Some call it planting season. Some call it the return of sunshine and tulips. Some call it a fresh start. No matter how you frame it, spring is inspiring—and Lindsay Ward, author and illustrator of over thirty books for kids, brings that sense of possibility to everything she touches. Known for her whimsical characters, vivid scenes, and heartfelt storytelling, Ward continues to engage young readers with books that entertain, encourage, and enlighten.
Best of friends, Scooper the front loader and Dumper the snowplow may be known for their fall-themed adventure in The Pumpkin Parade, but Ward’s artistic reach extends well beyond any one season. With spring comes fresh energy—and a new reason to celebrate Ward’s talent and storytelling: the release of Jesse, Queen of the Road, a story about bravery, self-belief, and shattering stereotypes, inspired by real-life female motorcyclists who defied the odds in the early 20th century.
In Jesse, Queen of the Road, readers follow a fearless teenage motorcyclist named Jessie as she takes to the streets of New York, and then the entire country, blazing trails across a male-dominated world. From being denied enlistment in World War I because of her gender to becoming a World War II courier, Jessie’s story honors seven historical women who dared to live boldly—and reminds readers that the open road is always waiting. It’s a tale that echoes the spirit of spring: renewal, determination, and the courage to forge your own path.
Ward, who illustrated Jesse with her signature warmth and emotion, says she never intended to become a writer—but after meeting other authors and illustrators while working in a bookstore, she felt the pull of storytelling too strong to ignore. “Picture books should feel like a fun romp,” Ward explains. “Quick but impactful. I want my readers to giggle, enjoying the book with a loved one because that is the magic of picture books. They are meant to be shared together.”
Whether it’s a ghostly cornfield or the roar of a motorcycle engine, Ward’s work connects deeply to her own experiences and environment. Though she grew up in California, where seasons blur, her move to the Midwest awakened a love for seasonal beauty—autumn and now spring. She thrives in a creative space that’s tidy at the start and delightfully messy during final illustrations. “Cut paper is everywhere!” she laughs.
Ward is also a proud member of the Buckeye Book Fair family, having participated in the 2024 Young Authors Conference and illustrated the catalog for the event. Her artwork for the catalog—a dreamy blanket fort brimming with books and imagination—captures what we celebrate most: the power of stories to transport, inspire, and unite.
This spring, let Lindsay Ward’s Jesse, Queen of the Road remind us that the journey matters just as much as the destination—and that there’s always room for a new adventure around the bend.
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