Jenilee Szymanski was born in Panama City, Panama. Growing up near the Panama Canal, surrounded by nature and the ocean, she developed a lifelong love for the outdoors.

 

She now lives in Miami, Florida, with her two children, Sophia and Fernando. Family has always been at the heart of Jenilee’s world, and she cherishes the special role grandparents play in a child’s life. Her stories are inspired by the love, memories, and traditions passed down through her multicultural, blended family. When she’s not writing, you’ll likely find her at the beach soaking up the sun with her kids and their dog, Jack. Jenilee writes with the hope that her books remind children to be kind, to always show up for those they love, and to treasure the simple joys of family and nature. Life may not always be perfect, but it can still be perfectly yours.