About Caroline Lee
From Bangkok to Chicago: A Life Rich in Story
Caroline Lee is the award-winning author behind the imaginative Maxzyne book series, which follows the adventures of a spirited, artistic 10-year-old exploring the wonders and mysteries of downtown Chicago and beyond. With a childhood shaped by travel and curiosity including two formative years spent in Bangkok, Thailand, Caroline brings a rich, multicultural lens to her storytelling. That early exposure to new cultures, languages, and experiences taught her to see magic in everyday moments.
Her early career took a different path: she worked in the U.S. Department of Defense, helping engineers guard highly classified projects. While important, the job couldn't contain her creative spirit forever. Caroline eventually swapped military secrets for sketchpads and story maps, diving into the world of children’s literature where her imagination could finally run free.
Maxzyne’s Elevator Origin Story
The idea for Maxzyne came during a seemingly ordinary moment. One afternoon, Caroline spotted a vibrant young girl stepping onto the elevator in her Chicago high-rise—braids bouncing, sparkly sneakers flashing. "She was just perfect. I got goosebumps," Caroline recalls. That one moment sparked the creation of Maxzyne Merriweather, a bold, energetic heroine whose curiosity leads her into extraordinary adventures.
Life in Delray Beach, Florida
Caroline now resides in the vibrant seaside town of Delray Beach, Florida. Inspired by her daily sunset walks with her husband, her third book, Maxzyne Goes Aquamarine, was born. These walks sparked the idea of a magical underwater community and a story centered around water conservation and teamwork. She continues to imagine Maxzyne’s next big adventure while enjoying beachside views and finding new local spots to dine and explore.
Creative Process & Passion for the Arts
Caroline writes in total silence so she can "hear Maxzyne’s thoughts." Her stories follow the Hero’s Journey format, complete with story maps, rewrites, and plenty of imagination. When she’s not writing, Caroline draws inspiration from theater, museums, art galleries, and everyday people-watching. She starts each morning with newspaper comics and often dreams up story solutions during water aerobics in her dipping pool.
She is a proud member of the Society of Children's Book Writers & Illustrators.
Q&As
Q&As
-
Peppin and his love for chocolate, of course! But really, I see parts of myself in every character, Veronique’s love of fashion, Mother’s anxiety, and Esmeralda’s entrepreneurial and artistic spirit. At ten, I definitely shared Maxzyne’s impatience to grow up and be independent.
-
About nine months for the first draft. But the hardest part? Rewriting! It takes time, fresh eyes, and feedback to make the story the best it can be.
-
The Lion, the Witch & the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis. I loved the idea of discovering a whole new world in the back of a closet. I still remember doing a book report on it in sixth grade!
-
I love Renoir, his painting The Boating Party is pure joy. I’m also a huge fan of Jonathan Wolfe, the illustrator of the Maxzyne books, and my niece Rebecca Robinson, who has illustrated two books in the series and is now working on her own children’s book.
-
Absolutely! The series keeps growing. Maxzyne & the Old Horse Theatre includes carriage horse rescues and a mounted police chase. Maxzyne Goes Aquamarine explores environmental themes and teamwork. Maxzyne is full of energy, and honestly, she’s hard to keep up with!