Eija Sumner writes lyrical, quirky, and humorous picture books. Her first picture book, Crocodile Hungry, illustrated by John Martz, published in February 2022 from Tundra Books. Her second picture book, The Good Little Mermaid’s Guide to Bedtime, illustrated by Nici Gregory, published March 5, 2024, also from Tundra Books. Eija also writes non-fiction for children and novels for older kids and teens.

She lives in Idaho with her husband, three children, three cats, one dog, and one red-eyed bunny. Eija loves art, libraries, silly cat videos, socks, soccer, the Portland Trailblazers, fresh peaches, reading and sharing stories, taking walks, learning about new things, and being warm.

Eija has an MFA from Hamline University in writing for children and young adults. Eija is a member the 12×12 picture book challenge and SCBWI; she is active in her local chapter.

Author photo by Madison Nielson.