Julie Burton

Hello, my name is Julie Burton, I am an illustrator/ Children's book writer. I was born and raised in North Philadelphia. I inherited my artistic skills from my father the late "Carl E. Burton," who created extraordinary oil paintings and numerous works of art etc. His useful advice on my artwork was " Keep using your artistic talent and in doing so you will continue to improve." In 2014 he gave me an art set.

My writing skills come from my mother, the late "Doris A. Cranshaw Burton,” Many of the articles that she wrote were submitted to "The Reader's Digest" and "The Philadelphia Daily News." In fact, a Film critic for "The Philadelphia Daily News," the “Late Joe Baltake,” admired my mother's writing expertise and other skills, so much that he used to invite my parents to movie screenings where their opinions were sought and respected. Unfortunately, Mr. Baltake passed on 3/26/20 which would have been my mother's birthday. One of my mother’s many sayings was "If you can say it, you can write it."

When I was fourteen my parents sent my siblings, who also share artistic talent, and I to Fleisher Art Memorial School located in South Philadelphia on Saturdays. I remember us exchanging our bus fare to buy delicious slices of pizza from a pizza shop in South Philadelphia after art class. Fun Times!!

On Christmas of 2002, one of the gifts that my mother gave me was a subscription to "Good Housekeeping magazine."

One day while I was reading an article in a "Good Housekeeping magazine my mother gave me " I discovered a writing aptitude test for "The Institute of Children's Literature," an online school in West Redding, Ct. Thrilled, I thought, I would love to take your test! I took the aptitude test and on October 1,2003, I received my letter of acceptance from the Institute shortly after.

At the time I worked as a substitute teacher per diem for the Philadelphia school District. Per diem derives from Latin it means by the day. I did not earn a lot of money, but I liked the job, because it gave me a chance to meet a lot of people and a choice to work at any school I wanted for the day. My children never knew when I would pop up at their school!

On one occasion a co- worker noticed me telling a story to the class and drawing pictures as I read. "Ms. Julie you're not doing what you want, you want to write stories and draw pictures." she said.

My co-worker was right, but where would I find the time? With work and raising a family. The job did not pay enough, however my children's father wanted to help. I decided to make time on the weekend to do my assignments. I mailed off my enrollment fee to the children's institute of Literature.

The Institute mailed the assignments I was to complete and a brochure that introduced me to my fantastic instructor Ms. Richardson. Upon completion of the writing course a year or two later I was mailed a diploma from "The Institute of children's Literature!”

I found a Teaching job that paid generously. I love children and they love me. I have worked in the Education Field a little over a decade. I received my Childcare development Associate on June 24, 2014!

Currently I invest a lot of time to writing stories for children from my life experiences. My children books target 4–10-year old's however they are great stories the entire family will take delight in. The most recent book "Will Mike Move?' has a word key and tips that I feel that you will find helpful and useful. The reward upon completion of my stories is drawing the illustrations. Then as my brothers Amadi and Bruce suggested for my protection, have my work copyrighted!

I welcome you to visit me on Amazon.com. “The Miracle of the Missing Puppies,” (Paperback) published 2012 “Time for Teamwork,” published 2015 & “Will Mike Move?” 2021 (E-books) Also, on Instagram “Will Mike Move?” Enjoy!!

Gracefully yours,

Ms. Julie Burton