Michelle Cusolito, M.Ed. ❌👑

@mcusolito

Award-winning author of books for kids. Educator. Science Communicator. Ocean Evangelist. Preorder JELLYFISH SCIENTIST and IN THE WORLD OF WHALES. Adjunct @SimmonsUniversity MFA. Rep: @jmcgowanbks #SciComm she/her

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Ist das dein Profil?Übernimm es — dann gehört dir mcusolito.dirty.social.Profil übernehmen

Michelle Cusolito, M.Ed. ❌👑@mcusolito· Jul 7

Rainy day #2 means collaging with family visiting from CA. I started this collage a couple of weeks ago and finally finished it. The 3 large fish are collaged from a variety of papers. The octopus arm and small fish are lino prints I made and repurposed.

Michelle Cusolito, M.Ed. ❌👑@mcusolito· Jul 6

WARNING for authors. This is a FAKE email. Please click to see the whole image. @diebelra.bsky.social someone is impersonating you.

My name is Rachel Diebel, and I am an Editor at Feiwel & Friends / Square Fish. I recently spent some time looking into your work, particularly Rooted in Wonder: Celebrating the World's National Trees, and I was impressed by the way you combine rich nonfiction with an engaging sense of curiosity and discovery. Your ability to present scientific, historical, and cultural topics in an accessible and inspiring way makes for a reading experience that encourages young readers to explore the natural world with fresh eyes.
I would be very interested to learn more about your current and forthcoming projects, as well as whether you are represented by a literary agent. If you do have representation, I would be pleased to continue any discussion through your agent. If not, I would be happy to outline how the process typically works, should there be interest in taking the conversation further.
Subject to reviewing additional material, there may be scope for a broader discussion regarding potential fit within Feiwel & Friends / Square Fish's publishing program, particularly for nonfiction and nature-focused books for young readers.
If this is of interest, I would be delighted to hear from you.
Keep being awesome,

Rachel Diebel
Editor at Feiwel & Friends / Square Fish
Editorial Department | Macmillan

racheldiebelmac@gmail.com

Michelle Cusolito, M.Ed. ❌👑@mcusolito· Jun 24

Sy Montgomery @whoi.edu tonight.

Sy stands at a podium answering questions.

Michelle Cusolito, M.Ed. ❌👑@mcusolito· Jun 24

Support indies! @bookshop.org

Bookshop.org.
Anti-prime day. Free shipping on all orders.

Michelle Cusolito, M.Ed. ❌👑@mcusolito· Jun 10

Today the MA House passed "An Act Regarding Free Expression!" I’ve been working w/ peers from MA @authorsabb.bsky.social & #MassachusettsFreedomToRead Coalition for the last year. The MA Senate passed the bill last fall. I can’t wait to see Governor Healy sign it into law! #FreedomToRead #mapoli

Michelle Cusolito, M.Ed. ❌👑@mcusolito· Jun 8

Happy World Ocean Day! I have 5 ocean-themed books for the young people in your life (with more on their way)! #MarineScience #KidsLoveNonfiction #STEAM #STEAMTeamBooks

Michelle Cusolito, M.Ed. ❌👑@mcusolito· May 5

While in Charleston, SC, I spotted a ginkgo, national tree of China. Ginkgoes are planted along city streets because they stand up well to car exhaust. Learn about other national trees in my book, ROOTED IN WONDER: CELEBRATING THE WORLD’S NATIONAL TREES #KidsLoveNonfiction #STEAM #SteamTeamBooks

Michelle stands beneath a ginkgo tree alongside a city street. The trunk is roughly 6 inches in diameter and the canopy is several feet above Michelle’s head. A truck and car can be seen driving past.
Michelle’s long brown hair is down. She wears a black tunic style top with white stitching and aqua colored pants.

The cover of the book has a mostly teal background with turquoise letters that say Rooted in Wonder. A boabab tree with swollen trunk fills the cover. A variety of animals are along the ground and in the tree.

Michelle Cusolito, M.Ed. ❌👑@mcusolito· Apr 26

So much fun reading IN THE WORLD OF WHALES at @whoi.edu Science Discovery Center on Friday! We had a wonderful group of engaged listeners. Thank you WHOI! #SteamTeamBooks #KidsLoveNonfiction #STEM

Michelle sits in front of a group of kids and parents holding IN THE WORLD OF WHALES. She’s wearing a black shirt, black legging with teal jellyfish in them and black boots. A science exhibit called An Ocean of Solutions is visible behind her.

A zoomed in image of Michelle as she reads. She’s making a motion with her hand coming out from her forehead. The book is open to a spread that shows two large sperm whales up close with a freediver below them.

Michelle Cusolito, M.Ed. ❌👑@mcusolito· Apr 25

#IndependentBookstoreDay! I’m unable to stop into one today, but I was at An Unlikely Story Sun for an event & yesterday I popped into @eightcousinsbooks to pick up my preordered copy of MR. CHOW’S NIGHT MARKET by Emily Sun Li & Yu Ting Cheng.

