Gwinnett County mom and children's book author uses connections to local families to fuel her writing

Katy Marshall says she always has to prepare and get herself into character before reading her books to children at schools in her community. That preparation includes practicing her lines and songs, boosting her energy, and preparing videos that match her books for the kids. "Even though they are cute, precious little beings, they are definitely going to judge you," Marshall said. "So, in order to keep your attention span, you want to make sure that you're giving off the vibe that one is genuine. But you also want to make sure that you're engaging, you're actually in there with them, getting them excited, keeping them locked into you " Marshall started as a poet, but pivoted to writing children's books once she became a mother. She self-published her first book, "Klaire and the Pear," in 2024 about her daughter discovering her love for the fruit after trying it for the first time."This book usually sparks curiosity in children, and it allows them to understand it's okay to ask quest