Sherry at four-years old.
Dr. Sherry Light grew up in the suburbs of Pittsburgh, where her love of art and storytelling began at an early age. Family members and teachers often noticed her ability to capture the spirit of the world around her through drawing and observation. Even as a child, she felt most alive when creating—whether sketching, writing, or exploring the outdoors.
After graduating from art school, she began her first career as a graphic designer. But, she soon realized that what inspired her most was not commercial design but creativity rooted in meaning and connection. A temporary job at a preschool unexpectedly changed the direction of her life. There, she discovered how deeply she was inspired by children’s curiosity, imagination, and their natural desire to explore the world.
Motivated by this experience, Sherry returned to the University of Pittsburgh to study psychology and sociology. She gained insight into the challenges many children face and the importance of early support and compassionate care. These experiences strengthened her belief that education plays a powerful role in helping children grow into confident, healthy, and curious individuals.
Determined to work more directly with children in educational settings, she enrolled in a master’s program at Seton Hill University while continuing to work and raise her young family. During this time, she advanced from early childhood educator to director of a large early education center, eventually earning her master’s degree and teaching certifications. Her commitment to education continued as she returned again to the University of Pittsburgh to complete a Doctorate in Education while balancing professional responsibilities and family life. The journey required perseverance, resilience, and long hours of work, but it also deepened her understanding of how children learn, grow, and find their place in the world.
Today, Dr. Light brings together her lifelong love of art, storytelling, and child development through the picture books she writes and illustrates. Her work focuses on helping young children notice the beauty of the natural world, engage their senses, and develop curiosity about the environment around them. Through gentle storytelling and colorful illustrations, her books encourage children to step outside, observe closely, and discover wonder in everyday moments.
Dr. Light lives in Pennsylvania with her family and a lively collection of animals, including two dogs, two birds, two chinchillas, and a very old fish named Todd. Many of her story ideas begin on quiet walks outdoors, where she continues to practice the simple art of noticing.