Picture Books

Mouse at School

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)

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.

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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.