Michelle Melamed & Allison Bowen

Michelle Melamed graduated from University of California, Berkeley with a B.A. in Rhetoric. Afterwards, she pursued her M.S. in Integrated Business, Design and Technology at USC. A “Jane of All Trades”, she loves boxing and yoga and is currently the account executive of Skubana. A passionate writer, Michelle currently lives in New York.

Allison Bowen is an inspiring and talented writer and illustrator. She graduated from American University with a B.A. in Graphic Design and later pursued her M.S. in Integrated Business, Design and Technology at USC, which is where she met Michelle Melamed. It was here that the two women’s dream of “Centered Storyline” was born, as a Capstone Project for their Master’s Program. Allison works at 2U, an educational technology company, where she creates designs and illustrations inspired by literature that prioritize storytelling. She currently lives in Washington D.C.

CENTERED STORY TIME (Children’s Picture Book Series, Forthcoming: Eifrig)

Centered Story Line is a children’s picture book series that explores the kinds of social and emotional experiences young kids often go through on a regular basis. Aiming to spark a dialogue between parents (or caretakers) and kids both through their writing and illustrations, the four books that make up the series create building blocks the enhance children's emotional intelligence. As fun as they are creative, these stories both open up entire new world for kids, all the while appearing comfortingly familiar.

REMY'S ATTIC OF WONDERS (Children’s Picture Book, Forthcoming: Eifrig)

The first book in the Centered Story Line” series, The Adventures of Prince and Theodore is a unique and inspiring story of family and heritage. Theodore Turner loves his family, but he feels they are pretty ordinary. He especially loves his Nana, who he looks forward to visiting every summer. Nana’s house is full of excitement. Vibrant patterns, colorful furniture and beautiful paintings fill the rooms. In fact, Theodore has explored every inch of her home, except the attic. After hearing a loud thump one night, Theodore’s curiosity gets the best of him. He ventures up to the attic where he has a big surprise waiting for him. There, he learns about his Black-American heritage, filled with music and creativity, activism and the quest for justice, love and strength, making him realize how extraordinary his family truly is.

Rights Sold: World English
Rights Available: Inquire
Agent: Zeynep Sen