Michelle Cusolito, M.Ed. ❌👑@mcusolito· Apr 18

Tomorrow at noon! An #EarthDay themed storytime at An Unlikely Story in Plainville, MA. I’ll read my newest book—Rooted in Wonder— share details about its creation, and facilitate a tree-related craft. #SteamTeamBooks #Nature

Text: An Unlikely Story Presents:
Author Storytime with Michelle Cusolito. Sunday April 19th, 12:00 pm. An Unlikely Story 1 South St. Plainville, MA.
Photo of Michelle wearing a black top with white stitching. Her long brown hair is down.
Photo of book cover, ROOTED IN WONDER: CELEBRATING THE WORLD’S NATIONAL TREES. A baobab tree with a swollen trunk takes up the whole cover. A variety of animals are in its branches and along the ground.

Michelle Cusolito, M.Ed. ❌👑@mcusolito· Apr 13

This is real. The President posted this.

Michelle Cusolito, M.Ed. ❌👑@mcusolito· Apr 9

Big day! Radiation is DONE!! I’m so thankful for these two. Rick is the person who supports me in everything. And my dear friend Alison drove me to most of my appointments. Yes, I could have driven myself, but it’s so much nicer to go with a friend. I’m so grateful for both of them. #cancersucks

Michelle smiles as she rings the brass bell.

Michelle stands next to the brass bell. Her husband Rick stands behind her and friend Alison is to her left.

Michelle Cusolito, M.Ed. ❌👑@mcusolito· Apr 5

This is an actual post by the President of the United States.

Tuesday will be Power Plant Day, and Bridge Day, l wrapped up in one, in Iran. There will be nothing like it!!! Open the Fuckin’ Straight, you crazy bastards, or you’ll be living in Hell- JUST WATCH! Praise be to Allah. President DONALD J. TRUMP.

Michelle Cusolito, M.Ed. ❌👑@mcusolito· Apr 3

I’ve reached the un-fun part of the program. My radiation fatigue is all consuming. And my skin is pretty angry now: red, itchy, and painful. Humor helps. This card came in a care package from my friend. #CancerSucks

The Cancer card.
The exclusive membership you always never wanted.

“Yay it’s time for my radiation/chemo/biopsy/other hideous cancer treatment today!” —said no cancer patient ever. Living with cancer stinks – but there IS one teeny tiny silver lining:
The cancer card.
Here’s how it works: Is it your turn to do the dishes tonight but you just cannot bring yourself to lift a finger? Need an extra turn to bypass your partner’s documentary and skip right to the Real Housewives of New Jersey? Perhaps you got your laundry into the washer, but you lack the energy to fluff and fold? All these situations are ideal fodder for the cancer card. Just show your card to the closest friend or family member and voilà – skip annoying tasks and activities!

Michelle Cusolito, M.Ed. ❌👑@mcusolito· Mar 27

Books purchased from any publisher qualify for the pencil (while supplies last)! Just submit proof of purchase at the link in my bio. If you want a signed copy, order from Eight Cousins. They ship anywhere in the U.S. #RootedInWonder #SteamTeamBooks #Nature #trees #KidsLoveNonfiction

Michelle Cusolito, M.Ed. ❌👑@mcusolito· Mar 20

Tonight’s plan. Seems appropriate. With daily radiation treatments, my life feels a bit like this film. #CancerSucks.

Cover of the film Groundhog Day starring Bill Murray and Andi McDowell. A photo of Murray’s face is on the face of an old fashioned alarm clock with bells on the top.

Michelle Cusolito, M.Ed. ❌👑@mcusolito· Feb 27

I realized how much having flowers around has brightened my days, so I bought myself some when I went grocery shopping yesterday. #cancersucks

Overhead view of a vibrant bouquet of flowers: bright orange lillies, delicate pink roses, and hot pink and peach gerbera daisies.

Michelle Cusolito, M.Ed. ❌👑@mcusolito· Feb 26

Yesterday was an emotional day for me. Nothing “bad” happened, per se. It was a day when the reality of my cancer diagnosis and impending radiation treatments weighed heavily. I know this is all normal. And yes, I’m giving myself grace. I know how to take care of myself. #cancersucks

A lime-green puffball shaped flower sits in a small spherical vase. The vase is two toned: teal at the top and dark brown at the bottom. Light comes in from a window behind the vase.

Michelle Cusolito, M.Ed. ❌👑@mcusolito· Feb 25

Omg. This is my house yesterday afternoon. It’s snowing again. 😭 #snowicane #blizzard2026

Red house with green front door. Snow banks go half way up the windows.

Michelle Cusolito, M.Ed. ❌👑@mcusolito· Feb 17

Friends in Ireland and the U.K. Get 25% off ROOTED IN WONDER at Waterstones online (link in bio) or via the app. Just enter the code FEB26 at the checkout. Sale ends 20th February 2026! #childrensbooksale #moonandbirdbooks #WPreorder #STEAMTeamBooks #STEM

Image shows the cover of Rooted in Wonder: Celebrating the World's National Trees plus the same text in the comment. Cover illustration is leafed out baobab tree with a fat trunk. A variety of animals swing from the branches such as snakes and monkeys and a warthog is in front of the tree.

