Rising Stars: Meet Veronica Stanley-Hooper of Santa Clarita

Today we’d like to introduce you to Veronica Stanley-Hooper.

Hi Veronica, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Since our last conversation in July 2025, I’ve had some incredibly exciting news. I released a new book entitled Beautiful World which features a rhyming story about a child who dreams they fly around the Earth like a dragonfly to experience all of the natural wonders of the world. Additionally, Histria Books, the publisher of my upcoming book THE MEANIES (releasing May 19, 2026), has acquired two additional books that I both wrote and illustrated. ABSOLUTELY PERFECT follows a girl who tries her very best, makes mistakes along the way, and ultimately learns that mistakes are not only okay, but part of being a kid. IT WASN’T ME tells the hilarious story of Carl, a young color-changing chameleon who avoids taking responsibility for his many messes and learns why cleaning up matters. All three titles will be distributed by Simon & Schuster, and THE MEANIES is currently available for pre-sale everywhere books are sold.

In addition to these publishing milestones, I’ve been visiting elementary schools throughout the Los Angeles area. Meeting teachers and students, reading my books aloud, doing lessons in art, and answering thoughtful (and often hilarious) questions has been incredibly rewarding. Connecting directly with my target audience consistently refreshes my perspective and sparks new ideas. There is nothing quite like seeing stories come to life through the eyes of young readers.

Finally, I have begun developing a new YouTube Channel to educate and inspire young learners through books, songs, animation, and lots more. I hope to officially launch the channel by the end of 2026.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Working as an author and illustrator is deeply rewarding, but it is rarely easy. While I love the creative process of making books that children want to read, getting those books into the hands of readers can be challenging. The field is highly competitive and requires grit, persistence, and a willingness to keep going even when progress feels slow.

To continue growing and diversifying as a storyteller, I recently began writing a young adult novel. Stepping into YA has been both frustrating and incredibly rewarding, as it demands a very different approach than writing and illustrating picture books. The experience has taught me a great deal about storytelling and has given me a newfound respect for YA authors and the complexity of their craft.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a children’s book author and illustrator who specializes in creating emotionally resonant stories that meet young readers exactly where they are. My work often centers on themes of self-acceptance, responsibility, empathy, and emotional growth, all wrapped in engaging narratives and expressive, child-friendly artwork. I strive to create books that children love to read, while also giving teachers and parents meaningful entry points for conversation.

What I am most proud of is my ability to blend creativity with a strong foundation in education and child development. My professional background in elementary education has given me a deep understanding of how children think, learn, and engage, which directly informs both my storytelling and visual choices. This perspective allows me to create books that are not only engaging and emotionally meaningful, but also thoughtfully crafted with young readers’ developmental needs in mind.

What sets me apart is my dual role as both author and illustrator, along with my commitment to authentic connection with my audience. Through school visits and direct interaction with students and educators, I stay grounded in the real experiences, questions, and emotions of children. That ongoing dialogue continually shapes my work and keeps my stories honest, relevant, and impactful.

Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Since transitioning from teaching in 2020, I’ve learned that networking is essential for building meaningful connections and understanding the publishing process. Becoming involved with professional organizations such as the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, along with founding my own local group, Santa Clarita Valley Children’s Books Authors and Illustrators, has created invaluable opportunities for learning, mentorship, and collaboration. These communities have supported my own professional growth while also helping other children’s book creators make the connections needed to move their work forward.

My advice to aspiring authors is to seek out professional groups, both in person and online, and to show up consistently and authentically. Mentorship and networking often grow naturally from shared experiences, generosity, and a willingness to learn, rather than from formal introductions alone.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.veronica-stanley-hooper.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vsh_author_artist
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vshAuthorArtist
• LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/vshauthorartist
• Twitter: https://x.com/VSH_Auth_Artist
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@LearnWithMissVeronica