SATA

PERSONAL

Married; has children.

ADDRESS

• Home - Washington, DC.
• Agent - Ammi-Joan Paquette, Erin Murphy Literary Agency, 824 Roosevelt Trail, Ste. 290, Wyndham, ME 04062.

CAREER

Writer.

Reading, baking, family time, being outdoors.

Eisner Award nomination for Best Publication for Kids, 2022, for Allergic. 

WRITINGS

• PICTURE BOOKS
• Finding Wild, illustrated by Abigail Halpin, Alfred A. Knopf (New York, NY), 2016
• Fort-Building Time, illustrated by Abigail Halpin, Alfred A. Knopf (New York, NY), 2017
• Building Books, illustrated by Brianne Farley, Alfred A. Knopf (New York, NY), 2018
• Paper Mice, illustrated by Phoebe Wahl, Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers (New York, NY), 2019
• How to Catch Some Zzzs, illustrated by Jade Orlando, Chronicle Books (San Francisco, CA), 2025
• GRAPHIC NOVELS
• Allergic, illustrated by Michelle Mee Nutter, Graphix (New York, NY), 2021
• Squished, illustrated by Michelle Mee Nutter, Scholastic/Graphix (New York, NY), 2023
• Winging It, illustrated by Michelle Mee Nutter, Scholastic/Graphix (New York, NY), 2025
• MIDDLE-GRADE NOVELS
• Haven: A Small Cat’s Big Adventure, Candelwick Press (Somerville, MA), 2022
• "SUPER PANCAKE" GRAPHIC NOVEL SERIES
• Super Pancake, illustrated by Abhi Alwar, Knopf Books for Young Readers (New York, NY), 2023
• Super Pancake and the Mini Muffin Mayhem, illustrated by Abhi Alwar, Alfred A. Knopf (New York, NY), 2024
• Super Pancake and the Terrible Toast, illustrated by Abhi Alwar, Alfred A. Knopf (New York, NY), 2025

SIDELIGHTS

Megan Wagner Lloyd is an author of children’s books. [open new]Growing up alongside five siblings, she enjoyed active pursuits like rollerskating, creative pastimes like drawing and playing the violin, and of course reading and writing. She decided she wanted to be a writer at age eight. She counts bookstores, libraries, and museums as well as mountains, forests, and beaches among her favorite places.[suspend new] Her picture books include Finding Wild, Fort-Building Time, and Paper Mice. She is also the author of graphic novels including Allergic, Squished, and Winging It, all illustrated by Michelle Mee Nutter, and the “Super Pancake” series, illustrated by Abhi Alwar. In an interview for As the Eraser Burns, Lloyd explained that she often seeks inspiration and brainstorms new book concepts “by making lists of things that I love.”

In her debut book, Finding Wild, Lloyd encourages young readers to find and appreciate “the wild” wherever they can find it in their lives. Two children exit a subway and enter into the natural world, with mountains and meadows, rivers, and forests. The text points to the many opportunities the kids have to enjoy their natural surroundings, including smells, sounds, and sights. A challenge is also presented to those living in urban environments, noting that nature can be found everywhere. Reviewing the book in BookPage, Jill Lorenzini pointed out that “ Finding Wild reminds us that wild beauty persists in the busiest of cities, even in our bustling urban lives.” A contributor to Publishers Weekly noted that “a spirit of adventure and exploration runs throughout the book.” A Kirkus Reviews contributor found Lloyd’s text to be both “philosophical” and “poetic.” Writing in School Library Journal, Teri Markson remarked that “this ode to the wonder of the natural world is a step in the right direction.”

In Fort-Building Time, a group of children build forts across the four seasons, using materials unique to each one. In the winter, the fort is designed to seek protection from wayward snowballs. In the summer, a beach blanket keeps it airy so it does not get too hot. The book encourages young readers to think creatively and collectively in designing their forts according to their surroundings. A Kirkus Reviews contributor observed that “text and art simply depict the children’s fort-building activities (some quite spectacular)” without creating a specific narrative. The same reviewer called it “playful reading fun.” Reviewing the book in School Library Journal, Lisa Lehmuller commented that “at a time when more children look to screens for their fun, this book might remind them to look around instead.”

In Building Books, siblings Katie and Owen combine their interests to find an enjoyable activity they can do together. Katie loves working with building blocks, while Owen is a booklover. When a school librarian challenges them to better appreciate the other’s perspective, they quickly fall into their old habits. However, with a little effort, they find that the books can be used like blocks to build stuff. A Kirkus Reviews contributor claimed that “with repetitive, patterned, well-paced text, Lloyd weaves an enjoyable story while showcasing the benefits of trying something different.” Writing in School Library Journal, Barbara Auerbach summarized that “this is a fun read-aloud with a great message about the powers of reading and making.”

