Marisa de Jesus Paolicelli

Marisa de Jesús Paolicelli was born and raised in Pennsylvania and is of Puerto Rican descent. Her desire is to promote a greater understanding of Puerto Rico and to stimulate interest in cultural diversity through the books she writes. Her children’s books not only entertain but also provide an educational component for children of all ages and backgrounds. 

Winner of several International Latino Book Awards to include Best Educational Children’s Book-English, Ms. Paolicelli is presently at work on additional storybooks about Puerto Rico.  Her first multiple award-winning children’s book There’s a Coqui in My Shoe! is presently in the process of being adapted into a theatrical play which is anticipated to open in Chicago later this year (2018). She is a judge for the 2018 International Latino Book Awards.

As a child, she could not remember being exposed to children’s books about Puerto Rico. As she researched and collected information for her first children’s book, she gained greater understanding and appreciation of her culture.

Ms. Paolicelli is thankful to the Lord Jesus Christ for fulfilling her dreams and opening so many doors and is extremely grateful to her supportive husband, Vince.

Her books are an expression of herself and a gift to all children.

She and her husband presently reside in PA.