Meet Stephanie
Stephanie Brinkley is the author of Lightning Bug Jamboree, her enchanting debut picture book featuring nocturnal creatures who gather to celebrate the magic of summer nights. Stephanie loves to write stories that spark the imagination and bring fun and whimsy, delighting both children and adults. Her writing is often inspired by nature and the children in her life, especially her son and her niece and nephews.
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Being a Kid
Growing up in Wichita, KS, Stephanie discovered a love of reading and writing early in life. In 2nd grade, she read the Ramona books by Beverly Cleary and decided then and there that she wanted to be a children’s author. In 3rd grade, she received her first diary as a Christmas gift. Since then, Stephanie has filled countless diaries and journals with all kinds of writings. In high school, she joined the newspaper staff.
Being a Teacher
Stephanie dedicated her life and career to working with children and families. Throughout the years, she worked as an infant caregiver, a preschool teacher, and a nanny. These experiences led her to obtain her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Southwestern College. She was honored to accept a teaching position in the Wichita Public Schools, where she had gone to school from K-12. She earned her Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Grand Canyon University.
Being a Mom
After teaching 1st-3rd grades for 9 years, Stephanie left her teaching career to pursue her dream to be a stay-at-home mom to her son, Jett. Being a mom has been the greatest reward and adventure of her life so far. Now that Jett is in Kindergarten, Stephanie has embarked on a journey to fulfill another one of her lifelong dreams…to be a children’s author. Stephanie lives in Wichita, KS with her husband and her son.
Being an Author
Stephanie's favorite places to write are at home, at the park, in the car, or at the library…anywhere she can pull out her pen and paper (or the Notes app on her phone).
Besides reading and writing, Stephanie enjoys going for long drives on rural Kansas roads, roasting marshmallows over a campfire, taking bike rides at the nearby nature park, spontaneous karaoke and dance parties at home, and playing board games. She enjoys taking up new hobbies, and has recently learned to crochet. Stephanie loves to share the joy of reading, writing, and music with children and enjoys presenting at schools and storytimes.
