Barbara Herkert

Children's Book Author

Welcome To My Website! I'm so glad you're here. Click on any of the menu items above to find out more about me and my work.

Coming soon in June, 2026 from Tilbury House Publishers!

Mining for the Heart

Read about my inspiration for This Old Madrone Tree.

Nonfiction picture book biography

Mary Cassatt: Extraordinary Impressionist Painter

Released Oct. 27, 2015 with illustrations by Gabi Swiatkowska. Christy Ottaviano Books/Henry Holt/Macmillan, publisher.

A Boy, a Mouse, and a Spider: The Story of E.B. White

Released October 2017 with illustrations by Lauren Castillo. Christy Ottaviano Books/Henry Holt/Macmillan, publisher.

"Herkert's elegant prose and Castillo's stunning illustrations team up for a magnificent model of what a picture book can be...A stunner--radiant even." Kirkus starred review

Picture book biography

Sewing Stories: Harriet Powers' Journey from Slave to Artist

Released Oct. 13, 2015 with illustrations by Vanessa Brantley-Newton. Alfred A. Knopf, publisher.

Quick Links

Lauren Castillo

To see more stunning work by author/illustrator Lauren Castillo

Barbara Herkert interview

For a look at my inspiration for writing Sewing Stories and a bit about my writing process.

Gabi Swiatkowska

To see more work by Mary Cassatt illustrator Gabi Swiatkowska

Vanessa Brantley-Newton

To see more work by Sewing Stories illustrator Vanessa Brantley-Newton