books

Barnes & Noble Storytime and Book Signing: Henderson, NV

| Bonnie Kelso

In Store  |  Saturday, May 17, 2025 11:00 AM PT

567 North Stephanie, Henderson, NV 89014
Storytime & Author signing with Bonnie Kelso!

Please join me at Barnes & Noble in Henderson, Nevada for a special storytime and book signing. I’ll be reading Wonder of the Woods, published by The Little Press. Reserve a copy now. (702) 434-1533.

A young girl explores the wooded area near her home and encounters a variety of animals that are curious about their new visitor. Tails twitch, bodies ripple, and leaves drift. They watch each other from a safe distance. Could the Wonder of the Woods be YOU? Wonders abound as you explore nature in this lyrical picture book about curiosity and harmony.

I can’t wait to see you there!

Bonnie

Bonnie Kelso writes and illustrates books for children that educate and inspire. She facilitates art workshops for her local community and beyond. NUDI GILL: Poison Powerhouse of the Sea, introduces kids to the tiny but fierce nudibranch. SEA SMILES & SLEEPY SEA are part of a three-part series pairing childhood milestones with fascinating sea animal facts. Coming soon: DEXTER THE STAND UP DOG, shares the true story of a canine internet sensation who adapted to walking upright after a tragic accident.

LVCCLD Summer Challenge 2025!

| Bonnie Kelso

It’s almost time for the Las Vegas Clark County Library District’s Summer Challenge! This year’s theme is TRAVEL – one of my favorite activities. Check out my workshops: Mini Travel Journals: Craft Your Passport-Sized Adventure!

Create your very own passport-sized travel journal, the perfect companion for your next adventure, or a creative keepsake to capture memories from past journeys!

These easy-to-make accordion-folded journals are designed to be ultra-portable, so you can document your travels anytime, anywhere. With a handy pocket in the back, you’ll have a special place to store treasures like ticket stubs, maps, and tiny mementos. Not planning a trip just yet? No problem! Transform it into a personal vision board to help manifest your next getaway. Wherever your adventures take you, this journal will be right there with you!

These workshops are free and open to the public. All supplies are included.

See you there!

Bonnie

Bonnie Kelso writes and illustrates books for children that educate and inspire. She facilitates art workshops for her local community and beyond. NUDI GILL: Poison Powerhouse of the Sea, introduces kids to the tiny but fierce nudibranch. SEA SMILES & SLEEPY SEA are part of a three-part series pairing childhood milestones with fascinating sea animal facts. Coming soon: DEXTER THE STAND UP DOG, shares the true story of a canine internet sensation who adapted to walking upright after a tragic accident.

HUMP DAY CALLS (Podcast)

| Bonnie Kelso

I recently had the opportunity to speak with author, T.R. Monroe, on his Hump Day Calls Podcast. We talked about my newest books, WONDER OF THE WOODS and QUAIL TRAIL, which are both available now.

We also had a lengthy discussion about the creative process, writing, and travel. I hope you enjoy the conversation!

See you on the radio!

Bonnie

Bonnie Kelso writes and illustrates books for children and adults that encourage individualism and brave self-expression. She facilitates art workshops for her local community and beyond. Her debut picture book, NUDI GILL, released April 4, 2023. SEA SMILES, the first of a three-part series, released February 20, 2024. Coming soon: SLEEPY SEA and DEXTER THE STAND UP DOG, available for preorder now. A lover of nature and travel, she often wanders about outside with her family whenever an excellent opportunity to do so presents itself.

The Las Vegas Book Festival!

| Bonnie Kelso

Last Saturday was the Las Vegas Book Festival! I went for the first time and helped host the Nevada SCBWI (Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators) information booth with other volunteer members. I was so impressed with the amount of vendors, speakers, and activities. The Historic 5th Street School makes for a lovely venue with its Spanish architectural details.

I think we recruited a dozen or so new members; networked with booksellers, librarians, and teachers; and I even booked a school visit! We were encouraging visitors to “READ LOCAL!” and support Nevada authors and illustrators. It was also the most beautiful fall day we’ve had after a long and dreadfully hot summer.

There was even a special appearance by Mo Willems’ Elephant and Piggie. At our booth we had activity sheets from my book Nudi Gill and I taught kids how to make a zine from one piece of paper.

All in all it was a great experience and I look forward to attending again next year. I highly recommend checking it out. In my humble opinion, the nicest people in the world seem to be book people!

See you at the Las Vegas Book Festival next year!

Bonnie

Bonnie Kelso writes and illustrates books for children and adults that encourage individualism and brave self-expression. She facilitates art workshops for her local community and beyond. Her debut picture book, NUDI GILL, released April 4, 2023. SEA SMILES, the first of a three-part series, released February 20, 2024. Coming soon: WONDER OF THE WOODS and QUAIL TRAIL, releasing this fall. A lover of nature and travel, she often wanders about outside with her family whenever an excellent opportunity to do so presents itself.

Nature Bound (Podcast)

| Bonnie Kelso

I recently had the awesome opportunity to speak with author and nature enthusiast, Emanuel Rose, on his Nature Bound podcast. We talked about my new books, WONDER OF THE WOODS and QUAIL TRAIL, which are both available for pre-order now.

Emanuel’s ambition is to craft episodes that are not only entertaining but are designed to ignite the flame of inspiration. He delves into the myriad ways time spent in wilderness can illuminate paths to self-discovery and self-realization. I hope you enjoy our conversation as well others on the Nature Bound podcast.

See you on the radio!

