About
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.
Frequently Asked Questions!
Favorite color:
Rainbow!!!! (…is that cheating?)
Favorite animal:
The tiny Miami lizards that scurry everywhere—
especially the ones with curly little tails.
Favorite reading spot as a child:
The bathtub.
Piled high with blankets and pillows...
or bubbles!
When did you first start writing?
In second grade! I filled notebooks with the silly adventures of a character named Mr. Pig. Looking back, I think he taught me something important: life is always a little brighter with a dash of whimsy.
What do you like to do for fun?
Ride my bike to the beach—and jump straight into the ocean.
Read by the pool (always in the shadiest spot!).
Wander bookstores dreaming up new picture books.
Travel to new cities, countries, and neighborhoods.
Visit art museums and imagine the stories hiding in paintings.
Play hide-and-seek with our nephews.
Go on adventures with my husband!
Try foods from around the world.
Shake the ice in my coffee like it’s a maraca.
Write poems that don’t follow the rulez.
Run loooooooooooooong distances at the park.
Dance around the kitchen while dinner cooks.
Watch colorful Japanes anime.