NEW AGENT ANNOUNCEMENT

March 20, 2026

ONE SPARK COVER REVEAL

March 16, 2026

🎉SO HAPPY TO REVEAL MY NEXT PICTURE BOOK COVER!🎉

It’s absolutely darling, and I couldn’t love Bernadett Urbanovics‘ art more!
ONE SPARK releases September 8, 2026, from Bushel & Peck Books.
It’s a sweet, reflective journey that explores the life force that flows within each of us and connects us all. Universal and inclusive, this source of spiritual light has the power to manifest hope and healing, gratitude and grace, connection and compassion, peace and possibility.
Wait until you see the gold foil! Pre-order information coming soon.

Storytime and Signing at Barnes & Noble

November 15, 2025

Come see me at the newest Barnes & Noble in Austin as I kick off weekly storytime with FRIDGE-OPOLIS!

Weekly Storytime in Southpark Meadows | Barnes & Noble

 

Sunshine Cottage School Visit

San Antonio, TX

October 9, 2025

Huge thanks to librarian, Lori Laguna, the educational staff and most of all, the incredible students who welcomed me so warmly at the Sunshine Cottage School for Deaf Children, A Listening and Spoken Language School.  I got to share FRIDGE-OPOLIS with all the kids, from pre-school through 4th grade. Loved my visit and all the book love!

   

SCBWI-Austin Monthly Meeting

August 30, 2025

Loved presenting to fellow local writers and illustrators with my ATX Children’s Authors critique partners, Kari Lavelle and Lindsay Leslie. Thank you to our awesome chapter leaders–Anna, Tiffany, Nataly–and BookPeople for hosting us!

Storytime at Birdhouse Books

May 24, 2025

Thank you to Abby at Birdhouse Books for hosting this wonderful FRIDGE-OPOLIS storytime and to everyone who joined in the fun!

 

!

 

 

New Book Announcement: ONE SPARK

February 13, 2025

Thrilled to be collaborating with the visionary team at Bushel & Peck Books and editor Ryan G. Van Cleave on my next picture book project slated for 2026.

SCBWI Winter Conference in NYC

January 30-Februray 3, 2025

 

 

 

Writers’ Loft Workshop

November 3, 2024

 

FRIDGE-OPOLIS TURNS TWO!

September 6, 2024

Happy book birthday!

Thank you to everyone who has supported my award-winning, debut picture book.

 

GREATER AUSTIN BOOK FESTIVAL

Saturday, May 11, 2024

FRIDGE-OPOLIS storytime at 2 p.m.

#TXLA24 BOOK SIGNING

Wednesday, April 17, 2024 at 2 p.m.

San Antonio, Texas

Little Bee Booth 2724

 

 

Texas Library Association (TLA) Annual Conference in San Antonio

April 17-18, 2024

Can’t wait for #TXLA24! Librarians, educators, author/illustrator friends: I’ll be signing copies of FRIDGE-OPOLIS at the Little Bee Booth on Wednesday at 2 p.m. and participating on a panel on Thursday at 11:30 a.m. Come say hi!

 

 

Texas Book Festival

Hope to see you there!

Saturday, November 11, 2023

Stop by:

SCBWI-Austin booth 202, in Exhibitor Tent #2 from 1 p.m-2 p.m. for a FRIDGE-OPOLIS signing

Writers’ League of Texas booths 509-510, Tent #5 at 4 p.m. to celebrate the 2022 Discovery Award Prize

“Busting Rhyme’s Bad Rap” Writing Workshop

Busting Rhyme’s Bad Rap (Picture books) | The Writers’ Loft on Glue Up

November 12, 2023

 

FRIDGE-OPOLIS selected by Children’s Book Council for Fall 2023 Showcase

September 25, 2023

Hot on the heels of winning the Writers’ League of Texas Discovery Prize Award, FRIDGE-OPOLIS was selected by the @childrensbookcouncil for its Sustainability and the Environment Fall 2023 Showcase!

