Hi, I’m Kelly Bennett. Welcome to my site!

I write for children, mostly picture books—fiction and non-fiction—celebrating imagination, families, friends, pets… all that goes into being a kid!  

To Order Books: click here!

For signed/personalized books contact: A Book Place Boutique

School Visits and Critique Services too!


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Cover Image Coming Soon!

Rainbow Kite

Coming to Bookstores Everywhere Soon!

Lulu has no intention of venturing out—why would they?—until a plain, bedraggled kite blows into view.

A lighthearted picture book about a child and runaway kite who, during a playful romp through the neighborhood, helps other children realize they too are free to imagine and play and be whatever and whomever they choose.

Illustrated by K.M. Brown 

(forthcoming from Young Dragons Press)


It’s Opening Day! Yankee Stadium towers grand, gleaming, and ready!

A picture book commemorating the 100th Anniversary of Yankee Stadium, baseball & Babe Ruth!

A historical non-fiction picture book celebrating Baseball, Babe Ruth & the first baseball stadium in the world! With true-to-event illustrations, reminiscent of Norman Rockwell, and facts on every page about the stadium, the teams, and baseball, The House That Ruth Built recreates the excitement—on and off the field—of that 1923 opening day game in Yankee Stadium. Prior to the game, legendary slugger Babe Ruth said he’d “give a year of his life to hit a homer” that day. In the bottom of the third inning, two on, two out, the big question was: Could the Babe come through? End notes include the results of the game, Yankee Stadium, places and websites to visit for more baseball!

I think your Ruth book is one of the best things in its genre I have ever seen. Really creative. It goes both ways: Good for adults, and good for children.
— Dr. Lawrence D. Hogan, Baseball Historian & Author
Between the fun story, the informational facts, and the amazing illustrations, THE HOUSE THAT RUTH BUILT is a great introduction to baseball, Yankee Stadium, and Babe Ruth for children!
— Cassidy Lent, National Baseball Hall of Fame Library Director

Interviews


The House That Ruth Built

Episode 126 • 6th April 2024 • Football Is Family • Sports History Network




Writer is Read What Writers Read!

Shepherd polled 1382 authors—of all genres—to find out what books they loved best this year.

Here’s the link to my 2023 picks and why I picked them—along with 3 favorite picture books!


…and the crowd goes WILD! (Insert raucous cheering & clapping!!!)

Norman One Amazing Goldfish Wins at Oklahoma Writers’ Federation Inc.!

Spoiler Alert: Norman has a trophy to add to the Pet-O-Rama prize! Norman One Amazing Goldfish was awarded Oklahoma Writers Federation (OWFI) Best Picture Book!

My picture book manuscript ”Crosstown Hop” won 1st at OWFI. It’s a romp! You know you want to read it! Editors—are you listening???



CONGRATS TO OUR LAST WINNER!! Kira!!

We don’t always video it, but we do always pick a WINNER-WINNER CHICKEN DINNER! Sooooo

Enter the CONTEST already!

You can win too!! Here’s how!

It’s a WINNER’S CHOICE GIVEAWAY with awesome prizes!

Here’s what’s in it for you?!

🤩 WIN! A Zoom or Skype Chat with Kelly Bennett!
🐟 WIN! A Zoom or Skype Chat with Norman T Goldfish!
📄WIN! A Critique of your Manuscript
🎉WIN! A Virtual Author Visit for your School
📚WIN! A Storytime Read-Aloud 

CHOOSE YOUR PRIZE WHEN YOU WIN:

📙WIN! An Autographed Book—winner’s choice
🐠WIN! A Goldfish (live or crackers—winner’s choice)
🧛🏻WIN! Interview with a Vampire Baby (creator)
🤠WIN! Virtual Two-Step or Salsa Lesson
📜WIN! A Poem (subject and/or form of your choosing)


Whether it’s about friends, school, home, writing, or anything else, just Ask Norman!

Ideas for Poetry in the Classroom are on my Pinterest


Feeling inspired can be tough.
So, like sea glass and shooting stars, I’m collecting Inspiration.
As I go through my days, I’m seeking out people and ideas that spark my imagination.

Click on the button to have the prompts emailed directly to you!

Here’s what’s inspired me lately . . .


 Join the 7-Minute Poetry Challenge. If YOU dare. . .

Each week, a new 7-minute poetry prompt is posted in The Fishbowl (aka Kelly’s Blog).

The prompts are fun and fast—for creatives of all ages.

Click on the button below to have the prompts emailed directly to you!

Check out some of the previous challenges below: