Maria Kamoulakou-Marangoudakis is a Greek archaeologist and an award-winning children's author. Ever since childhood, Maria has LOVED escaping in the imaginary world of books. A longing to visualize and re-live the past, originally led her to a career in archaeology. A similar urge in 2013 prompted Maria to test her abilities in writing and to found LITTLE CENTAUR PRESS in 2018. She prefers creating picture storytelling books for older kids, bridging the gap between picture books and middle grade chapter books. For her themes she searches through Greece's rich literary tradition and folklore. Having been nearsighted since the age of six, Maria prefers to produce books with numerous illustrations and larger fonts, to enhance the story and facilitate reading. She is the recipient of three Purple Dragonfly Book Awards in 2016. Her first book, "Sky Cloud City", was adapted for stage & performed by D.R.E.A.M. Studios in Springfield, MA. When she is not busy writing children's stories, Maria ENJOYS interacting with her readers at book signing events and literary festivals in New England. She is a wildlife lover and takes pleasure in attracting birds and cottontail rabbits in her yard. Above everything else, Maria ADORES traveling, meeting new people and learning about new cultures. You may follow Maria's literary journey at www.mariakamoulakou.com or www.littlecentaurpress.com ; on Facebook @LittleCentaurPress; or write to her at mkamoulak@gmail.com.