Check out all these great, eco-friendly #picturebooks:
https://www.cbcbooks.org/cbc-book-lists/sustainability-and-the-environment-fall-2023/

FRIDGE-OPOLIS named Writers’ League of Texas 2022 Discovery Award Winner

September 15, 2023

Announcing FRIDGE-OPOLIS Korean Edition, July, 2023

By FIKA Junior/Little Bee Books

Launched July 20, 2023

On Wisconsin Magazine Review, June, 2023

SCBWI Austin Writers & Illustrators Conference

On faculty, April 29-30

Austin, TX

 

Texas Library Association Annual Conference

April 20, April 21

Austin, Texas

 

Books and Bees Festival

April 1, 2023

Check out this fun reel from the event: Melissa Coffey (@coffeycreative) | Instagram

Doss Owls Under The Stars Book Fair Features Local Authors

December 15, 2022

West Austin News

 

By: Alana Moehring Mallard
Photos: Bonnie Lang

 

The favorite authors of Doss Elementary’s book fair last month came in their pajamas.

“Six pajama-clad and local authors were the stars of the night,” said Doss librarian Bonnie Lang of the book fair’s evening Doss Stories and Milk & Cookies. “They read their amazing stories to a packed house of milk and cookie eating Doss Owls.” Lang said the turnout was so unexpectedly high that it required a quick trip to HEB for more milk and cookies.

Reading their books for the kids on milk and cookie night were Meghan P. Browne, reading from Indelible Ann: the larger-than-life story of Governor Ann Richards; Lindsay Leslie, who read from Dusk Explorers; Melissa Coffey, reading her book Fridge-Opolis; Anne Wynter, reading from Everybody in the Red Brick Building; Kari Lavelle, who read her book We Move the World; and Robin McGrath, reading Dolly! The story of Dolly Parton and her big dream.

And, really, you need to look carefully in the photo at those PJs the authors are wearing, because they coordinated with their books: retro Austin icons, twilight’s pink and grey swishes, colorful and audacious food snacks, red and black squares, colors of the rainbow in stripes and hearts, starry dots.

Doss book fair, called Owls Under the Stars, was sponsored by Black Pearl Books, and featured special events such as early morning readings on the porch by Doss teachers; happy hour at Black Pearl Books for teachers; a coffee for parents with a discussion of favorite books of the season led by librarians Bonnie Lang and Celeste Pustka, and Doss parent Erin Quinn-Kong; and a special shopping time and social for parents and kids after the Fifth Grade Musical, Four Birthdays and a Recital.

SCBWI Austin Member Interview

September 28, 2022

 

PICTURE BOOK LOOK PODCAST

Fun podcast with FRIDGE-OPOLIS illustrator, Josh Cleland, Kirsti Call and Kim Chaffee!

September 27, 2022

https://www.instagram.com/reel/CjA33b3Pa9y/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

 

New Voices: Melissa Coffey & Kristin Wauson on SCBWI’s Role in their Journeys – Cynthia Leitich Smith

CYNSATIONS interview

September 21, 2022

FRIDGE-OPOLIS BOOK LAUNCH AND SIGNING PARTY

September 17, 2002

10 a.m. at Pease Park

Storytime with Melissa Coffey: Fridge-opolis | BookPeople

Free registration here: Storytime for our Littlest Readers – FRIDGE-OPOLIS by Melissa Coffey Tickets, Sat, Sep 17, 2022 at 10:00 AM | Eventbrite

 

 

 

Simply 7 with Melissa Coffey & Giveaway: FRIDGE-OPOLIS | Jena Benton

September 13, 2022

 

Betsy Bird Fuse 8 interview on School Library Journal

September 6, 2022

Food Waste Gets a Second Look: A Fridge-opolis Q&A with Melissa Coffey (slj.com)

 

BOOK TRAILER REVEAL

August 28, 2022

FRIDGE-OPOLIS Book Trailer Reveal | VIVIAN KIRKFIELD – Writer for Children

 

