Author visits spark a lifelong love of reading and writing in students, offering a chance to meet the real person who brings stories to life. When you book a visit, your students get to connect with me, a published author, in an engaging, memorable way as I share the joy of storytelling ... Because Stories Matter!
I am booking both virtual and in-person visits.
"Our students loved our virtual author visit with Maria Antonia! We hope to have another opportunity to virtually visit with Maria for her next books!" — Ms. Anne Bonderson, teacher, Glendale, AZ
Get the Activity Guide for FREE. The guide has a discussion guide as well as fun activities and games.
Get the Guide Here Buy the Book
THE CHRISTMAS ELEPHANT
Author: Maria Antonia
Illustrator: Laura Zarrin
Publisher: Paraclete Press
"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
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: June 11, 2025
I join Valerie once more to chat about my journey to publication with Barnaby.
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.
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
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.
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