Author & Educator
Writing picture books kids & parents will love.
Melissa Trempe has swum with sharks and hiked a volcano, but her favorite pastime is writing for children.
Her book Ladybug Launch: Inspired by a True Story of Chinitas in Space is co-authored with Dr. Natalia Ojeda and illustrated by Manuela Montoya. The book released in April of 2024 with Margaret K. McElderry (Simon & Schuster). Her second book, The Girl Who Dreamed of Space (Sourcebooks eXplore) will release in the spring of 2027. It’s a children’s book biography about NASA’s first female pilot and mission commander, Eileen Collins.
As a former teacher, Melissa loves presenting to children! She looks forward to sharing her work at libraries and schools.
Melissa has presented at
elementary schools,
high school programs,
bookstores, libraries, the zoo, and
The Smithsonian Air & Space Museums!
Check out where she’ll be next under Events!
One Book One School project at Conshohocken Elementary!
Smithsonian Air & Space Museum is carrying Ladybug Launch in their gift shops!
Recognition: Ladybug Launch received the 2024 Commended Book Award
Available anywhere books are sold!
KIRKUS REVIEW
“…The book offers a stirring example of representation in STEM. A rousing story of kids making an impact on the world of science.”
Praise . . .
Steena Hernadez,
Author of Lupita’s Brown Ballet Slippers
“I had the opportunity to read an ARC of this beautifully written story by Melissa Trempe and Natalia Ojeda, and illustrated by Manuela Montoya. This story shines from the first page, as it parallels a little girl, who dreams of becoming a scientist, and a ladybug, who wants to go to space. Adorable illustrations of the starry-eyed ladybug add an endearing touch to what the reader learns is based on a true story. An encouraging teacher helps the little girl and her classmates take their idea straight to NASA! A sprinkling of Spanish words makes this a diverse read, and a Spanish to English glossary is included. This inspiring read is sure to have the youngest readers dreaming big and shooting for the stars!”
150 books donanated to students
in an underserved Philadelphia school…
I worked with a charitable organization called WePAC (West Philadelphia Alliance for Children) and my local bookstore, Children’s Book World, to provide a free author visit to an underserved Philadelphia school. With the help of friends, family, and my community, we raised enough money to give each child a copy of Ladybug Launch in April 2024.
After sharing the book with students, the children had a chance to make their own picture books!
This experience was incredibly special for me. These children have a school library that is only open one day a week and run by WePAC volunteers. When they check out books, they’re not allowed to take them home. The books stay at their school desks. To send these children home with their own books was an amazing feeling.
Photo provided by WePAC
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Critique Services
Is your manuscript query ready? For information on critiques, email melissatrempebooks@gmail.com.
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School Visits
Melissa can’t wait to present at your school! She’s located in the Philadelphia area.
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About Melissa
Learn more about the author! What was she like as a kid? You might be surprised!
