Mk Smith Despres writes, teaches, and reads lots of books with their family in western Massachusetts. They have worked as an educator for over 15 years with kids and adults with disabilities, but also worked as a baker, made a magazine about food and farming, and spent exactly three days milking cows. Mk is the author of several new and forthcoming picture books including Night Song, illustrated by Hyewon Yum, and There’s That Sun Again, illustrated by Julie Benbassat.

Mk will use their time at Green Box to revise and develop a novel in verse for middle grade readers (ages 8-12) and to find and follow new picture book ideas. They are also excited to visit area elementary schools and work with students as part of their community engagement work in Green Mountain Falls.