Marieka Heinlen launched her career as a children’s book illustrator with the award-winning Hands Are Not for Hitting. As a freelance illustrator and designer, Marieka focuses her work on books and other materials for children, teens, parents, and teachers. She lives in St. Paul, Minnesota, with her husband and children.

Marieka and Free Spirit Publishing author Elizabeth Verdick hosted a “Craft & Play” event featuring books from their award-winning Toddler Tools^® series at a Barnes & Noble store in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area. View (and share) video from the event!