One Word That Describes Janet Lawler as a Writer is . . .
Playful
adjective
“Curiosity and connection with nature is a driving force toward happiness for everybody.”
After years practicing law, Janet Lawler decided that this wasn’t her line of work. “I’ve always loved to write,” she says, “and I've always loved nature, so, nature and animals are some of my favorite topics.” She’s written over thirty children’s books, both fiction and nonfiction, most focusing on nature, animals, and familial bonds. Her most recent publication, WHO’S HIDING? Under the Sea, was released in 2026. She is currently working on another book about a capybara called LITTLE CAPY, set to be released in 2028.
Lawler writes because she believes sharing her love for nature and animals is critical, especially for younger ages. She explains that “curiosity and connection with nature is a driving force toward happiness for everybody.” Her goal is to help children connect with nature, and enjoy being outside, especially because online games and technology constantly vie for kids' attention.
Her work differs from other authors in her genre, mainly because she plays into the musicality of rhymes. She believes that “for the very young, rhyme is such a wonderful entrée, both for them to learn to read and write, but also to speak.” Her work, as she describes it, is full of “humor, heart, and verse”, making it an enjoyable experience for both the children and their parents, especially for the “read-aloud” ages.
Janet Lawler is a children’s book author with over 30 nonfiction and fiction picture books. She is a three-time Connecticut Book Award finalist, winner of the Connecticut Press Club 1st Place Award for Children’s Books in the Fiction section, and winner of the 2022 CT Book Award for Nonfiction Picture Books. https://janetlawler.com/
Interview by Ahella Bedir