Westbank librarian: ‘Kidlit’ authors to visit for Storytimes, panel discussion

August 21, 2022

Westbank librarian: ‘Kidlit’ authors to visit for Storytimes, panel discussion (statesman.com)

Austin American-Statesman/Westlake Picayune

 

 

 

The Picture Book Buzz

August, 2022

The Picture Book Buzz – Interview with Melissa Coffey, Sneak Peek at Fridge-Opolis, and Giveaway (mariacmarshall.com)

 

SCBWI Austin newsletter feature

August 2, 2022

Texas: Austin | Melissa Coffey’s debut picture book Fridge-opolis releases September 6, 2022 (scbwi.org)

 

VIVIAN KIRKFIELD’S BLOG

August 6, 2022

Kid Lit Caravan: Will Write For Cookies Plus Giveaways | VIVIAN KIRKFIELD – Writer for Children

ADVANCE PRAISE from KIRKUS

Read the entire review of “a playful introduction to the serious topic of food waste” here:

FRIDGE-OPOLIS | Kirkus Reviews

June 22, 2022

 

FRIDGE-OPOLIS PRESS RELEASE

Fridge-opolis Press Release

BOOK SIGNING at TLA

Signing advance reader copies of FRIDGE-OPOLIS at Little Bee’s booth at TLA in Fort Worth on April 26!

 

 

Mile High Reading

Dylan Teut’s 2022 Picture Book Previews (Part 11)

March 4, 2022

PW Fall 2022 Children’s Sneak Previews

February 24, 2022

Little Bee ponders pierogi with Our World of Dumplings by Francie Dekker, illus. by Sarah Jung, featuring children in a multicultural apartment complex preparing dumplings from each of their cultures for a potluck; Battle of the Books by Melanie Ellsworth, illus. by James Rey Sanchez, in which all of Josh’s favorite books are in a battle to determine which will be the coveted bedtime story; Hello, Tree by Alastair Heim, illus. by Alisa Coburn, about a roguish fox who makes Christmas mischief all over town until a special guest helps him see the error of his ways; Fridge-opolis by Melissa Coffey, illus. by Josh Cleland, an introduction to recycling and composting set in the gloomy, rancid Fridge-opolis; and The Iheards by Emily Kilgore, illus. by Zoe Persico, which finds Mason unable to stop gossiping.

Tara Lazar’s Writing for Kids Blog

February 9, 2022

Kidlit Caravan Swings into Town! What’s New in 2022 (plus something for you!)

Publishers Weekly announcement

Literacious blog

January 6, 2022

2022 Debut Picture Books

SCBWI Austin

April 4, 2021

“Congratulations to Austin SCBWI member Melissa Coffey, who just signed a deal for her debut picture book, Fridge-O-Polis!”

Instagram

My next #picturebook, ONE SPARK, illustrated by @petitfaon_prints and published by @bushelandpeckbooks will be out in less than three months!

I`m simply thrilled with how this book turned out and hope you will enjoy it too!

Huge thanks to fellow B&P author, @jpuglow, for this interview where I share more about writing ONE SPARK and my creative point of view.

Check it out on uGROnews on Substack:
https://substack.com/home/post/p-199969705

And while you`re there, subscribe for free to uGROnews and @jpuglow and the Logline by ATX Authors @atxauthors.

ONE SPARK is available for pre-order now, and you can ask your local public library to add a copy to their holdings.

