All About Kelsey Mango

About

Hi, I’m Kelsey! I live in Delaware County, Pennsylvania with my husband and our three kids—Sophia, Anthony, and Theodore. Life around here is equal parts busy, messy, and wonderful.

When I’m not chasing after my crew, I split my time between being a stay-at-home mom and working as a job coach for adults with disabilities. I also serve as Vice President of the Delaware County Down Syndrome Interest Group, and I started an organization called Beautiful Beginnings that delivers congratulations baskets to new families welcoming a baby with Down syndrome.

My son Anthony was born with Down syndrome, and he’s the heart behind it all. He inspires me every day, especially in my writing. I love creating stories where all kids, of every ability, see themselves in the adventure.

Peek around my website for nuggets of what’s to come in my writing journey. And if you’re looking for advocacy resources on Down syndrome or autism, head to the RESOURCES tab where you’ll find free, kid-friendly educational downloads that I hope you’ll find helpful.

Kelsey Mango

The Mango Family

A few of my favorite things:

  • Soaking up sunshine (the warmer, the better)

  • A cozy cup of chai tea

  • Quirky, sassy, off-beat characters 

  • Dilly-dallying

  • Animals

  • Flowers and beautiful gardens (just looking, because I cannot keep my own alive)

  • Dry, sarcastic humor

  • Rewatching my comfort shows on repeat: The Office, New Girl, Gilmore Girls, Friends, Schitt’s Creek

  • Browsing the picture book section of a book store 
  • Checking things off a to-do list
  • Board games
  • Being a mom to three of the best kids in the world
  • Musicals
  • Listening to instrumental music while writing
What do I write?

Children's books with humor, heart, and inclusion

My writing celebrates kid imagination in all its magic—with fast-paced adventures, memorable characters, surprising twists, and the random little sparks of fun that keep you coming back for more. 

Humor

Laughter is the secret ingredient in my stories. It pulls kids in, keeps them hooked, and makes reading feel like play. Because who doesn’t love laughing?! Quirky, memorable characters going on silly adventures? Yes, please!

Heart

Humor gets the laughs, but heart is what stays with you. It's the combo of both that really make a book sparkle.

Inclusion

I write stories where kids of all abilities belong—where they simply are, just like every other character in the adventure. Representation matters big time.

photo gallary

My Inspiration

Snapshots of my the people and places that inspire me to write