Award-winning local author helps children and adults feel empowered
International award-winning children’s author Kara Dalton, of Jacksonville, is dedicated to creating books that help children navigate life’s challenges with confidence, compassion and understanding.
As the author of 39 children’s books, Dalton has become a trusted voice for families, educators, therapists, healthcare professionals and community organizations seeking meaningful, age-appropriate resources that educate while inspiring empathy and inclusion.
With more than 17 years of experience in special education, Dalton brings exceptional expertise to every story she writes. She holds a bachelor’s degree in communications, a master’s degree in special education, multiple teaching certifications spanning birth through age 21, and post-graduate specialization in autism.
Throughout her career, she has worked with children across every grade level and has extensive experience supporting students with autism, ADHD, Down syndrome, Williams syndrome, OCD, CAPD, and a variety of developmental and learning differences.
Dalton’s books have earned international recognition, including an International Book Award, and her work has been featured on FOX 2 St. Louis and KMOX Radio. Her growing collection of books has reached readers throughout the United States and internationally, serving as valuable educational resources in homes, schools, libraries, hospitals, museums, therapy practices and community organizations.
Known for transforming complex topics into engaging, child-friendly stories, Dalton creates books that help children understand autism, prepare for medical experiences, develop social-emotional skills, embrace differences, and build confidence through relatable characters and positive messages.
Every book is thoughtfully written to encourage meaningful conversations while giving children the tools they need to better understand themselves and the world around them.
Dalton’s mission is to create stories that ensure every child feels seen, valued, understood and empowered — because every child deserves to know that their unique strengths can make a difference.
To explore collaborations with Dalton and her books, reach out to creativespectrumlens.com.
