Jenna Elyse Johnson

Jenna Elyse Johnson has been a storyteller since elementary school, ever since her teachers told her she could be a writer. (Never doubt the power of an encouraging word!) Her teachers saved many of her earliest stories and still share them with their students today.

Jenna holds a bachelor's degree and teaching credential from Pepperdine University. Her favorite part of the day is story time, so she made a career out of it! As a disabled author, it is her passion to showcase disabled joy through her writing.

Jenna's an active member of SCBWI, and Julie Hedlund's 12x12 Picture Book Challenge. In 2022, Jenna was chosen as a PBChat Mentee, and her career has grown from there.

When she's not writing, Jenna is teaching elementary students, working at her local independent bookstore, visiting her twin brother in San Diego, or playing with her service dog, Hamilton.

Most days, you can find Jenna curled up by the fireplace (she's always cold!), reading a good book (most likely kidlit!), munching on a good gluten-free treat, or at a coffee shop with her laptop, working on her next big idea.