

“It’s the perfect book to help adolescents understand that they are not alone in their feelings and experiences… a positive inspiration for children navigating the oftentimes rough waters of their pre-teen years.” — Jen, Amazon

“Stephanie is a gifted poet… her passion for wanting to help children through the trials of growing up while helping them stay on a path toward a positive future comes through.” — Amy, Amazon

No School, My Rules!

“A validating, encouraging voice for kids with school-related anxiety.” — Kirkus Reviews, GET IT

“A must-read for kids experiencing reluctance or anxiety about going to school.” — KLR, Amazon

Tall as the Sun

“A whimsical exploration of childhood wonder.” — Kirkus

“A delightful picture book that celebrates small children feeling big and the ordinary days that make them feel that way.” — Indies Today

“Stephanie Henson’s text shines as a read-aloud.” — BookBelow

CONTACT ME

    Agent: Katie Monson, SBR Media (katie@sbrmedia.com)

    ABOUT ME

    Stephanie resides with her family in West Chester, Pennsylvania, but her roots trace back to Central, New Jersey. She holds a degree in Communications and a Publishing and Professional Writing Certificate from Rider University. Stephanie also spends her summers in Ocean City, NJ.  She is an active member of SCBWI (Eastern PA Chapter) and has achieved recognition as a 2024 SCBWI Virtual Conference Scholarship winner. She is also a member of the Keystone State Literacy Association. Her work has been featured in both print and online publications.
     
    Notably, she has published a Children’s Poetry Book entitled “In the Right Lane” (Number 1 New Release in Children’s Poetry), and a Picture Book through Tielmour Press entitled “No School, My Rules!” (Number 1 New Release in Children’s School & Education Books).  “No School, My Rules!” has received numerous industry awards and is a Tielmour Press best-selling title. Her second picture book, “Tall as the Sun” released with Watchful Wizard Publishing in May 2026 and has been recognized with several writing awards as well.

    Beyond her literary pursuits, Stephanie empathizes with underrepresented creators who battle chronic illnesses, particularly due to her own experience with auto immune conditions.. When she’s not immersed in words, Stephanie indulges in reading, theater, mindless web searches, Netflix marathons, sunflowers, sports, and all things related to coffee!

    Follow me on Social Media!

    X-twitter Instagram Tiktok

    Credentials

    Online/Anthology Publications

    • The Toy Magazine
    • Little Thoughts Press
    • Parakeet Magazine
    • Paperbound Magazine
    • Haunted Words Press
    • The Dirigible Balloon 
    • From One Line Anthology
    • Wild Ink Publishing –  Prom Perfect 

    Writing Courses & Publishing Development Seminars

    • Lovely Lyrical Language Webinar – Pat Zietlow Miller, 2022
    • Writing with Emotion – Kristen Dwyer (SCBWI Digital Series), 2022
    • Picture Book Safari – Kaitlyn Sanchez (SCBWI Digital Series), 2022
    • Finding the Right Framework for Your Picture Book – Pat Zietlow Miller, Imagination Workshop, 2022
    • Writing about Grief and Trauma for Kids – Highlights Foundation, 2022
    • How to Use Hip-Hop Music to Level Up Your Picture Book Voice – Ebony Lynn Mudd, 2022
    • Children’s Book Marketing/Book Launch Webinar – Karen Ferreira, 2022
    • Lyrical Language Lab – Renée LaTulippe, 2023
    • Writing Poetry for Children – April Halprin Wayland, UCLA Extension Program, 2023
    • Children’s Book Writing Certificate Participant (Ongoing) – UCSD Extended Studies Program, since April 2023
    • Rhythm, Sounds, and Beats PB Workshop – Jenny Pease, 2023
    • The Rhyme Comes Last – SCBWI Poetry Workshop with Matt Forrest Esenwine, Children’s Poetry, 2023
    • Girl Power Hour – All Day Writing Conference with Michele McAvoy of The Little Press, 2023
    • 2024 SCBWI Virtual Winter Conference (Scholarship Winner)
    • How to Plot Your Novel in 7 Steps – Janae Marks, 2024
    • Highlights Foundation Show Don’t Tell Webinar, 2024
    • Highlights Foundation Writing Poetry to Empower Webinar, 2024
    • Highlights Foundation Gather Webinar – Crafting and Sharing Books from the Heart, 2024
    • 12×12 PB Webinar – Writing Fact Like Fiction in Narrative Nonfiction PBs with Nancy Churnin, 2024
    • Highlights Foundation – Poetic Spaces in Verse Webinar, 2024
    • KidLit Hive – Puzzling Out Your Picture Book with Pat Zietlow Miller, 2024
    • Girl Power Hour – All Day Writing Conference with Michele McAvoy of The Little Press, 2024
    • SCBWI Eastern PA Chapter Fall Conference (Scholarship Winner), 2024
    • JollyCon Conference, December 2025
    • Called to KidLit Christian Craft Conference, April 2026
    • Highlights Foundation Poetic Flow Studio Webinar, April 2026
    • How to Strengthen Your Poetic Voice Webinar – Authors Publish Site, September 2026
    • In the Green Room with Rosie Pova/Taylor Norman – Children’s Publishing Webinar, September 2026
    • SCBWI – How to Create Powerful Stories for Young Readers to See Themselves, 2026
    • SCBWI – Which Way to Go? Using Traditional Narrative Arc and Gentle Arc to Lead Readers Through a Picture Book with Jessica Whipple, 2026
    • SCBWI – Dive Into the Craft of Poetry with Rebecca Kai Dotlich, 2026
    • Poetic Prose Practice with Quartez Harris – 2026

    Contests

    • Kids Choice Kidlit Contest Finalist – 2022
    • KidLit Vibes Honorable Mention – 2022
    • Sun Write Fun Winner – 2022
    • Sun Write Fun Honorable Mention – 2024
    • Sun Write Fun Winner – 2025