Author Bio
Kristina (Tina) Howlett is an author, illustrator, ESL consultant, and Northwest Arkansas Connect Coordinator for SCBWI. She has taught students of all ages and language proficiency levels, and her classrooms, offices, and libraries have always been full of children's literature, books that support language development, teach lessons about life, and generate lively discussions. In 2021, she began her children's book writing journey, a dream that had been on her mind for many years. She joined SCBWI,12 x 12 Challenge, and two critique groups, and began crafting stories. Tina has written 12 picture books and she is currently illustrating and reading aloud in her community. In 2023, Ozark Creative Writers, Inc. awarded Dr. Howlett First Place for her children's book, GRANDMA'S APRON. Dr. Howlett's stories are written to inspire, entertain, and invite children to explore their lives and the lives of others. She writes about independent girls, her Italian American heritage, and the themes of friendship and family.
Dr. Howlett graduated from the University of Connecticut with a B.A. in Languages and Art History, and her first career was as a tour director. She holds a Master's Degree in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) and a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction and had a long, fulfilling career as an ESL Teacher, Curriculum Specialist, Assistant Professor, and College Advisor. Dr. Howlett was awarded an Outstanding Doctoral Student of the Year Award and she was recognized as a Teacher of the Year in the Rogers Public Schools. Her published educational research can be found on Google Scholar: Kristina M. Howlett.
Tina is Past President and a lifetime member of ARKTESOL (Arkansas Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages) and a board member of Partners of the Americas. She was awarded a USAID Travel Grant to develop an English language book for Farmer-to-Farmer, a Youth Development Program in the Dominican Republic. She also serves on the Youth Literacy Committee for the VFW Post 5952 and tutors at the Ozark Literacy Council. Dr. Howlett is especially proud of spearheading the successful foundation of the Arkansas Seal of Biliteracy.
About Me
Hello! Ciao! Hola! Bonjour!
I grew up on the East and West coasts and now I live in The Ozarks with my husband and our friendly dog, Snowflake, a white pitbull who ventured on our property during a snowstorm. My exciting life and career has included freelancing and managing an art gallery in New York City, working on an organic farm in Ireland, creating and directing tours overseas, event planning, teaching ESL, developing curriculum, researching, writing and publishing educational research, presenting at national and international conferences, coordinating service learning projects, and coaching and mentoring students. I am now using my writing skills and love of children's books by crafting my own inspiring stories, touching the lives of the next generation. When I am not reading, writing, and Illustrating, I can be found taking photographs, travelling,
volunteering, hiking in our woods, gardening, trying out new recipes, and spending time with my family and friends.
I am currently illustrating my children's books and seeking an agent to represent my work! Please browse my website, and connect with me on social media. I look forward to sharing resources with you on my journey as a children's book writer!
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You can find me on Twitter @HowlettTina and on Instagram @tinamariehowlett.
"What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make."
Jane Goodall
