Melissa Finkelstein is an author, lawyer, and proud mom to three amazing kids. She resides with her family and their Goldendoodle, Riley, in Northern New Jersey.

 

She created the children's book series, The Big Feelings Friends ("BFF"), to remind children that we all feel big feelings at different times, that we can use strategies to process and regulate these emotions, and of the importance of being kind and empathetic toward others.

 

Her debut children's book, Picky the Panda and the Tickly Tail, was inspired by her daughter Skylar. It reminds children to embrace their sensory differences and big feelings, practice empathy toward others, and recharge when overwhelmed.  Her second book, Bobby the Snake and the Broken TV, was inspired by her son Myles, and shares reminders to unplug from screens, recharge through nature, and that you can (almost) always turn a bad day around.  Squeaky Kiki was inspired by her daughter Kayla ("Kiki"), and shares messages of standing up for yourself, setting boundaries, and respecting others.  Her newest release, Sheepishly Sorry, reminds us that apologizing is not always easy, even when we genuinely feel sorry. It shows us that actions speak louder than words and that we can show we are sorry in other, often more heartfelt, ways. 

 

In addition to writing children’s books, Melissa writes custom poetry and speeches for corporate events, milestone celebrations, and keepsakes. She also enjoys sharing her stories and mindfulness strategies at preschools and elementary schools throughout the tri-state area.

 

In her spare time, Melissa enjoys traveling with her family to sunny destinations, playing tennis, eating sushi, and reading thrillers!