Michelle Cusolito, M.Ed. ❌👑@mcusolito· Feb 15

Breast Cancer Update Thank you to everyone who emailed texted, and DMed me after I shared news of my breast cancer diagnosis. Your messages meant so much. I’m now two weeks and 5 days weeks post-surgery and I’m doing well. I’ve been slowing building up my stamina since surgery.

Michelle stands in a showy woodland wearing snowshoes and holding hiking poles. She’s wearing a purple puffy coat and matching purple hat.

Michelle Cusolito, M.Ed. ❌👑@mcusolito· Jan 28

I donated a virtual 45 minute school visit or Ask Me Anything call. I'll either do a prepared presentation for your school or have a call with you to talk about anything publishing related. Bidders choice. #PublishingforMN Auction opens Jan 29 at 12:14 am and closes on January 30 at 11:45. Act fast!

Publishing for Minnesota. I donated: to publishing for Minnesota's fundraiser auction. Auction opens Thursday, January 29th. https://www.32auctions.com/publishingforMN#google_vignette

I donated a 45 minute virtual school visit or Ask Me Anything.
Bid here: https://www.32auctions.com/publishingforMN#google_vignette

Michelle Cusolito, M.Ed. ❌👑@mcusolito· Dec 1

Thread: Today is #AntarcticaDay, a day to celebrate the treaty that recognizes Antarctica as a preserve for peace and scientific study. It also feels like the perfect day to share this exciting news. 🧵🌊 1/8 @steamteambooks.bsky.social

Photo of penguins against a white background. Black text says, BIG NEWS!! I'm going to Antarctica! (Details in caption.)

Michelle Cusolito, M.Ed. ❌👑@mcusolito· Nov 29

Kicking off the holiday season with a family favorite. #MuppetsChristmasCarol

Photo of TV screen showing the Muppets Gonzo and Rizzo the Rat in the opening scene of A Muppets Christmas Carol.

Michelle Cusolito, M.Ed. ❌👑@mcusolito· Nov 12

Norther Lights over Massachusetts!

Michelle Cusolito, M.Ed. ❌👑@mcusolito· Nov 4

These are the books I assigned for week two of our study of picture books. We expanded our learning to include some early readers. (This is for Writing 1 in the @simmonsuniversity MFA in writing for Children and Young Adults). #ChildrensLiterature #KidLit #Picturebooks

Books pictured: Meet Yasmin! by Saadia Faruqi, illustrated by Hatem Aly
I Am Invited to a Party by Mo Willems
Fox and Chick: A Quiet Boat Ride and Other Stories by Sergio Ruzzier
They All Saw A Cat by Brendan Wenzel
Noodles on a Bicycle by Kyo Maclear, illustrated by Gracey Zhang
Swashby and the Sea by Beth Ferry, illustrated by Juana Martinez-Neal.
Escargot by Dashka Slater, illustrated by Sydney Hanson
Do You Remember? By Sydney Smith
Finison, Carrie. Dozens of Doughnuts by Carrie Finnison, illustrated by Brianne Farley
I Want My Hat Back by Jon Klassen

Michelle Cusolito, M.Ed. ❌👑@mcusolito· Nov 3

Today is #WorldJellyfishDay! A great day to introduce young readers to Maude Delap, a pioneering scientist from rural Ireland who was the first person to raise them in captivity through their full life cycle. She did this back in 1899! #kidslovenonfiction #STEAM #JellyfishScientist #SteamTeamBooks

Cover of the book shows the title, Jellyfish Scientist: Maude Delap and
her Mesmerizing Medusas by Michelle Cusolito, illustrated by Ellen Rooney. Maude looks out at
the reader through a bell jar holding a jellyfish medusa. A JLG medal is on the bottom right.

Michelle Cusolito, M.Ed. ❌👑@mcusolito· Oct 27

Last week I kicked off our study of picture books in my Writing 1 class. These are the books I shared with my students. #PictureBooks #ChildrensLiterature #KidLit

Books pictured: A Different Pond by Bao Phi, illus by Thi Bui.
At the Mountain’s Base by Tracy Sorell, illus: Weshoyot Alvitre.
Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut by Derrick Barnes, illus by Gordon C. James
Dreamers by Yuyi Morales
Homeland: My Father Dreams of Palestine. By Hannah Moushabek, illus by Reem Madooh.
Home in a Lunchbox by Mo Cherry
Knuffle Bunny by Mo Willems
The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend by Dan Santat
Watercress by Andrea Wang illus. by Jason Chin

Michelle Cusolito, M.Ed. ❌👑@mcusolito· Oct 25

Still harvesting cayennes, eggplant, and celery.