About Daniel Wolfe
I live in Fargo, North Dakota with my wife and two kids (and cat). My children are my greatest joy and the spark behind my stories. Our days are filled with play, laughter, and, of course, books. It felt natural to write stories that would bring us even closer.
My debut, The Red Ball, is a reflection of my family's everyday moments, filled with love and laughter, as well as other human emotions that require processing and support. I aim to create books that invite children to snuggle up with a loved one and share a special reading experience.
As a former elementary educator and tutor, I'm passionate about fostering early literacy. The Red Ball uses sight words and simple sentences to support young readers' language development. My upcoming books, designed for preschool and early elementary students, build upon these skills with more complex language. In all my stories, I weave in opportunities for interaction, emphasizing essential social skills that children will use throughout their lives.
My history with writing is a mixed one. I always struggled to get into academic writing (a particular essay was once deemed ‘minimalist’ by a teacher). However, I lived for creative writing assignments. It’s this love for creative storytelling that fuels my children’s books. From elementary school to my 30s, someone was always telling me I needed to pursue writing. To everyone out there who offered this encouragement, this step I have finally taken is because of you. To everyone now reading this, your support is immeasurably cherished. Thank you.
About Julia J. Wolfe
I grew up reading comics in the newspaper and drawing all the time. Later, I studied Studio Art in college and went on to pursue my M.F.A. in Painting & Drawing from the University of Iowa. All along, people have said I should illustrate children’s books.
After working a variety of jobs, including barista, sign artist, teacher, and graphic designer, I now work as a professional artist and freelance illustrator. All of my work is influenced by everything - but if I must narrow it down, it would be primarily comic strips, pop art, children’s drawings, comedic wordplay, and chocolate cake. The Red Ball is my debut as a published illustrator.
In my fine art practice, I am a multidisciplinary artist. I use painting, drawing, printmaking, book arts, sculpture, writing, and installation to whimsically reflect upon contemporary life under late-stage capitalism. I am currently based in Rochester, NY, where I live with my husband and our two cats and two dogs. To see more of my work, visit www.juliajwolfe.com.
Daniel Wolfe and Julia J. Wolfe are a sibling author-and-illustrator duo. The Red Ball is their first published book. They are working on their second book, to be released later in 2025.