Lisa Rao

Hi there! My name is Lisa Rao, and I'm a children's book editor and author with over twenty years experience in publishing. I spent 17 years in the children's division of Simon & Schuster, and I was an executive editor for the Simon Spotlight imprint when I left. I've also done short freelance stints at HarperCollins, Nickelodeon and Time for Kids.

I've written over 50 children's books for licensed properties such as Dora the Explorer, Peanuts, Daniel Tiger, SpongeBob and CoComelon. Books I have edited have ended up on the NY Times Bestseller list and garnered Seuss Giesel Awards for being among the best children's books of the year.

My first original picture book is due out in February 2027. It's called ONE PIZZA TO GO! I'm excited for you to read it with your kids!