Paper Mice finds two paper mice, Ralph and Della, coming to life. During the day, they are bookmarks, but at night they come out to play. Della spends her time in a doll house, while Ralph falls into the water and must dry off near the fireplace. A contributor to Publishers Weekly stated: “Quiet and unpretentious, this simple story of charmed mice offers a sweet depiction of companionship and creature comforts.” A Kirkus Reviews contributor reasoned that “this low-key adventure … may wind up being a favorite—and even inspire some artwork of their own” in some families. Writing in School Library Journal, Lucia Acosta insisted that the book is “perfect for storytime, and with so much to explore on each page, a one-on-one read is also a must.”

Lloyd turns to a middle-grade audience in her 2021 graphic novel Allergic, with artwork by Michell Mee Nutter. This coming-of-age novel focuses on Maggie, who has severe allergies but really wants to have a pet. Maggie feels a bit isolated at home. Her parents are getting ready for a new baby and her twin younger brothers are inseparable. Because she is the oldest child and on her own, she is desperate to have puppy. When she goes to pick one out on her birthday, she has instant hives and rashes because she is allergic to furry or feathery critters. Now Maggie searches for a way to outsmart her allergy. She tries fish, a lizard, even a hermit crab, but these are not really pets she can relate to. A new friend brings her a tiny mouse, but its minimal fur is enough to provoke her allergies. Finally, Maggie comes to the realization that she needs to learn to live with her allergies and be happy that a new sibling is on the way.

Writing in School Library Journal, Thomas Maluck referred to Maggie, commenting that “readers will easily identify with her trials and accomplishments.” Booklist contributor Eva Volin also offered a positive assessment of Allergic, noting: “Maggie’s reactions to her situation are consistent with the way most tweens would feel, and her biracial family tracks as caring without coddling.” Volin further felt that the graphic novel is “easy to recommend.”

In a Reading Middle Grade interview, Lloyd commented on the inspiration for Allergic: “Like Maggie, I’m allergic to animals with fur or feathers. … I thought that kids would be able to really relate to loving animals and longing for a perfect pet.” Maggie’s expanding family was also inspired by Lloyd’s own family, as she further explained: “I have five siblings, so I can definitely relate to both how busy and overwhelming things can get with a full family life, and the anticipation and trepidation that can come while waiting for a new sibling’s arrival.” Speaking on Book Q&As with Deborah Kalb, Lloyd added: “In creating Maggie, I wanted to make a character who was full of love and enthusiasm, but who struggled to figure out how to translate that into the realities of her everyday life. … I hope kids are inspired by Maggie’s resiliency. And that kids with allergies will feel a little more seen and understood, and those without will understand a bit more about the challenges of living with allergies.”

A feline is the star of the middle-grade novel Haven: A Small Cat’s Big Adventure. Haven is a rescue cat who lives in a cottage with her beloved Ma Millie. When Ma Millie falls ill, Haven is determined to save her. She makes her way through the forest, encountering a fox that becomes her friend and traveling buddy. The two animals dodge a bobcat intent on eating them and finally reach someone who can help Ma Millie. Emily Graham, reviewer in Booklist, described the book as “a proper adventure story that proves that the biggest, bravest hearts can reside in the smallest bodies.” A Kirkus Reviews critic called it “a sweet, sincere tale of self-discovery.”

Squished is Lloyd’s second graphic novel, like Allergic featuring illustrations by Nutter. The volume stars Avery Lee, who lives with her large Korean American family in Hickory Valley, Maryland. Avery, an aspiring artist, shares a room with two of her siblings, and she longs for her own space. During the summer between fifth and sixth grades, Avery spends time with her best friends, Dani and Cameron. Cameron’s family is building a room in their basement, and Avery decides her family should do the same. She begins trying to raise money for the project. Meanwhile, her parents are considering a move across the country, which shocks and upsets Avery. A Kirkus Reviews writer described the book as “a charming and achingly relatable snapshot of life in a big family.” “This stirring and dynamic graphic novel is sure to win a lot of hearts,” asserted Jonathan Khan in Booklist.

Super Pancake is the first book in a graphic novel series by Lloyd. It tells the story of Peggy Pancake, who attends Winifred Waffle Elementary School along with her frustratingly perfect brother, Patrick. At school, the Bacon Bullies decide to play a trick on Peggy, sneaking an experimental scientific formula into her lunch. The formula, created by a visiting lecturer named Dr. Egg, gives Peggy superpowers, transforming her into Super Pancake. Supported by her friend Luc Croissant, Peggy tests out her new powers and devises ways to fight off Dr. Breakfast Sandwich. When Dr. Breakfast Sandwich kidnaps Luc, Peggy determines to rescue him. A contributor to Publishers Weekly described Super Pancake as a “madcap graphic novel series opener.” Emilia Packard, reviewer in School Library Journal, remarked: “Full of friendships, food fights, and slightly ridiculous bad guys, this is a sweet, silly caper ready to be gobbled up.”