Bonnie

Bonnie Kelso writes and illustrates books for children and adults that encourage individualism and brave self-expression. She facilitates art workshops for her local community and beyond. Her debut picture book, NUDI GILL, released April 4, 2023. SEA SMILES, the first of a three-part series, released February 20, 2024. Coming soon: WONDER OF THE WOODS and QUAIL TRAIL, releasing this fall. A lover of nature and travel, she often wanders about outside with her family whenever an excellent opportunity to do so presents itself.

Should have listened to my mother (Podcast)

| Bonnie Kelso

My last podcast for a spell just released. This one is extra special because not only do I talk about books and sea slugs, but also my mom, and how amazing she is! This was recorded on Mother’s Day weekend and is now live on the air-waves. Check out Jackie Tantillo’s Should Have Listened to My Mother podcast.

More from Jackie and the Should Have Listened to My Mother Podcast:

Podcast host Jackie Tantillo is proud to announce that “Should Have Listened To My Mother Podcast” is a 2023 Peoples Choice Podcast Award Nominee. The show is an ongoing conversation about mothers/maternal role models and the roles they play/played in our lives. Did your mom influence you by her actions or words or both? Are you who you are today because of, or in spite of, your mother? This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to learn from others about who and/or what shaped them into who they are today. My guests, some of which share similar backgrounds, interestingly enough, have completely different futures. Why is that? I hope you enjoy these timeless oral history recordings of the role mothers and maternal figures have played throughout society. The impact these women have on our lives is insurmountable.

Some fun pictures of me and my mom that didn’t make it into the show notes:

I love you, Mom! See you on the radio!

Bonnie

Bonnie Kelso writes and illustrates books for children and adults that encourage individualism and brave self-expression. She facilitates art workshops for her local community and beyond. Her debut picture book, NUDI GILL, released April 4, 2023. SEA SMILES, the first of a three-part series, released February 20, 2024. Coming soon: WONDER OF THE WOODS and QUAIL TRAIL, releasing this fall. A lover of nature and travel, she often wanders about outside with her family whenever an excellent opportunity to do so presents itself.

The Infinite Search (Podcast)

| Bonnie Kelso

You’re probably thinking, what more could Bonnie have to say? Well, this conversation I had with John Robert Hatherly of The Infinite Search Podcast, touches on some great topics, like why adults should read children’s books and how I built a new creative career after dropping out of the workforce for a decade to travel and raise kids.

In addition to hosting a thoughtful podcast, John is a talented artist, designer and writer. I hope you will take the time to check out our conversation and the others coming out this season.

See you on the radio!

Bonnie

Bonnie Kelso writes and illustrates books for children and adults that encourage individualism and brave self-expression. She facilitates art workshops for her local community and beyond. Her debut picture book, NUDI GILL, released April 4, 2023. SEA SMILES, the first of a three-part series, released February 20, 2024. Coming soon: WONDER OF THE WOODS and QUAIL TRAIL, releasing this fall. A lover of nature and travel, she often wanders about outside with her family whenever an excellent opportunity to do so presents itself.

SCBWI Crystal Kite Award Finalist!

| Bonnie Kelso

What a pleasant surprise to find out that Nudi Gill: Poison Powerhouse of the Sea is a finalist for the SCBWI (Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators) Crystal Kite Award!

The Crystal Kite Awards are chosen by other children’s book writers, illustrators, and translators, making them the only peer-given awards in publishing for young readers. But even if you aren’t a children’s book professional, you can still vote for your favorites by creating a free account at www.SCBWI.org.

You can vote for any and all regions, too! Nudi Gill can be found as part of the Southwest Division, because that’s where I live. This is a super cool award, because if you win, you might be selected to present at the SCBWI Summer Conference in August. Also, you get really neat silver stickers to put to the front of your book.

Final voting is until June 20th, so hop on over there and help a sea slug out! You might even discover a few cool books you want to read for yourself or give to a young reader, library, or school.

Best wishes,

Bonnie

Bonnie Kelso writes and illustrates books for children and adults that encourage individualism and brave self-expression. She facilitates art workshops for her local community and beyond. Her debut picture book, NUDI GILL, released April 4, 2023. SEA SMILES, the first of a three-part series, released February 20, 2024. Coming soon: WONDER OF THE WOODS and QUAIL TRAIL, releasing this fall. A lover of nature and travel, she often wanders about outside with her family whenever an excellent opportunity to do so presents itself.

Reading With Your Kids (Podcast)

| Bonnie Kelso

Hey, guess what? I was a guest on another podcast! I can’t help myself, podcasts are so much fun. This one is a more mainstream kidlit podcast called Reading With Your Kids, hosted by Jed Doherty.

Jed, or Jedlie, is a hoot to talk with. In addition to being a podcaster and dedicated advocate for children’s literature, he is a real magician! Our discussion begins about halfway through the episode. We talk about my new picture book, Sea Smiles, the horrors of a wolffish’s mouth, and mysterious ocean saviors. I hope you will take the time to listen in!

See you on the radio!

Bonnie

Bonnie Kelso writes and illustrates books for children and adults that encourage individualism and brave self-expression. She facilitates art workshops for her local community and beyond. Her debut picture book, NUDI GILL, released April 4, 2023. SEA SMILES, the first of a three-part series, released February 20, 2024. Coming soon: WONDER OF THE WOODS and QUAIL TRAIL, releasing this fall. A lover of nature and travel, she often wanders about outside with her family whenever an excellent opportunity to do so presents itself.