Stories that inspire and delight.
Cynthia Mackey: Biography
(updated February 15, 2026)
SHORT BIO:
Cynthia Mackey’s poetry appears in The Toy, The Dirigible Balloon and Little Thoughts Press. Her debut picture book, If a Bumblebee Lands on Your Toe, published with Yeehoo Press/Picnic Heist with illustrations by Vikki Zhang. Her second picture book, Butterfly Sea, published with Tielmour Press in 2026. Cynthia lives with her husband in Victoria, Canada. For more info, see booksbycindy.com
LONGER BIO:
Cynthia Mackey’s poetry appears in The Toy, The Dirigible Balloon and Little Thoughts Press, Hit the Road magazine. Her debut picture book, If a Bumblebee Lands on Your Toe published with Yeehoo Press/Picnic Heist in May 2025 and her second picture book, Butterfly Sea, published with Tielmour Press in January 2026. She was mentored by highly acclaimed Canadian author, Jean E. Pendziwol. With a Bachelor of Education degree, Cynthia has devoted her life to early years education. She views children as capable beings and works to bring elements of joy, playfulness, and social-emotional learning to her writing. Cynthia works with Victoria CCRR (and other CCRRs) to offer workshops for Early Years Educators. She is available for school visits and storytelling events in the Greater Victoria area and Saanich Peninsula. She also offers online author visits. Cynthia lives with her husband in Victoria, B.C. Canada. For more information, visit her website at booksbycindy.com
If you’re considering a choice between self-publishing or traditional publishing for your picture book, click the link above to learn more.
It’s my pleasure to be a guest on the following blogs.
Why I write…
I write to engage in the joy and playfulness of the creative process. I write to explore the connections between human beings and the natural world and to explore empathy for living things.
About my works in progress:
I’m captivated by all the little things in nature. The things that draw children’s attention. I often wonder what compels children to become curious about banana slugs, bumblebees, hummingbirds or ladybugs. I write stories about things that are small but powerful. Picture books are my first love, and I am working on developing my skills in writing early readers and early chapter books. I love the novel in verse format.
I’m a musician in my spare time, and I love the rhythm of language so lyrical writing is a natural choice for me, but if you read my poem Why Teachers Need Tuna, you’ll know that I enjoy writing humour just as much.
There are so many books that inspire me. Here are a few…
-My Best Friend by Julie Fogliano and Jillian Tamaki
-When I Listen to Silence by Jean E. Pendziwol and Carmen Mok
-The Big Red Lollipop by Rukshana Kahn and Sophie Blackall
-Bad Kitty by Nick Bruel
-Fairy Science by Ashley Spires
-Hat Cat by Troy Wilson
-Dark Cloud by Anna Lazowski