About the Author

Your life is already artful – waiting, just waiting, for you to make it art.”

— Toni Morrison

Marissa Lilli Nicole is a Black and Venezuelan educator, writer, and advocate for diverse storytelling. Based in Seattle, Washington, she is passionate about creating books that uplift underrepresented voices and help children see the beauty in themselves and the world around them. Inspired by her own experiences, her work blends heart, culture, and emotional depth, making space for children to explore their feelings and imaginations.

Her debut picture book, Julius the Moodiest releasing in June, is a vibrant and playful celebration of emotions. It follows Julius, an energetic boy with a big heart and even bigger moods. From feeling groovy to furious, hangry to affectionate, Julius learns that every feeling—no matter how big or small—is a part of who he is. Through humor and heart, this book encourages emotional intelligence, self-acceptance, and the power of embracing every mood.

A lifelong lover of books, Marissa started writing poetry as a teenager to express big feelings—something she now brings into her stories for children. As a mother to a young son, she understands the importance of representation and the power of books in shaping young minds. Her writing is filled with joy, rhythm, and warmth, making every story an invitation to dream, feel, and grow.

When she’s not writing, Marissa can be found reading with her son, traveling, connecting with young readers, or drinking boba tea while daydreaming about her next story.