Author & Educator

Clarissa Willis is the author of six picture books and a captivating chapter book! Her tale, Bloomers on Pike’s Peak (2024), is the biography of the unstoppable Julia Archibald Holmes, the first woman to climb Pikes Peak. It won a Will Rogers Medallion and was the finalist for the Women Writing the West 2025 WILLA Literary Award. Fast as the Wind: The Story of Johnny Fry Pony Express Rider (2022) galloped away with a Will Rogers Medallion in 2023. Then, there's The Three Little Pigs and the Not So Big Bad Wolf, putting a fresh spin on a classic yarn. Just hitting the shelves is Carrie Ingalls: The Forgotten Sister, and get ready for her upcoming book, Not from Around Here, a whimsical picture book about sharing and quirky friendships set to take off in early 2026!

Keynotes & Workshops

Clarissa Willis embraces an inclusive learning environment that will prepare you for the path ahead. In her workshops and keynote addresses, she incorporates traditional learning styles as well as hands-on experiences. Contact Dr. Willis for customized professional development.

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Books for Teachers and Parents

Clarissa is the author of 19 Teacher Resources books, including Teaching Young Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (Gryphon House) and Teaching Infants, Toddlers, and Twos With Special Needs (Gryphon House). She has also written early childhood curriculum for Frog Street Press, Kaplan Early Learning Company, and Scholastic.

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Announcements

Bloomers on Pikes Peak Wins Two Picture Book Awards!

Bloomers on Pikes Peak is a finalist for the Will Rogers Medallion Award for Best Children's Nonfiction Picture Book 2024 and the Women Writing the West 2025 WILLA Literary Award in Children's Picture Books. This engaging book tells the story of Julia Archibald Holmes, the first pioneer woman to climb Pikes Peak. At only 19, she scaled the mountain.

Coming Soon

Available November 2025