I love that for every book sold, B&P donates a copy to kids in need. How awesome is that?!

https://melissacoffey.com/books/one-spark-spring-2026/

12 6
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My next #picturebook, ONE SPARK, illustrated by @petitfaon_prints and published by @bushelandpeckbooks will be out in less than three months! I'm simply thrilled with how this book turned out and hope you will enjoy it too! Huge thanks to fellow B&P author, @jpuglow, for this interview where I share more about writing ONE SPARK and my creative point of view. Check it out on uGROnews on Substack: https://substack.com/home/post/p-199969705 And while you're there, subscribe for free to uGROnews and @jpuglow and the Logline by ATX Authors @atxauthors. ONE SPARK is available for pre-order now, and you can ask your local public library to add a copy to their holdings. I love that for every book sold, B&P donates a copy to kids in need. How awesome is that?! https://melissacoffey.com/books/one-spark-spring-2026/

My next #picturebook, ONE SPARK, illustrated by @petitfaon_prints and published by @bushelandpeckbooks will be out in less than three months!

I`m simply thrilled with how this book turned out and hope you will enjoy it too!

Huge thanks to fellow B&P author, @jpuglow, for this interview where I share more about writing ONE SPARK and my creative point of view.

Check it out on uGROnews on Substack:
https://substack.com/home/post/p-199969705

And while you`re there, subscribe for free to uGROnews and @jpuglow and the Logline by ATX Authors @atxauthors.

ONE SPARK is available for pre-order now, and you can ask your local public library to add a copy to their holdings.

I love that for every book sold, B&P donates a copy to kids in need. How awesome is that?!

https://melissacoffey.com/books/one-spark-spring-2026/ ...

12 6

"Maycember" has been nonstop for the Coffey family...

An unforgettable visit to Washington DC @librarycongress for the launch of The Source---a new, interactive kids space.

Celebrating our 19th wedding anniversary on May 19.

And today, our 16-yo senior walks the commencement stage, graduating a year early from @whs_chaps.

And then this incredible article came out yesterday.

I have ALL sorts of big feels, but mostly, I`m one proud mama! 😭

"A Library of Congress Legacy" from @sljournal by @karayorio:
https://www.slj.com/story/A-Library-Congress-Legacy

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"Maycember" has been nonstop for the Coffey family... An unforgettable visit to Washington DC @librarycongress for the launch of The Source---a new, interactive kids space. Celebrating our 19th wedding anniversary on May 19. And today, our 16-yo senior walks the commencement stage, graduating a year early from @whs_chaps. And then this incredible article came out yesterday. I have ALL sorts of big feels, but mostly, I'm one proud mama! 😭 "A Library of Congress Legacy" from @sljournal by @karayorio: https://www.slj.com/story/A-Library-Congress-Legacy

"Maycember" has been nonstop for the Coffey family...

An unforgettable visit to Washington DC @librarycongress for the launch of The Source---a new, interactive kids space.

Celebrating our 19th wedding anniversary on May 19.

And today, our 16-yo senior walks the commencement stage, graduating a year early from @whs_chaps.

And then this incredible article came out yesterday.

I have ALL sorts of big feels, but mostly, I`m one proud mama! 😭

"A Library of Congress Legacy" from @sljournal by @karayorio:
https://www.slj.com/story/A-Library-Congress-Legacy ...

5 1

So excited my next picture book, ONE SPARK, illustrated by @petitfaon_prints is now available for pre-order on @barnesandnoble!

Now through March 26, use code PREORDER25. Coming September 1 from @bushelandpeckbooks! Thanks for your support!

ONE SPARK is a beautiful reminder that one small spark inside a child can light the whole world.

Inside every child lives a spark.

It may begin as a quiet flicker, yet it holds something powerful: imagination, kindness, courage, and the ability to make the world brighter. In One Spark, lyrical language and gentle rhythms guide readers through the discovery of that inner light. Along the way, children learn that the spark within them grows through curiosity, compassion, and connection with others. Thoughtful, soothing, and visually rich, this inspiring picture book offers families a meaningful way to talk about emotions, self-belief, and the ways small acts of care ripple outward into the world. A heartfelt gift for children, parents, teachers, and anyone who believes a little light can go a long way.