[resume new]The now-unflappable flapjack returns in Super Pancake and the Mini Muffin Mayhem. At least, saving the world proved perfectly within Peggy’s powers, but throwing her for a loop are the missed homework assignment she must complete over spring break and moreover the babysitting job her parents signed her up for. The Mini Muffin quintuplets are more than a handful, and while visiting Professor Egg seems like an excellent diversion, his doom laser ends up super-sizing the youngsters. Peggy and Kid Croissant will need a pep talk from Stanley Bacon in order to end the muffin mayhem. A Kirkus Reviews writer appreciated how the breakfast-themed elements “infuse the story with whimsy and humor.” The writer observed that the “larger-than-life superheroics and quirky setting” as well as “down-to-earth problems” make the second “Super Pancake” book “sweet but substantial, just like a balanced breakfast should be.”

Lloyd’s picture book How to Get Some Zzzs is a handy guide to getting a good night’s sleep. Personifying the “Zzzs” as fond of a solid routine, soapy aromas, and bedtime stories, the text instructs and encourages the reader to gather supplies like a flashlight to feel secure, cuddle up with plush pals to feel cozy, and be brave enough to turn off the light. The illustrations by Jade Orlando convey a narrative about an eldest child trying to overcome sibling and pet mischief to get some satisfactory shut-eye. A Kirkus Reviews writer proclaimed, “This adorable, comforting offering is guaranteed to make bedtime less stressful for children and parents alike. … Kids will want to hear it repeatedly.”[close new]

Lloyd once told SATA: “My picture book writing is always influenced by the picture books I adored when I was little, including work by Jan Brett, William Steig, Tasha Tudor, Janet and Allan Ahlberg, Jill Barklem, Bernard Waber, Bill Peet, Mercer Mayer, and more.”

BIOCRIT

PERIODICALS

• Booklist, January 1, 2021, Eva Volin, review of Allergic, p. 70; July 1, 2022, Emily Graham, review of Haven: A Small Cat’s Big Adventure, p. 76; March 15, 2023, Jonathan Khan, review of Squished, p. 44.

• BookPage, May 1, 2016, Jill Lorenzini, review of Finding Wild, p. 29.

• Horn Book Guide, March 22, 2017, Carolyn Shute, review of Finding Wild, p. 41.

• Kirkus Reviews, March 15, 2016, review of Finding Wild; August 15, 2017, review of Fort-Building Time; August 1, 2018, review of Building Books; March 1, 2019, review of Paper Mice; May 1, 2022, review of Haven; February 1, 2023, review of Squished; June 1, 2024, review of Super Pancake and the Mini Muffin Mayhem; February 15, 2025, review of How to Catch Some Zzzs.

• Publishers Weekly, March 14, 2016, review of Finding Wild, p. 73; March 11, 2019, review of Paper Mice, p. 51; December 5, 2022, review of Super Pancake, p. 130.

• School Library Journal, July 1, 2016, Teri Markson, review of Finding Wild, p. 58; October 1, 2017, Lisa Lehmuller, review of Fort-Building Time, p. 78; October 1, 2018, Barbara Auerbach, review of Building Books, p. 57; June 1, 2019, Lucia Acosta, review of Paper Mice, p. 63; January, 2021, Thomas Maluck, review of Allergic, p. 70; January, 2023, Emilia Packard, review of Super Pancake, p. 67.

ONLINE

• As the Eraser Burns, https://aseraserburns.wordpress.com/ (January 31, 2018), Laura Bowers, author interview.

• Book Q&As with Deborah Kalb, http://deborahkalbbooks.blogspot.com/ (March 2, 2021), “Q&A with Megan Wagner Lloyd and Michelle Mee Nutter.”

• Comics Beat, https://www.comicsbeat.com/ (February 17, 2021), Avery Kaplan, author interview.

• EMU’s Debuts, https://emusdebuts.wordpress.com/ (May 2, 2016), Jason Gallaher, author interview.

• From the Mixed-Up Files, https://fromthemixedupfiles.com/ (February 25, 2021), Natalie Rompella, author interview.

• Megan Wagner Lloyd website, https://meganwagnerlloyd.com (June 28, 2025).

• Moms Don’t Have Time To, https://zibbyowens.com/ (April 15, 2021), Zibby Owens, author interview.

• Reading Middle Grade, https://readingmiddlegrade.com/ (March 10, 2021), “Megan Wagner Lloyd & Illustrator Michelle Mee Nutter on Allergic.”

• Shelf Awareness, https://shelf-awareness.com/ (March 16, 2021), Siân Gaetano, “Megan Wagner Lloyd & Michelle Mee Nutter: Allergic.”