As the Creative Outreach Manager, Karen Arneson oversees the Books Beginning at Birth (B3) weekly newsletter and manages the new English/Spanish bilingual BookSpring Originals Press imprint. Karen introduces these Originals books and our family reading resources to bookstores, libraries, schools, early childhood centers, community organizations, museums, local businesses, and festivals. For BookSpring’s programs, Karen ensures our book distributions, read-alouds, and motivational activities are delivered to the partner’s specifications and with enthusiasm to further encourage the love of literacy.

Karen is an active member and volunteer of the Austin SCBWI (Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators) where she serves as the current writing critique facilitator. In her spare time, Karen enjoys reading and writing poetry and children’s book stories, exercises in various places around Austin, and roaming around bookstores and libraries with friends. Her favorite children’s books include the Zen Shorts series which are written and illustrated by Jon J. Muth. She also ensures that Penny, the office kitty is well-fed, groomed, and thoroughly spoiled.