About the Author

Debra I. Thomas

Debra I. Thomas shares her excitement about her children’s picture books, hoping they will inspire joy and adventure in young readers. She is also working on more imaginative stories that reflect her love for children and pets, inviting readers to explore the magic of storytelling together.

Special Moments

Reading to an amazing group of first graders — and the sweet thank-you cards they surprised me with! Moments like these make storytelling so special.

Q&A

Most frequent questions and answers

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.

I am a children’s author who creates stories that inspire kindness, imagination, adventure, and emotional connection in young readers. Writing has always been a dream of mine. After raising my four children, I now have the time to fully embrace my passion for storytelling. What began as a creative outlet has grown into a meaningful journey of sharing heartfelt messages through stories that encourage confidence, compassion, and courage. To date, I have written two children’s books, I Made It Home and Bazil Goes to School, and I look forward to continuing to create stories that touch young hearts and spark imagination. My books are written in collaboration with children, blending their ideas and perspectives with my own to create stories for children, by children.

What does being a successful author look like to you?

To me, being a successful author means sharing the magic of my stories with readers and seeing them come to life. For a children’s book author, there is nothing more rewarding than reading my books to a group of children, watching them engage with the story, and hearing their laughter, questions, and excitement. Receiving thank-you cards from a classroom of children is one of the most meaningful experiences I can have as an author. It is a true measure of success.

If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?

No, I would not change anything; my latest book is exactly the way I want it to be, simple but heartfelt and meaningful.

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now? Do you have any pets?

I was raised in Lanham, Maryland, and moved to Edgewater, Maryland, where I lived for 28 years, then to Annapolis, Maryland, where I have been for 13 years. I have five wonderful children and eight energetic grandchildren. I have a Golden Retriever named Callie and a cat named Frosty.

What’s next for you as a writer?

My next project is a women’s fiction novel inspired by real-life drama, exploring betrayal, heartbreak, and resilience. I’m excited to dive into the emotional journey of a woman navigating personal tragedy and rebuilding her life. I’m also continuing to write children’s books because I love being creative and inspiring young readers, sharing stories that spark imagination and wonder.