Joey O’Connor is an educator, poet, and children's author who writes joyful, heart-forward stories celebrating curiosity, creativity, and the many ways families, friendships, and communities help us grow.

A proud guncle and openly gay educator, Joey creates playful picture books that invite meaningful conversations about love, belonging, identity, and imagination with warmth, humor, and heart.

He holds a Master of Arts from Columbia University and has spent more than a decade inspiring young writers, advancing literacy, and championing joyful expression in classrooms and creative spaces across New York City and Miami.

His work has earned Florida's prestigious "Best and Brightest" teaching award, and his writing has appeared through leading organizations and publications, including The Pulitzer Center, Teachers College Press, Teach For America, and the National Council of Teachers of English. His poetry has appeared in Gertrude Press, Gandy Dancer, and other literary journals.

Joey is the author of WHY'D YOU MARRY YOUR BEST FRIEND?, ARE YOU A KID OR A GROWN-UP?, and THE FUNCLES COME OVER TO PLAY.

He lives in Miami with his husband, where they're usually plotting their next travel adventure, exploring South Florida's vibrant arts community, or dreaming up new stories together.