BARNABY THE RUNAWAY SHEEP
Author: Maria Antonia
Illustrator: Sayani Mukherjee
Publisher: Paraclete Press
Release Date: March 4, 2025

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Maria Antonia celebrating her new picture book, Barnaby the Runaway Sheep

"A delightfully refreshing take on a popular, perennial tale." —Glenys Nellist, author of the Love Letters from God and Good News series

"In this charming tale, Barnaby is oh-so-relatable as he learns to trust his beloved shepherd." —Janet Sumner Johnson, award-winning author



“Life was good on the farm." — Barnaby the Runaway Sheep

Peek inside as Barnaby hangs out with his shepherds
Peek inside at Barnaby after he's lost
Peek inside at Barnaby and the other sheep

Meet the Author / Maria Antonia


Barnaby the Runaway Sheep
Children's Author, Maria Antonia

Book Order Links




Book Tour

Blog Tour


Media Appearances

CFN Live
Air Date: March 4, 2025
I'm back on CFN Live to talk about my new picture book, Barnaby the Runaway Sheep!

BookWorthy Podcast with Valerie Fentress
Air Date: TBA (May-July 2025)
I join Valerie once more to chat about my journey to publication with Barnaby.



“There is something delicious about writing the first words of a story.” ― Beatrix Potter



Barnaby the Runaway Sheep

Free Download

Get the Activity Guide for FREE. The guide has a discussion guide as well as fun activities and games.

Get the Guide Here








“You don't write because you want to, but because you have to.” ― Judy Blume

The Christmas Elephant, a picture book by children's author, Maria Antonia

THE CHRISTMAS ELEPHANT
Author: Maria Antonia
Illustrator: Laura Zarrin
Publisher: Paraclete Press

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Children's Author Maria Antonia visits schools to talk about writing

"A quirky story about a tenacious girl who wants to express herself and celebrate Christmas and Baby Jesus... The soft, muted tones of the illustrations add a flare of holiday spirit and a touch of simplistic softness that is nostalgic to the season."
School Library Journal

"The perfect warm holiday tale in times of chaos and pressure to be perfect."
Donna Barba Higuera, Newbery Medal & Pura Belpré Author Award Winner


“I'm an elephant," Ellie said. "An elephant that never forgets!" — The Christmas Elephant

Christmas Elephant peek inside the book
Christmas Elephant peek inside the book
Christmas Elephant peek inside the book

Meet the Author / Maria Antonia


Children's Author, Maria Antonia




Past Media Appearances

Bible For Kids Podcast with Sarah Humphrey and Mike Nawrocki
Air Date: September 30, 2024
I chat with Sarah and Mike (aka Larry the Cucumber!) about my background in theatre and the inspiration for writing The Christmas Elephant!

Reading With Your Kids Podcast with Jed Doherty
Air Date: November 8, 2024
Join us as I chat with a veteran of the magic show circuit Jedlie about elephants and missing props and about being brave to do the things we love.
My segment begins at the 33 minute mark.

BookWorthy Podcast with Valerie Fentress
Air Date: Wednesday, November 20, 2024
Valerie and I chat about my journey to publication, my favorite books, and why we write for kids.

The Wednesday Bookmark with Care Baldwin
Air Date: Wednesday, November 27, 2024
I chat with Care Baldwin about Christmas pageants and more.





“You can never get a cup of tea large enough or a book long enough to suit me.” ― C.S. Lewis



The Christmas Elephant

Free Downloads

Get either of these guides for free! The Activity Guide has coloring pages and other fun activities. The Teacher's Guide has everything from discussion questions to drama games for a variety of age groups.

Activity Guide Teacher's Guide








“There is more treasure in books than in all the pirate’s loot on Treasure Island.” ― Walt Disney

Maria Antonia

About Me Q&A with Maria Fun Facts

Short Bio

MARIA ANTONIA is a children’s book author of such books as The Christmas Elephant and Barnaby the Runaway Sheep. She has also published stories in children’s magazines such as Spider, Storytime, and Clubhouse Jr. In addition to writing, Maria also enjoys sipping a nice cup of hot tea and capturing the world with her camera. She has lived in Sunny Spain, Busy New York City, and currently resides in the Great White North of Canada.

Read some of my blog pieces...

» From the Hat Box Files
» Knowing When a Story is Done
» Theme of Resurrection in Books




Away in a Manger
Speedy the Kid
Tia Raquel's Hair

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