Caron Levis

About Caron Levis

Caron Levis (MFA, LMSW) is the author of several picture books for children including the award winning companions Mighty Muddy Us, Feathers Together, This Way, Charlie, and Ida, Always which the NYTimes called \"an example of children\'s books at their best.\" Caron is a creative SEL educator with school visits for kids, professional developments for educators/librarians, workshops for writers and caregivers. She has worked as a loss & bereavement facilitaor for children and families. Caron is a professor and the chair of the New School Writing for Children/YA Creative Writing MFA program and has taught at NYU. OFFERING: Author visits for children, Professional Development programs for educators/librarians/counselors, and workshops for writers. See website and email for info. SEEKING-Dedicated Applicants for The Writing For Children/YA MFA at The New School-Opportunities (internship, jobs, freelance work) for highly talented MFA students and alumni in Children\'s Publishing & Teaching of Creative Writing/Literature to children.

Experience

1. Author

   Simon & Schuster

   Jan 2014 — Present

   Inspired by two ­real-life polar bears, Gus and Ida, who were residents of New York City’s Central Park Zoo, this wonderful story about the loss of a loved one is beautifully told. It’s an example of children’s books at their best. Santoso’s dense, luscious paintings give the couple a solid, reassuring world to live in…. This is a difficult story to tell for both children and adults, but “Ida, Always” does it with simplicity and grace.” (Dan Yaccarino The New York Times Book Review, February 12, 2016)About: A beautiful, honest portrait of loss and deep friendship told through the story of two iconic polar bears.Gus lives in a big park in the middle of an even bigger city, and he spends his days with Ida. Ida is right there. Always. Then one sad day, Gus learns that Ida is very sick, and she isn’t going to get better. The friends help each other face the difficult news with whispers, sniffles, cuddles, and even laughs. Slowly Gus realizes that even after Ida is gone, she will still be with him—through the sounds of their city, and the memories that live in their favorite spots.Ida, Always is an exquisitely told story of two best friends—inspired by a real bear friendship—and a gentle, moving, needed reminder that loved ones lost will stay in our hearts, always.

Education

• Tufts University

  B.A., American Studies, focus in Drama and Creative Writing

  1997 — 2000

• The New School

  MFA, Creative Writing for Children & Young Adults

  2006 — 2008

• Hunter College

  Master of Social Work (MSW), Clinical/Medical Social Work

  2014 — 2016