https://melissacoffey.com/books/one-spark-spring-2026/

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So excited my next picture book, ONE SPARK, illustrated by @petitfaon_prints is now available for pre-order on @barnesandnoble! Now through March 26, use code PREORDER25. Coming September 1 from @bushelandpeckbooks! Thanks for your support! ONE SPARK is a beautiful reminder that one small spark inside a child can light the whole world. Inside every child lives a spark. It may begin as a quiet flicker, yet it holds something powerful: imagination, kindness, courage, and the ability to make the world brighter. In One Spark, lyrical language and gentle rhythms guide readers through the discovery of that inner light. Along the way, children learn that the spark within them grows through curiosity, compassion, and connection with others. Thoughtful, soothing, and visually rich, this inspiring picture book offers families a meaningful way to talk about emotions, self-belief, and the ways small acts of care ripple outward into the world. A heartfelt gift for children, parents, teachers, and anyone who believes a little light can go a long way. https://melissacoffey.com/books/one-spark-spring-2026/

So excited my next picture book, ONE SPARK, illustrated by @petitfaon_prints is now available for pre-order on @barnesandnoble!

Now through March 26, use code PREORDER25. Coming September 1 from @bushelandpeckbooks! Thanks for your support!

ONE SPARK is a beautiful reminder that one small spark inside a child can light the whole world.

Inside every child lives a spark.

It may begin as a quiet flicker, yet it holds something powerful: imagination, kindness, courage, and the ability to make the world brighter. In One Spark, lyrical language and gentle rhythms guide readers through the discovery of that inner light. Along the way, children learn that the spark within them grows through curiosity, compassion, and connection with others. Thoughtful, soothing, and visually rich, this inspiring picture book offers families a meaningful way to talk about emotions, self-belief, and the ways small acts of care ripple outward into the world. A heartfelt gift for children, parents, teachers, and anyone who believes a little light can go a long way.

https://melissacoffey.com/books/one-spark-spring-2026/ ...

48 3

Happy Friday! I have more exciting news to share this week...

Delighted to now be represented by the stellar Sam Farkas at Jill Grinberg Literary Management!

I can`t wait to collaborate with Sam and JGLM to bring more books into the world! 🎉🎉🎉

36 13
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Happy Friday! I have more exciting news to share this week... Delighted to now be represented by the stellar Sam Farkas at Jill Grinberg Literary Management! I can't wait to collaborate with Sam and JGLM to bring more books into the world! 🎉🎉🎉

Happy Friday! I have more exciting news to share this week...

Delighted to now be represented by the stellar Sam Farkas at Jill Grinberg Literary Management!

I can`t wait to collaborate with Sam and JGLM to bring more books into the world! 🎉🎉🎉 ...

36 13

I`ve been quiet as of late across social media, and that`s because there are wonderful things going on behind the scenes.

🎉SO HAPPY TO REVEAL MY NEXT PICTURE BOOK COVER!🎉

It`s absolutely darling, and I couldn`t love Bernadett Urbanovics` art more!

ONE SPARK releases September 1, 2026, from Bushel & Peck Books.

It`s a sweet, reflective journey that explores the life force that flows within each of us and connects us all. Universal and inclusive, this source of spiritual light has the power to manifest hope and healing, gratitude and grace, connection and compassion, peace and possibility.

Wait until you see the gold foil!
Pre-order information coming soon.

#kidlit #coverreveal #bookcover #newbooks #picturebooks #picturebook

116 22
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I've been quiet as of late across social media, and that's because there are wonderful things going on behind the scenes. 🎉SO HAPPY TO REVEAL MY NEXT PICTURE BOOK COVER!🎉 It's absolutely darling, and I couldn't love Bernadett Urbanovics' art more! ONE SPARK releases September 1, 2026, from Bushel & Peck Books. It's a sweet, reflective journey that explores the life force that flows within each of us and connects us all. Universal and inclusive, this source of spiritual light has the power to manifest hope and healing, gratitude and grace, connection and compassion, peace and possibility. Wait until you see the gold foil! Pre-order information coming soon. #kidlit #coverreveal #bookcover #newbooks #picturebooks #picturebook

I`ve been quiet as of late across social media, and that`s because there are wonderful things going on behind the scenes.

