Kari Hanson is a Wisconsin children’s author whose first book, Life on a Vine, grew from the people, places, and seasons closest to her heart.

For 34 years, Mrs. Hanson taught middle school and high school students in Wisconsin, giving her a deep appreciation for young readers, classroom storytelling, and the many ways a book can spark curiosity. Her love of children’s literature has only grown over the years, especially as she now reads to her three grandchildren.

Kari and her husband, John, live on a Century Farm, where nature has always been part of daily life. When their three sons were young, they spent summers raising pumpkins and selling them from the family’s front yard each fall. Their hard work even helped them buy their own mini four-wheeler—one of the many family memories rooted in the pumpkin patch.

Those seasons of planting, growing, harvesting, and sharing helped inspire Life on a Vine, a story told from the perspective of a pumpkin as it journeys from seed to something special.

Although Life on a Vine is Kari’s first book, it is far from her last. She has several stories up her sleeve and looks forward to sharing more with children, families, teachers, and librarians.

Invite Kari to Your Events

Mrs. Hanson is available for book readings, classroom visits, library group activities, and pumpkin-themed story events.