Rachel Michelle Wilson is a children’s book author-illustrator with a sweet tooth and a dash of sass. She loves creating funny stories with emotional layers, crafting a playful relationship between words and art, and drawing mischievous characters with big hearts. Books are her favorite way to connect with people.
She was named one of Publisher’s Weekly Fall 2024 Children’s Flying Starts, and her debut picture book HOW TO PEE YOUR PANTS: THE RIGHT WAY (Macmillan) was selected as one of Kirkus Reviews Best Picture Books of 2024 and an ALSC Notable Children’s Book. It received starred reviews from Kirkus, Publisher’s Weekly, Booklist, and School Library Journal.
When Rachel is not making books, you can find her puzzling over a logic problem, hosting a living room dance party, or paddle boarding near her home in Washington state with her husband and dog. Her next picture book TO CATCH A GHOST (Scholastic) will be published in July 2025.
She is represented by Lindsay Auld at Writers House.
Books
HOW TO PEE YOUR PANTS: THE RIGHT WAY (Oct 15, 2024, Feiwel & Friends, Macmillan)
TO CATCH A GHOST (July 1, 2025, Orchard Books, Scholastic)
Picture book (Feiwel & Friends, Macmillan)
Picture book (Scholastic)
Short stories
“The Monster of Bear Lake,” The Haunted States of America Anthology (July 9, 2024, Henry Holt)
Interviews
Fall 2024 Children’s Flying Starts: Rachel Michelle Wilson
New Books Network Interview (Youtube, Facebook, Podcast)
100 Scope Notes Feature: HOW TO PEE YOUR PANTS
Kidlit411: Illustrator Spotlight
Other press
Moonbow: My Favorite Picture Books of 2024
Chrissie Writes, Vol. 24: The big favorites post of 2024
Surveying the Fall Season: Children's Booksellers Share Trends and Their Must-Have Titles
The Yarn Episode 227: Colby & Travis - 2024 Children's Literature Year in Review
Children's Booksellers Reveal Their 2024 Holiday Book Lists
Literaticast Episode 68: The Great Big Holiday Gift Guide, 2024 Edition
Book Delight with Chrissie Wright Ep 69 - Bonus: December Read Alouds, Ranked