Mayonn Paasewe-Valchev — Children's Author
Latest Release
There Flies the Witch
Red may not know who her true family is, but she's determined to find out where she belongs — a story about magic, nature, family, love, and betrayal.
"This is absolutely not to be missed."— BCCB (STARRED REVIEW)
A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection
"Will enchant fans of Erin Entrada Kelly, Tae Keller, and Grace Lin."
The Leopard Behind the Moon
No one knows what lies beyond the magical village door, but Ezomo is determined to find out. An unforgettable coming-of-age story about friendship, family, and long-standing traditions. The power of storytelling comes to life in this novel perfect for fans of Erin Entrada Kelly, Tracey Baptiste, and Tae Keller.
"Readers will be engrossed from start to finish."— Kirkus Reviews (STARRED REVIEW)
A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection
About Mayonn
Mayonn Paasewe-Valchev was born in Liberia, where she was exposed to a culture of oral storytelling at a young age. She lived in the Netherlands for several years, where she learned to stuff her klompen (wooden shoes) with carrots and developed a love for reading stories — especially tales written by Roald Dahl and Astrid Lindgren.
She is the author of The Leopard Behind the Moon, There Flies the Witch, and several Disney publishing projects, including a junior novel retelling of Marvel's Black Panther and its sequel. The author, who has also worked as a teacher and instructional designer, lives in Washington, DC, with her family.
For Schools & Educators
Bringing Stories Into Classrooms
TRACK — Teachers Reading Aloud & Connecting Kids
Teachers Reading Aloud & Connecting Kids, also called TRACK — brought The Leopard Behind the Moon to classrooms in almost every Chesterfield County elementary school. Grades 3–5 read the book aloud, then students dove deep into discussion questions and activities.
In partnership with bbgb bookstore, Old Hundred Elementary librarian Lara Ivey and reading specialist Lauren Lineweaver, and Salem Church Elementary librarian Melissa Urban created TRACK to connect students with an author as a way to encourage reading.
Mayonn partnered closely with Lara, Lauren, and Melissa to design an enriching month-long literary experience, including:
Weekly Video Discussions: Interactive prompts that invited students to think deeply about character, plot, setting, and theme.
Hands-on Creative Projects: Activities designed to bring the story to life while sparking imagination and creative thinking.
Virtual Classroom Visits: Live conversations in large and small groups, including weekly classroom visits.
Ezomo and his friends from the village of Sesa spent an entire month with 3,600 Chesterfield County Public Schools students.
We came together to help students forge friendships across schools and grades, and build a curiosity and love for stories and books.
Interested in a School Partnership?
Get in TouchReach Out
Readers, Contact Mayonn Online!
Hollywood Representation
Debbie Deuble-Hill of APA Talent & Literary Agency
(310) 888-4205[email protected]Foreign Rights
HarperCollins