THE CHRISTMAS ELEPHANT: A NATIVITY STORY
Author: Maria Antonia / Illustrator: Laura Zarrin
Publisher: Paraclete Press
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"The perfect warm holiday tale in times of chaos and pressure to be perfect."
— Donna Barba Higuera, Newbery Medal & Pura Belpré Author Award Winner
"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
Book Launch Party / Maria Antonia signing her Christmas Elephant books at her book launch on October 19, 2024. Lots of fun was had with elephant cookies, crafts and origami, and more. » Click here to view more photos.
Saturday, November 2, 2024
Maria is presenting an "Explore and Enrich" Session*
"Spotlight on Drama Ministry for Kids"
at the Toronto Children's Ministry Conference
*This is a paid conference; to register, click on the link above
Saturday, November 16, 2024, 9:30 am to 12:30 pm
SCPL LitFest
Children's Author Showcase
Central Library
54 Church Street, St. Catharines, ON
*This is a FREE event! Maria will be selling and signing books.
Saturday, November 23, 2024, 11 am to 7 pm
A Cozy Christmas Market
Central Community Centre
680 York Road, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON
*This is a FREE event! Maria will be selling and signing books.
Children's Author, Maria Antonia
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.
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. Sign up for my newsletter and get your copy today! (*Already signed up, send me an email and I'll send it to you.)
My second picture book, Barnaby the Runaway Sheep, was officially announced in Publisher's Weekly in June. It's the story of a quirky little sheep named Barnaby who runs away to avoid getting sheared and must learn to trust his shepherds.
BARNABY THE RUNAWAY SHEEP
Author: Maria Antonia / Illustrator: Sayani Mukherjee
Publisher: Paraclete Press
Release Date: March 4, 2025
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.
» From the Hat Box Files
» Knowing When a Story is Done
» Theme of Resurrection in Books
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