Jessixa Bagley is a Seattle based children’s book author and illustrator. In her work, she is drawn to animals and emotional themes inspired by her childhood in the Pacific Northwest. She has had work featured in numerous publications such as: Nickelodeon Magazine, Highlights Magazine, and is a frequent contributor to Illustoria Magazine. Her debut picture book, Boats for Papa, received numerous awards and accolades including the 2016 SCBWI Golden Kite Award and a 2016 Washington State Book Award. Her picture book Laundry Day received a 2018 Ezra Jack Keats Honor Award for writing. Many of her books are also Junior Library Guild Selections. Jessixa often illustrates for other writers and collaborates with her husband, Aaron Bagley. Their most recent collaboration, the middle grade graphic novel Duel, won a 2024 Washington State Book Award. In addition to creating books, Jessixa also travels domestically and internationally to speak and teach children’s book writing and illustration. Jessixa lives in Seattle, WA with her husband and son.