Marsha Hayles’ second grade teacher noted that she had “a real talent for writing poems and stories” but “could make more of an effort to write neatly and keep her desk tidy.” That still pretty much describes her.
After graduating with a Master’s Degree from Washington University, Marsha taught junior high and high school English in St. Louis, Missouri, and Brookline, Massachusetts, then embarked on a writing career after reading so many wonderful children’s books to her own three kids.
Her historical novel Breathing Room was the winner of the 2015 Maud Hart Lovelace Award. It has also been included on multiple state readings lists and was named one of Bank Street’s Best Children’s Books of 2013. Her playful use of language and gift of rhyme have been the hallmarks of her picture books, including Bunion Burt, He Saves the Day, The Feathered Crown, Pet of a Pet, Pajamas Anytime, and Beach Play.
Marsha Hayles grew up in Rochester, Minnesota and now lives in Rochester, NY, where she continues to write poems and stories at her desk that could always be much neater.
