Johnny DePalma

Writing

Born October 26, 1982 · San Jose, California

In 2006, Johnny DePalma founded Umbrelly Books Publishing where he continues to grow his personal vision of unique children's literature. To date, Mr. DePalma has released seven books, created one popular, albeit bizarre holiday, and brought home first place from the Bay Area Olympiad of the Arts. At the dawn of the pandemic, DePalma conceived and curated the Emergency Art Museum in his hometown of Campbell, CA. An endeavor which he hoped would bring art and inspiration to the forefront of his community. In 2021, DePalma received gold medals from both the Independent Publisher Book Awards and the National Indie Excellence Awards for his book, *52 - A Tale of Loneliness*, in the categories of Best Children’s Picture Book (Ages 4-8) and (7 & Under). In 2023, DePalma's ninth book, *The Secret Life of Shadows*, was awarded the gold medal for "Best Children's Picture Book, Enhanced" by the Moonbeam Children's Book Awards.