Jill Kalz

Jill Kalz is the author of The Winter Bees: Fiction, a collection of interconnected short stories set in rural Minnesota (her current home) and a 2019 Midwest Book Award finalist. She has published stories individually in American Fiction Vol. 15 and Minnesota Monthly, and poetry in the Nebraska Review, the Ohio Review, Cream City Review, and other magazines. A 2008 Minnesota Book Award finalist and winner of the Readers' Choice Award for her picture book Farmer Cap, Kalz is also the author of more than 80 children's books. She holds an MFA in creative writing from Minnesota State University, Mankato, and currently works as a senior editor.

Books will be available at the Deep Valley Book Festival on October 1, 2022 or email for direct orders: kalzj@hotmail.com

Books by Jill Kalz
Farmer Cap - After years of trying to convince their eccentric neighbor to do things the way they do, the farmers of Pfeffernut County finally see that Farmer Cap might have some good ideas, after all. Includes discussion questions, fun facts, and a recipe for Pfeffernuesse cookies. 2008 MN Book Award finalist and winner of the Readers’ Choice Award. (illustrated by Sahin Erkocak; Pfeffernut County series; all ages; hardcover; 32 pgs.)

Winter Bees - Behind each door of each small place in this collection of 10 interconnected short stories, people tend to their duties to keep a small town humming. THE WINTER BEES: FICTION introduces seemingly mundane lives lived in a rural Minnesota town and reveals journeys of personal discovery, meaning, love, and hope. Includes separate readers’ guide. 2019 MIPA Midwest Book Award finalist. (paperback; 182 pgs.)

Tuckerbean - The title that started the Adventures of Tuckerbean beginning-reader series! When Peni is at school, Tuckerbean has the house to himself. What does the adventurous canine do all day? (illustrated by Benton Mahan; Adventures of Tuckerbean series; ages 5-7; hardcover; 24 pgs.)

Tuckerbean at Big Bone Bowl - Tuckerbean and Grandma Tootie share a secret. They love to go bowling! When Grandma Tootie is in town, they hit the lanes together for a striking good time! (illustrated by Benton Mahan; Adventures of Tuckerbean series; ages 5-7; hardcover; 24 pgs.)

Tuckerbean in the Kitchen - Tuckerbean can’t go with Peni and her mom on their trip. Instead, he goes to the Puppy Inn, where he winds up cooking all sorts of international treats for his fellow canine guests. (illustrated by Benton Mahan; Adventures of Tuckerbean series; ages 5-7; hardcover; 32 pgs.)