I’m Marissa Bader, a Minneapolis-based SEL children’s author who writes picture books that support kids’ emotional development, confidence, and mental health.
My children’s books are rooted in social-emotional learning (SEL) and focus on helping kids build self-confidence, self-acceptance, emotional awareness, and resilience. Through gentle, relatable stories, I support children as they navigate big feelings, relationships, grief, and growing up.
Parents/caregivers raising emotionally aware, confident kids
Teachers and school counselors using SEL in the classroom
Therapists and mental health professionals
Libraries and community programs supporting children’s emotional well-being
I also share free SEL resources for parents, educators, and caregivers, including printable activities, discussion guides, and tools that support children’s emotional growth, empathy, and self-reflection.
Check out the latest news on my publishing journey.
I loved being a guest on Kids Ask Authors Answer, where kids asked thoughtful questions about Petunia the Perfectionist, mistakes, confidence, and growth mindset.
If your child struggles with perfectionism or fear of getting things wrong, this one’s for you.
Saturdays with Gramps, my children’s book about grief, loss and healing, has earned 2nd Place in the 2025 Fall BookFest Awards in the Children’s Picture Book category!
Today, I had the pleasure of being on Fox9 Good Day to talk about my brand new children’s book, Saturdays with Gramps. See the segment here. This book is incredibly near and dear to my heart as I wrote it following the passing of my mother last summer.
Petunia the Perfectionist has been named a finalist for the 35th Annual Midwest Book Awards in the Children’s Picture Book category!
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This book is PERFECT for perfectionists (children and grown-ups!) and belongs in classrooms, libraries, and every child’s bookshelf.
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Stella’s Brave Voice follows the twins from The Only Me and has earned a 5-star Book Review Award from Litpick and Reader’s Favorite.
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The Only Me was named one of the top 100 indie children’s books of 2022 by Kirkus Reviews and earned a 5-star Book Review Award from Litpick.
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We don’t spam! By signing up, you agree to get emails from Marissa Bader.
To ensure you receive my emails make sure to add marissa@marissabader.com to your contacts or list of safe senders. You can unsubscribe at any time.
A PDF download will be sent to your inbox.
We don’t spam! By signing up, you agree to get emails from Marissa Bader.
To ensure you receive my emails make sure to add marissa@marissabader.com to your contacts or list of safe senders. You can unsubscribe at any time.
