Children's Book Author & Workshop Speaker

Clarissa Willis is the author of 8 picture books and a captivating chapter book! Carrie Ingalls The Forgotten Sister won the Western Writers of America SPUR Award for best juvenile nonfiction and a Will Rogers Medallion Finalist (2026). Her tale, Bloomers on Pike’s Peak (2024), is the biography of the unstoppable Julia Archibald Holmes, the first woman to climb Pikes Peak. It won a Will Rogers Medallion and was the finalist for the Women Writing the West 2025 WILLA Literary Award. Fast as the Wind: The Story of Johnny Fry Pony Express Rider (2022) galloped away with a Will Rogers Medallion in 2023. Then, there's The Three Little Pigs and the Not So Big Bad Wolf, putting a fresh spin on a classic yarn. Get ready for her upcoming book, Not from Around Here, a whimsical picture book about sharing and quirky friendships set to take off in early summer 2026!

Books for Teachers and Parents

Clarissa is the author of 19 Teacher Resources books, including Teaching Young Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (Gryphon House) and Teaching Infants, Toddlers, and Twos With Special Needs (Gryphon House). She has also written early childhood curriculum for Frog Street Press, Kaplan Early Learning Company, and Scholastic.

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Keynotes & Workshops

Clarissa Willis embraces an inclusive learning environment that will prepare you for the path ahead. In her workshops and keynote addresses, she incorporates traditional learning styles as well as hands-on experiences. Contact Dr. Willis for customized professional development.

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Announcements

Bloomers on Pikes Peak Wins Silver at the Will Rogers Medallion Awards

Bloomers on Pikes Peak- Will Rogers Medallion Award for Best Children's Nonfiction Picture Book 2024 Silver Medalist. In addition, the book was also a finalist in the Women Writing the West 2025 WILLA Literary Award in Children's Picture Books. This engaging book tells the story of Julia Archibald Holmes, the first pioneer woman to climb Pikes Peak. At only 19, she scaled the mountain.

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Western Writers of America Spur Award for Juvenile Nonfiction & Will Rogers Medallion Finalist

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Clarissa Willis Inducted in Arkansas Writers Hall of Fame

Clarissa Willis was inducted into the Arkansas Writers Hall of Fame on June 6, 2026. This remarkable achievement has left her feeling honored to be alongside esteemed Arkansas authors, including Charles Portis and her mentor, Dusty Richards.

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New Book! Available June 13, 2026

Clarissa Willis Inducted in Arkansas Writers Hall of Fame

Every look up at the night sky and wonder "what if?" Well Mack and his dog, Huey do just that and in the process, they meet a new friend who you might say "is not from around here!"

Coming June 13, 2026 from Solander Press.

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