Laurie Isop

Laurie (Isop) Austin is a Seattle-area writer best known as the author of How Do You Hug a Porcupine?, the award-winning children’s book that has become a favorite among young children and educators. Its success led to subsidiary rights sales to Scholastic Inc., Scholastic Education Group, and Doubleday Entertainment/BOOKSPAN, with over 450,000 copies sold.

Laurie attended Western Washington University and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English/Creative Writing. While there, she developed a narrative voice that laid the groundwork for her heartfelt and engaging approach to children’s literature, with stories that honor our innate curiosity and the decisions we make as we grow.

She is currently seeking representation for her middle grade debut, The Bird King.