🎉SO HAPPY TO REVEAL MY NEXT PICTURE BOOK COVER!🎉

It`s absolutely darling, and I couldn`t love Bernadett Urbanovics` art more!

ONE SPARK releases September 1, 2026, from Bushel & Peck Books.

It`s a sweet, reflective journey that explores the life force that flows within each of us and connects us all. Universal and inclusive, this source of spiritual light has the power to manifest hope and healing, gratitude and grace, connection and compassion, peace and possibility.

Wait until you see the gold foil!
Pre-order information coming soon.

#kidlit #coverreveal #bookcover #newbooks #picturebooks #picturebook ...

116 22

Thank you, @bnsparkmeadows and everyone who swung by the store’s first #storytime to see me, Mayor Mayonnaise and Dr. Baking Soda. We had a ton of Fridge-opolis fun! #kidlit #picturebook #picturebooks #authors #childrensbooks #foodwaste #composting #recycling #bookevent #authorevent #bookstore

39 8
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Thank you, @bnsparkmeadows and everyone who swung by the store’s first #storytime to see me, Mayor Mayonnaise and Dr. Baking Soda. We had a ton of Fridge-opolis fun! #kidlit #picturebook #picturebooks #authors #childrensbooks #foodwaste #composting #recycling #bookevent #authorevent #bookstore

Thank you, @bnsparkmeadows and everyone who swung by the store’s first #storytime to see me, Mayor Mayonnaise and Dr. Baking Soda. We had a ton of Fridge-opolis fun! #kidlit #picturebook #picturebooks #authors #childrensbooks #foodwaste #composting #recycling #bookevent #authorevent #bookstore ...

39 8

A moment to savor: It might not technically be quite 5 o’clock yet, but I just signed something BIG that’s been in the works for nearly TWO YEARS, and it’s worthy of celebration! Popping some bubbly and can’t wait to officially share more about this exciting, multi-book project. Squee!!!!

32 11
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A moment to savor: It might not technically be quite 5 o’clock yet, but I just signed something BIG that’s been in the works for nearly TWO YEARS, and it’s worthy of celebration! Popping some bubbly and can’t wait to officially share more about this exciting, multi-book project. Squee!!!!

A moment to savor: It might not technically be quite 5 o’clock yet, but I just signed something BIG that’s been in the works for nearly TWO YEARS, and it’s worthy of celebration! Popping some bubbly and can’t wait to officially share more about this exciting, multi-book project. Squee!!!! ...

32 11

#Austin friends and #kidlit lovers: please join me in the grand opening festivities of the new @bnsparkmeadows!

I`m delighted to be kicking off #storytime Sat. Nov. 15 at 11 a.m. with my #picturebook, FRIDGE-OPOLIS! The event is free and open to all.

Come before or stay afterwards to get a personalized copy, free coloring sheets and bookmarks! And be sure to check out everything @barnesandnoble`s newest store has to offer.

Hope to see you there!

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#Austin friends and #kidlit lovers: please join me in the grand opening festivities of the new @bnsparkmeadows! I'm delighted to be kicking off #storytime Sat. Nov. 15 at 11 a.m. with my #picturebook, FRIDGE-OPOLIS! The event is free and open to all. Come before or stay afterwards to get a personalized copy, free coloring sheets and bookmarks! And be sure to check out everything @barnesandnoble's newest store has to offer. Hope to see you there!

#Austin friends and #kidlit lovers: please join me in the grand opening festivities of the new @bnsparkmeadows!

I`m delighted to be kicking off #storytime Sat. Nov. 15 at 11 a.m. with my #picturebook, FRIDGE-OPOLIS! The event is free and open to all.

Come before or stay afterwards to get a personalized copy, free coloring sheets and bookmarks! And be sure to check out everything @barnesandnoble`s newest store has to offer.

Hope to see you there! ...

23 0