Portfolio

Mouse dressed in a suit
Mouse in a bed
Mouse in a bed
Colorful bird carrying a bird house
Kittens chasing butterflies
Kittens chasing butterflies
Wet kittens
Wet mother cat
King with a bird
King with a mechanical bird playing chess
People carrying birds
People carrying birds
Bear catching salmon
Bear smells treats

Chapter Book Series

Mouse Troubles in Room 201

Book 1: A MOODY MONSTER
A clever mouse, named Eleven, has made a cozy home in the bottom drawer of a file cabinet in room 201. Eleven believes he lives in a castle all by himself and is in for a few surprises when the teacher returns from summer vacation and the school year begins.
The teacher, Mrs. Welcome, can’t see or hear Eleven. But the wild ones, in room 201 get to know the well-dressed mouse who helps them with reading, writing, and math.
There’s trouble in room 201 when Mrs. Welcome brings in a classroom pet. Eleven and his friends must find a way to get rid of Montague, the moody monster, before he makes the mouse his meal.
A MOODY MONSTER is 4,500 words.
Book 2: THE MOUSETRONAUT
Book 3: THE DEEP SEA ADVENTURE

Picture Books

Mouse In Room 201

Mouse is really good at reading and math and helps everyone in class. But when a big problem comes to school, will Mouse accept help or face the danger on his own? (405 words pb text)

Harlow’s Sweet Treats

When a stubborn bear cub sneaks off to eat sweets in town, he gets trapped by his desires. Wishing for his old life as a cub in the wild, he must find a way back to his papa and his mountain before losing his freedom forever.
Picture book: Text and Dummy available.

Poppet’s Big Mistake

When the most enthusiastic dog in school is accused of stealing lunches, Mrs. Flabbergast sends him home absolutely and permanently. His classmates must work together to find the real thief and get their best friend back on his dog bed.
Picture book: Text available, dummy in process.

Made by Chloe

Chloe tries to fit in with her artistic family as she makes one joyful mess after another. She is criticized and left out until one day her wild imagination brings comfort to her best friend.
Picture book: Text available, dummy in process.

Legend of the Pussywillow

Story of how the willow became the Pussywillow.
Picture book: Text and Dummy available.

Nest

A nonfiction wordless picture book about the clues to find nests of various birds.
Picture book: Dummy available.


Middle Grade

Untrainable

Izzy, a nine year old who struggles to remember things and is failing in school and soccer, adopts Coco, an old dog who doesn’t follow rules and hasn’t been trained. Together they discover how relationships require us to stand by each other and be brave.
Middle grade: text in process.


Bio (pronouns she/her)

Picture of Sarri Gilman

I’m a member of SCBWI, writing and illustrating picture books and middle grade stories. My experience with kids has been long and wide: I’ve been a counselor in a middle school; run accidentally popular book clubs in elementary and middle schools; supported parents and kids who are neurodiverse; and worked with teens who are homeless. I founded a shelter for teens where I served as Executive Director for ten years - my memoir about that experience, Cocoon, was published in 2023.

After writing nonfiction books for adults, I transitioned to writing for kids, where the language spoken is feelings.  I completed a year-long class with a university teacher on writing for kids, a picture book writing class at the University of Washington, and a picture book illustration course from Rhode Island School of Design. I continue to take classes and participate in critique groups.

Every Thursday, I read with first graders at my local elementary school. I think it's important to inspire the next generation of readers and I love reading with kids.

I live in a small island community in the Pacific Northwest with my husband and dogs. Our kids are grown. Inspiration hits while walking beaches and trails with friends. I am a cold-water swimmer, knit my way through winter, play like a wild child in the summer and have a private therapy practice.

Painting of a small dog

Get In Touch

I love hearing from you! Send me a message and join my email list

All Artwork is the sole property of Sarri Gilman and is held under copyright © 2024. The images, artwork, and contents of this website may not be copied, collected or used for personal or professional gain without the written permission of Sarri Gilman.