Picture a shy girl from a small Washington town, spinning tales of monsters and princesses that would one day enchant young readers nationwide—meet Barbara Jean Hicks! Known as the 'Story Queen,' this award-winning author and educator transitioned from penning quirky romance novels to crafting beloved children’s picture books, inspiring countless kids to pick up a pen and dream big.
With a tiara atop her head and a knack for storytelling, Hicks has published eight picture books, including hits like Monsters Don’t Eat Broccoli and Disney’s Frozen: A Sister More Like Me. Her journey from a quiet childhood to a vibrant literary career is as magical as the stories she tells.
The Making of Barbara Jean Hicks
Born in 1953 in Bellingham, Washington, Barbara Jean Hicks grew up in Ferndale, the middle of seven children in a modest two-bedroom home. Her parents, married for over 67 years, filled their house with books, music, and imagination, reading everything from poetry to the King James Bible. Road trips to visit their storytelling Grandma Lizzie Lou sparked Hicks’s love for narrative. She began writing in fourth grade, crafting a diary for a school project about the westward migration. After earning a B.A. in English from Los Angeles Baptist College and a teaching certificate, Hicks juggled jobs as a nanny, waitress, and teacher before diving into writing.
Barbara Jean Hicks’s Unforgettable Stories
Hicks kicked off her career with 13 romance novels and novellas, like All That Glitters, set in the quirky fictional town of Pilchuck, Washington. A snarky online review calling her romantic comedies 'silly' prompted a pivot to children’s literature—a move she now calls her true calling. Her picture books blend humor, heart, and vibrant language, appealing to young readers and parents alike.
Jitterbug Jam: A Monster Tale (2005), a 2006 ALSC Notable Children’s Book, flips the monster-under-the-bed trope with Bobo, a young monster afraid of a boy hiding beneath his bed. Monsters Don’t Eat Broccoli (2009) uses playful rhymes to make veggies fun, while The Secret Life of Walter Kitty (2008) celebrates the grand adventures of a housecat named Fang. Her Disney tie-ins, Frozen: A Sister More Like Me and An Amazing Snowman, capture the sisterly bond of Anna and Elsa, earning her widespread recognition. Hicks’s independent project, Once Upon a Parsnip (2016), co-authored with Kevin R. Wood, follows Little Red’s whimsical market adventure, showcasing her love for collaborative creativity.
Her writing style—folksy, playful, and rich with quirky phrases—draws from her cat Miguel’s adventurous spirit. Hicks advises writers to 'look, leap, and learn,' a mantra that defines her fearless approach to storytelling.
Why Barbara Jean Hicks Matters
As the 'Story Queen,' Hicks does more than write; she inspires. Her Young Author Assemblies and literacy programs across the U.S. ignite creativity in students, encouraging them to express their unique voices. Having taught at preschool, middle school, and community college levels, she’s worked as an author-in-residence and parent educator, leaving a lasting impact on education. Her transition from romance to children’s books highlights her versatility, while her independent publishing venture with Once Upon a Parsnip showcases her entrepreneurial spirit. Hicks’s stories teach kids to embrace their individuality and find courage in the everyday, making her a cherished figure in children’s literature.
About Barbara Jean Hicks
- Born: 1953 in Bellingham, Washington
- Key Works: Jitterbug Jam, Monsters Don’t Eat Broccoli, Frozen: A Sister More Like Me, Once Upon a Parsnip
- Awards: 2006 ALSC Notable Children’s Book for Jitterbug Jam, Honorable Mention for Once Upon a Parsnip (North Street Book Prize)
- Fun Fact: She crowns herself the 'Story Queen' and wears a tiara at book events!
Snag Monsters Don’t Eat Broccoli or Frozen: A Sister More Like Me and dive into Barbara Jean Hicks’s whimsical world of playful tales and heartfelt lessons!