Candice Ransom

Candice Ransom serves as a Visiting Associate Professor at Hollins University, specializing in children's literature through the Children's Literature M.F.A. and M.A. programs. With over 170 published books spanning 40+ years, she teaches courses including Craft of Writing for Children, Writing the Picture Book, and Regional Fiction in Children's Books, emphasizing cultural storytelling and personal narrative exploration.

Her educational background includes:

• M.A. in Children's Literature from Hollins University
• M.F.A. from Vermont College

Ransom's research centers on mid-century children's books, spatial narratives in fiction, and folk/fairy tale adaptations. She advocates for students to 'steep themselves in story and art, reach the child within,' using personal geographies to craft authentic narratives. Her pedagogical approach involves creative risk-taking, map-making exercises, and embracing narrative mystery to develop distinctive voices in children's literature.

Recent publications reveal strong trends toward magic realism in contemporary children's literature, historical nonfiction for young readers, and thematic explorations of everyday milestones. Her work consistently bridges folklore traditions with modern childhood experiences, particularly evident in seasonal picture book series and biographical works celebrating children's literature pioneers.

Major recognitions include:

• 49 titles translated into 13 languages
• Starred reviews from School Library Journal and Booklist
• ALA Recommended Book for Reluctant Readers
• New York Public Library Best 100 Books
• Smithsonian Notable Book
• IRA Children’s/Teacher’s Choice selections
• William Allen White Award and Texas Bluebonnet nominations
• Junior Library Guild and Chicago Public Library Best of the Best honors

Through writing workshops and mentorship, Ransom cultivates emerging children's authors by connecting cultural heritage to creative practice. Her teaching philosophy transforms technical instruction into personal discovery, guiding students to 'steer toward the mystery' while developing market-ready manuscripts across picture books, early readers, and middle-grade fiction without specific grant dependencies.