Sandra Ourique Gonsalves

Sandra Gonsalves writes in rhyme, but she only does it some of the time! Illegal Beagle is her new children’s book, which has been rigorously reviewed (and unanimously acclaimed) by her four resident editors-in-chief, also known as The Kids.

Growing up, Sandra drew artistic inspiration from her parents, who delighted their traditionally Portuguese community through musical rhyming arts known as “Cantoria” and “Velhas.” Vitalized by their passion for humor and quick wit, she quickly fell in love with the playfulness of children’s books and now spends most of her spare time inventing impossibly peppy rhymes.

When Sandra isn’t sitting down to craft the perfect picture book, she’s busy doing all the usual household things: cracking up with her kids, performing video game dance-offs together, and being followed around the house by an adorable Poochon named Ace. She’s always searching for a nugget of inspiration in the tiniest things, from riding a bike on a sunny California afternoon to playing ping pong with her little ones.

Sandra lives in Southern California with her husband and probably spends too much time trying to find a word that rhymes with “purple.” (If you can think of a good one, be sure to let her know!)