J.M. Chrismer is the author behind Miso and Kili’s Flying Adventures and the brand-new series The Arizona Adventures— stories built on heart, curiosity, and the joyful world seen through the eyes of animals and children. Her books are inspired by the real companions in her life, including her adventurous cat Miso, whose playful, curious spirit brought the beloved character to life.
A natural storyteller, J.M. draws inspiration from the many children she has met along her journey. Her goal is simple and powerful: to craft stories that spark imagination, encourage exploration, and remind young readers that every great adventure starts with a single curious step.
Before becoming an author, J.M. spent ten years traveling the world as a corporate flight attendant — an experience that shaped her love of adventure and her belief that every new place brings new friendships and stories. Her two cats, Miso and Kili, mirror that same spirit: Miso, the outgoing explorer, and Kili, the motivated treat-lover.
J.M.’s books are brought to life with the vibrant work of illustrator Ilya Fortuna, a gifted artist from Kyiv, Ukraine. With a degree from the Academy of Fine Arts and Architecture and experience creating work for Disney, Cartoon Network, and more, Ilya has illustrated over 30 children’s books. His energetic, expressive artwork gives J.M.’s stories a magical spark that captivates young readers worldwide.
✨ Meet J.M. Chrismer at the Scottsdale Book Festival and step into a world where imagination takes flight — one furry, whiskered adventure at a time.