Candace Spizzirri

Children's Book Author

About Candace

Candace Spizzirri grew up in a charming small town in New Jersey with tree-lined streets and historic Victorian houses. As a child, she spent countless hours playing at the park, catching minnows in a nearby stream, and exploring the woods at the end of her street. Those experiences sparked the curiosity and imagination that inspire her stories today.

Candace holds a degree in child psychology with an emphasis on emotional development. Passionate about education, she co-founded both an elementary school and a high school in Southern California.

She now divides her time between SoCal and Pennsylvania with her husband, Marc, and their lovable Bernedoodle, Luca. She treasures time with her son, daughter, daughter-in-law, five wonderful grandchildren, and a large extended family.

Her books include FINLEY: A MOOSE IN CHARTREUSE (April 28, 2026); FINLEY: A MOOSE ON THE CABOOSE (April 18, 2023), a Foreword INDIES Award Winner, Picture Book of the Year, Honorable Mention, and a 2025 Moonbeam Award Winner, Picture Books (4 to 8); FISHING WITH GRANDPA AND SKYE (April 19, 2022); AMBER MAE AND HER STRAYS (Fall 2027); and FINLEY: A FOOTLOOSE MOOSE (Fall 2028).

Candace dedicates time each day to writing and honing her craft. Her greatest hope is that her stories will entertain, delight, and encourage children to see the world with curiosity, kindness, and imagination.

Candace is represented by Ritu Anand of D4EO Literary Agency.

Candace Spizzirri
Candace reading a Finley picture book aloud to a group of children at a bookshop
Story time
Candace as a young girl at the water's edge, holding up the fish she has just caught
Candace fishing at Lake Hopatcong, NJ
Luca, a blue-eyed Bernedoodle puppy, lying on a wooden floor with a braided rope toy between his paws
Luca, our Bernedoodle
“

The more that you read, the more things you will know.
The more that you learn, the more places you'll go.

Dr. Seuss, I Can Read With My Eyes Shut!

A Few Favorites

Finley in a hot dog costume

Favorite weather

Rain! At the very first drip-drop, you'll find me on the front porch with a cozy blanket and a steaming mug of coffee.

Favorite animal

Moose 🫎

Favorite moose

Finley! 😉

Favorite subject

As a student, I loved math and science and attended college on a science scholarship. I planned to become a doctor like several members of my family. I never imagined that later in life I'd write children's books, but I'm so glad!

Favorite childhood books

Winnie the Pooh, Ballet Shoes, Charlotte's Web, and anything by Dr. Seuss.

Favorite dessert

Pistachio ice cream, tiramisu, and creme brulee.

Favorite food

Seafood... pasta... tacos... garlic mashed potatoes... Honestly, I can't decide! I love trying new foods and rarely meet a meal I don't enjoy.

Favorite fun activity

I LOVE to dance...anytime...anywhere, and even danced in a ballet company when I was a young girl.