It’s Book Time

Cathey Nickell

Cathey Nickell is a Houston-based author and speaker who brings the field trip to your school!

cathey nickell

Meet a local Houston author

Cathey Nickell, a children’s book author and speaker, has shared her love of writing and creativity at over 150 schools and libraries. With a background in journalism and public relations, a Master of Arts degree, and active membership in SCBWI, Cathey is passionate about inspiring the next generation of storytellers.

learn more

buy online

Available Books

Cathey’s books tell colorful stories about characters who use their creativity to stand out, make art, and find their place in the world.

Buy Books

what people say

Testimonials

My four-year-old enjoyed Yazzy’s Amazing Yarn, as he is a big fan of ALL the colors! What I enjoyed most was Yazzy’s desire to make things beautiful again. That’s the sort of life lesson children should be learning—how to love and improve the world around them.

Julie S. Five-Star Amazon Review

You should buy these books even if you don’t have kids!

Matt Barnes & Jeff Bachman Bros Before Rose Podcast

Yazzy’s Amazing Yarn is such a classic. I’m officially inspired to take out the big bucket of yarn I’ve been avoiding!

Haley Ringer Review from The Page Unbound

As a teacher, it’s refreshing to find books that expose children to an alternative art form. I’m inspired, and I know my students will be too.

Deborah Horwitz The Emery/Weiner School, Houston, TX

I would highly recommend visiting author Cathey Nickell. It was a day that both students and teachers praised highly. Cathey was excellent with the children, and she worked with all 750-plus children in our school in one day.

Ann Parsons Newman Spring Shadows Elementary, Houston, TX

I was blown away by how amazing Cathey and her illustrator Bill Megenhardt were with the students! They have not stopped talking about it. The teachers loved it as much, if not more. There are not enough words to express how thankful we are.

Jami Saucier The Woodlands Methodist School, Woodlands, TX

I’m an elementary school art teacher, and [Cathey’s books are] definitely a must-have for your art and literature go-to library/lessons.

Megan Peppers Lamar Elementary School, The Woodlands, TX

Arthur Zarr’s Amazing Art Car is a fantastic story about a man who allows creativity to improve his life. Cathey Nickell provides an engaging presentation of her book including facts and history of art cars, insider information about surprises within the story, and tips for how to be a great writer. Our students enjoyed the visit and buzzed about the book for weeks.

Amber Mann Sugar Mill Elementary, Sugar Land, TX

Yazzy’s Amazing Yarn has definitely inspired my crafty daughter to create some yarn bombing of her own. It would make a great birthday present to accompany a knitting kit.

Nicole P.G. Five-Star Amazon Review

Cathey's presentation was so powerful and allowed our students to see how a real author turns ideas into completed writing pieces. I'm so glad that my kids got to be part of this experience!

Laura Gray The Joy School, Houston, TX

Ms. Nickell's author visit was fabulous! Our students really enjoyed learning about the writing process and using their imagination. She even brought some of her art car friends for a visit too! Highly recommend for all ages.

Leena Elmore McWhirter Elementary, Clear Lake, TX

As a teacher, I’m so excited to begin this academic year with these playful yet profound books that celebrate out-of-the-box thinking, cooperation and loyalty. And thank you for the fantastic classroom presentations, Cathey.

Sheri J. Tanglewood Middle School, Houston, TX

Arthur Zarr’s Amazing Art Car is a wonderful story that speaks to children of all ages about friendship, creativity and recycling. Our students got to see a real art car! It was a wonderful, interactive moment for the children, and I highly recommend Cathey’s unique author visit to other schools.

Jeanie Lundquist The Goddard School, Greater Heights/Houston, TX

Our students have taken your suggestions to heart and are using them with their writing and illustrating. Thanks so much for being an inspiration!

Shirley Dulworth Tough Elementary School, The Woodlands, TX

Our students enjoyed hearing about Cathey Nickell’s personal writing journey and the story behind real art cars in Houston.

Laurie Bridel Southfield School, Shreveport, LA

Cathey came and spoke to my middle schoolers ... twice! She’s an inspiration to any students (and adults!) that she speaks to...plus it doesn't hurt that it's fun!

Lynden Briscoe Holy Spirit Episcopal School, Houston, TX

Cathey delivered a high-energy presentation to our students. She talked about writing small books as a young child and then went on to discuss how her ideas for stories develop. Dynamic!

Laurie Mitchell and Kristin Uptmor St. Mark’s Episcopal School, Houston, TX

Cathey did a wonderful job with my 5th graders. The kids were engaged and excited to hear about what goes on behind-the-scenes when writing a book. As a language arts teacher, I loved the direct connection to the concepts I cover in my class such as brainstorming and the steps in the writing process.

Jennifer Donovan The Joy School, Houston, TX

Every student had something positive to say. I thought it was brilliant of Cathey to remind them that some of the best ideas started from something small, like an acorn! Cathey truly made an impact on our students.

Holli Hawkins Tough Elementary School, The Woodlands, TX

Teachers and students absolutely LOVED having Cathey Nickell visit our school. The day was a special treat for all of us here at TWMS.

Anne-Marie Daughtery The Woodlands Methodist School, The Woodlands, TX

Cathey, thank you for the amazing author visit! You were so flexible and helpful throughout the day. Several teachers and students came up to me to tell me how much the students LOVED you! You are phenomenal and I would love to invite you back next year.

Courtney Burr Settlers Way Elementary, Sugar Land, TX

Cathey talked about strategies for young people to begin the creative writing process and emphasized that you don’t always have to have a big idea to write a story. Her presentation was informative, educational, and fun!

Myke Reitman St. Stephen’s Episcopal School, Houston, TX

Cathey Nickell really knows her audience when presenting to kids. She easily captured our girls’ attention and inspired them to write creatively on their own and search for ideas in their everyday lives. She even brought an art car driver friend and his car to bring the story to life!

NOW BOOKING SCHOOL VISITS FOR FALL 2025