📖 Overview
Kelly Bingham is an American author known for writing both picture books and young adult novels. Her work spans multiple genres including verse novels and illustrated children's literature.
Bingham's most recognized work is the young adult novel "Shark Girl" (2007), written in verse format, which tells the story of a teenage artist who loses her dominant arm in a shark attack. The novel received several accolades and was followed by a sequel, "Formerly Shark Girl" (2013).
Her picture book "Z Is for Moose" (2012), illustrated by Paul O. Zelinsky, gained significant attention in children's literature circles and earned multiple awards including the Bulletin Blue Ribbon and a place on the Horn Book Fanfare list. The book's success led to a follow-up titled "Circle, Square, Moose" (2014).
Before becoming an author, Bingham worked as a storywriter for Walt Disney Feature Animation, contributing to films such as "Hercules" and "Atlantis." Her background in visual storytelling influences her approach to picture book writing and her ability to craft narratives that effectively combine text and imagery.
👀 Reviews
Readers connect strongly with the emotional depth in "Shark Girl," noting how the verse format enhances the protagonist's journey. Parents and educators highlight the book's handling of disability and resilience without becoming preachy.
"Z Is for Moose" receives praise for its humor and creative take on alphabet books. Teachers report high engagement from young readers, with many mentioning students requesting repeated readings.
Readers appreciate:
- Authentic portrayal of trauma recovery in "Shark Girl"
- Humor and personality in picture books
- Accessible verse format for reluctant readers
- Balance of serious themes with hope
Common critiques:
- "Formerly Shark Girl" seen as less impactful than first book
- Some find verse style initially challenging
Ratings across platforms:
Goodreads:
- "Shark Girl": 3.9/5 (2,800+ ratings)
- "Z Is for Moose": 4.2/5 (3,100+ ratings)
Amazon:
- "Shark Girl": 4.5/5
- "Z Is for Moose": 4.7/5
Reviews frequently mention classroom success and emotional resonance with young readers.
📚 Books by Kelly Bingham
Shark Girl
A verse novel following 15-year-old Jane Arrowood as she rebuilds her life and artistic aspirations after losing her arm in a shark attack.
Formerly Shark Girl A sequel that continues Jane's story as she faces decisions about college and her future while dealing with the ongoing impact of her injury.
Z Is for Moose An alphabet book where an enthusiastic moose disrupts the traditional A-to-Z sequence by trying to appear on every page.
Circle, Square, Moose A story about a moose who interrupts a book about shapes, creating chaos while learning geometric concepts.
Duck, Duck, Moose! A picture book depicting three duck friends and their misadventures with an eager but accident-prone moose.
Formerly Shark Girl A sequel that continues Jane's story as she faces decisions about college and her future while dealing with the ongoing impact of her injury.
Z Is for Moose An alphabet book where an enthusiastic moose disrupts the traditional A-to-Z sequence by trying to appear on every page.
Circle, Square, Moose A story about a moose who interrupts a book about shapes, creating chaos while learning geometric concepts.
Duck, Duck, Moose! A picture book depicting three duck friends and their misadventures with an eager but accident-prone moose.
👥 Similar authors
Sharon Creech writes verse novels for young readers and combines multiple narrative styles like letters and poetry. Her work deals with similar themes of identity and personal transformation as seen in Bingham's "Shark Girl," especially in books like "Love That Dog" and "Heartbeat."
Paul O. Zelinsky creates picture books with detailed illustrations and playful narratives that break conventional storytelling rules. His work as both author and illustrator demonstrates the same understanding of visual storytelling and page-turning dynamics found in Bingham's picture books.
Karen Hesse specializes in verse novels that tackle difficult subjects for young readers through poetry. Her books like "Out of the Dust" share Bingham's approach of using verse to explore challenging life changes and emotional growth.
Lisa Schroeder writes verse novels for young adults that focus on transformation and healing. Her books deal with similar themes of overcoming trauma and finding new purpose as found in Bingham's work.
Mo Willems creates picture books that use humor and meta-narrative techniques to break the fourth wall. His books share the same playful approach to storytelling rules and conventions seen in Bingham's "Z Is for Moose" series.
Paul O. Zelinsky creates picture books with detailed illustrations and playful narratives that break conventional storytelling rules. His work as both author and illustrator demonstrates the same understanding of visual storytelling and page-turning dynamics found in Bingham's picture books.
Karen Hesse specializes in verse novels that tackle difficult subjects for young readers through poetry. Her books like "Out of the Dust" share Bingham's approach of using verse to explore challenging life changes and emotional growth.
Lisa Schroeder writes verse novels for young adults that focus on transformation and healing. Her books deal with similar themes of overcoming trauma and finding new purpose as found in Bingham's work.
Mo Willems creates picture books that use humor and meta-narrative techniques to break the fourth wall. His books share the same playful approach to storytelling rules and conventions seen in Bingham's "Z Is for Moose" series.