Playful Books and Artistry by Leesa JoAnn Iverson

Leesa JoAnn Iverson LOVES stories with significant characters who grow from their choices. She writes and illustrates Picture books to create conversation and foster compassion. Her One Lucky Teddybear series offers dynamic and vibrant images to share the story of a Teddy bear’s adventures with unique friends including Octopus, Monkey and Blue-Footed Booby bird. Links to Leesa’s three Children’s Illustrated Picture books below to sample, for purchase, and delivery.

Leesa also teaches Creative Writing at the Alexandra Writers’ Centre Society and offers Manuscript Reviewing through the (AWCS) Author Support Services to identify your writing strengths and offer support for areas of improvement.

2026 Juror of Children’s Literature
for the SASK Book Awards (SBA)

2024 Juror of Short Story Anthology
for the Alberta Literary Awards presented
by the Writers’ Guild of Alberta (WGA).
– Leesa JoAnn Iverson

Regarding Scholastic author, Mitali Banerjee Ruths upcoming middle grade publication:

“Working with Leesa was genuinely one of the most valuable parts of my revision process. She helped sharpen the clarity, flow, grammar, and overall readability of my manuscript while respecting my voice as a writer. Her feedback was thoughtful and practical. What I appreciated most was Leesa’s ability to identify moments where a reader might stumble or need more clarity. I’d absolutely recommend Leesa to other authors looking for insightful, constructive editorial support and manuscript feedback.”
Mitali Banerjee Ruths (she/her)
The Party Diaries
@mitaliruths

Reflections after attending Leesa’s Creative Writing course, and Leesa’s consideration of her work in progress:

I appreciated the feedback you shared on my story when we met. You gave me a number of thoughtful points to consider, and I spent time reflecting on them as I continued revising the piece.

In the end, I decided to move forward in the direction that felt most aligned with my vision for the story, and I subsequently worked with an editor whose approach fit well with that direction. That said, I truly value hearing different perspectives throughout the writing process, and your comments were part of that reflection for me.

I think one of the interesting things about writing is that there can be many valid interpretations of where a piece might go. Ultimately, the writer has to decide what feels most authentic to the work they want to create.

“Leesa is a careful and insightful reader who provides thoughtful feedback and challenges writers to consider new perspectives in their work.”
Dale Wilson
A Caw Caw Caw Kind of Day