About Author
Mike first knew he wanted to be a children’s book author when simply making up stories for his young daughter evolved into planning them out beforehand and including lessons and morals to share with her.
Author Mike DeHart
Mike was inspired to write his Riley series of children’s picture books by his daughter who is half Jamaican. He knows that growing up as a person of color will present a world of challenges and situations for her, and he wanted to create stories where she could see herself as the main character. Through the Riley stories, he hopes to instill confidence, drive, a natural sense of curiosity, and a feeling of empowerment—themes that he discovered were difficult to find in children’s books that communicated it in lighthearted ways for the very young.
Mike believes a good story is one that truly reels you in through a connection with the characters and the world that is created. He hopes his young readers will be inspired by Riley’s character to push their boundaries, gain self-reliance, and understand the value of teamwork. His wish for parents is that his books become a catalyst for them to talk to their kids about topics involving confidence, critical thinking, and business aptitude.
When Mike isn’t writing thought-provoking books for children and being a dad to two young girls, he is an entrepreneur, experimenting with business and new digital product ideas.
Riley and the Yeti Who Loves Confetti is his debut children’s book and the first in his Riley picture book series.