Children’s author Leila Kochis has always been creative, mostly painting, since she was a child.

Leila loves to write in rhyme for young children and finds it both mentally challenging and fun. She believes a great story is one with relatable situations coupled with engaging illustrations. She hopes her young readers and families come away from her stories having learned something valuable while spending quality time together, and that this feeling stays with them long after the book is closed.

The author of the picture book Slow Day, about the importance of taking time out and making space in one’s day., and Dealing with Feelings, rhymes that help young children identify what they are feeling. Leila finds time to write whenever she can. When not writing thoughtful stories for children, she enjoys spending time with good friends and family, traveling, yoga, and having brunch with her adult daughter who has inspired all of her work. She lives in the Washington D.C. metro area with her dog, Teddy.