PHOTO: Julianne Black DiBlasi, author and designer, creatively merges storytelling and education to inspire young learners through her beautifully crafted books.
Blending Creativity, Science, And Conservation
Julianne Black DiBlasi seamlessly blends art and education, creating captivating children’s books that spark curiosity, celebrate nature, and inspire young readers to explore science, conservation, and the wonders of the natural world.
Julianne Black DiBlasi is nothing short of a creative powerhouse. With over two decades of experience in high-profile design and layout under her belt, this multi-talented educator, author, designer, and mom has published more than 30 books. A gifted storyteller and passionate educator, Julianne seamlessly intertwines her enthusiasm for art, science, and education to produce work that delights and informs young readers. She is also a monthly columnist for Story Monsters Ink Magazine, where she provides engaging articles and downloadable activity sheets for readers.
Julianne’s dedication to inspiring curiosity and learning shines through her book Nature Unboxed, a children’s activity book that pairs her love for science with her flair for creativity. When asked what inspired her to write and illustrate such books, Julianne explained, “My passion for science and the wonders of nature has always sparked my imagination. I believe that diving deep into the intricacies of our environment fosters a profound respect and awareness. Creating children’s activity books allows me to merge my love for art and my enthusiasm for education in the most delightful way. It’s like a dream come true—infusing fun and creativity into science!”
Julianne Black DiBlasi is a visionary creator whose impactful storytelling and art inspire wonder, learning, and environmental appreciation.
Through her work, Julianne blends storytelling and design with remarkable skill, drawing in young readers with vibrant visuals and an engaging structure. For Julianne, visual elements go far beyond mere decoration—they’re an essential part of the experience. As she puts it, “Using art to explore educational topics is like pairing chocolate with peanut butter—it just enhances everything! The visuals not only clarify concepts like a textbook but also introduce a playful twist that captures kids’ interest. With games and puzzles sprinkled throughout, young readers build confidence as they engage and learn while having a blast!”
“At the heart of each book lies a consistent message of conservation and wonder.” – Julianne Black DiBlasi
Creating a comprehensive and beautifully illustrated book like Nature Unboxed is no small feat, and Julianne candidly shared that research was one of the most challenging parts of the process. She said, “Diving headfirst into research was the biggest challenge! I immersed myself in learning about everything from stars to native species and weather patterns. It’s one thing to regurgitate facts, but crafting jokes, puzzles, and thoughtful questions requires a deeper understanding of the material. Every moment of that journey was rewarding, though it definitely demanded a hefty investment of time!”
Julianne’s extensive background in graphic design has significantly shaped her approach to creating her books. She described the way her expertise allows her to take complete charge of her projects: “My background in graphic design has been a game-changer. It allows me to weave together every facet of creating an activity book seamlessly. From writing and illustrating to layout and marketing, I’m in full control of the final design. It’s like being a one-person production team where I can infuse my vision without compromise!”
For aspiring authors hoping to break into publishing, Julianne’s advice is both practical and inspiring. “Stay persistent and immerse yourself in learning—everything from the creation process to understanding industry trends and realistic royalty expectations. I’ve faced moments when projects seemed stuck or at a dead end, but instead of giving up, I explore other formats like blog posts or illustrated posters. No effort goes to waste! Often, this approach gives my original idea the fresh perspective it needs to soar again.”
As a creator, Julianne’s work often carries deeper themes, notably her passion for conservation and encouraging young readers to explore the beauty of the world around them. “So far, I’ve crafted over a dozen activity books on topics ranging from pirates to wildlife. At the heart of each one lies a consistent message of conservation and wonder. This is what truly drives me—to inspire the next generation of artists and scientists to appreciate and protect our beautiful world.”
Julianne Black DiBlasi’s journey as an educator, designer, and author is both inspiring and impressive. Through her dedication to storytelling and her love of art, she is creating meaningful, thought-provoking work that will have a lasting impact on the minds and imaginations of her readers.
