Short Bio
Debbie Zapata, LCSW, is the author of Abuela’s Letter, published by Magination Press, Books for Kids American Psychological Association, and illustrated by Alejandra Ruiz. Debbie’s debut picture book, Up and Adam, is published by Kid Can Press and illustrated by Yong Ling Kang. Debbie enjoys helping others as a counselor and writing books for children that have heart and humor. She loves creating stories about ordinary people doing extraordinary things. Debbie lives with her family in Austin, Texas.
Long Bio
Debbie Zapata, LCSW, is the author of Abuela’s Letter, published by Magination Press, Books for Kids American Psychological Association, and illustrated by Alejandra Ruiz. Debbie’s debut picture book, Up and Adam, is published by Kid Can Press and illustrated by Yong Ling Kang. As a child growing up in Austin, Debbie loved the places that brought people together—public parks, community rec centers, and the local libraries. She loved writing letters to her international pen pals. Today, she is passionate about writing books for children that have heart and humor. Her favorite stories are about ordinary people doing extraordinary things.
Through her work, Debbie hopes to make children smile, inspire kindness, and create an inclusive world where all readers can see themselves. Besides being an author, Debbie is a former international programs specialist, a role that has given her a deep understanding of diverse cultures and perspectives. In 2005, she received her Master in Social Work from NYU, which has informed her compassionate approach to storytelling. Debbie enjoys helping others as a counselor and spending time with her family. She is a member of SCBWI and represented by James McGowan of BookEnds Literary Agency.
Headshot
Click on the image to download a high-resolution file. Photo credit to Joni Lorraine Photography.
Book Cover Images
Click on the cover to download a high-resolution image. For more information and details, please head to my BOOKS page.
Cover credit: illustrator Yong Ling Kang and designer Karen Powers.
Cover credit: illustrator Alejandra Ruiz and designer Christina Gaulger.