Janice Milusich is a Teacher for the Visually Impaired and Blind at Alternatives For Children and a celebrated children’s author. She works with preschool students who are visually impaired or blind, supporting their learning, development, and sensory-rich experiences.

Janice recently published her picture book, I Hear the Snow, I Smell the Sea, illustrated by Chris Raschka and published by Penguin Random House in 2025. The book follows Neveah, a young blind girl exploring the changing seasons, inviting readers to experience the world through sound, touch, smell, and taste. A braille edition will be featured in the National Braille Press Children’s Braille Book Club in 2026, and it is included in the American Action Fund for Blind Children and Adults, Braille Pals Program.

Drawing on her teaching expertise, Janice created an interactive storybox to accompany the book. The storybox includes seasonal items such as snowballs and mittens for winter, a robin and hyacinth for spring, and autumn leaves for fall. Children can touch, smell, and hear these items while engaging with the story, practicing compensatory skills, and exploring the seasons. Janice also shares readings of the book and storybox demonstrations through her YouTube channel, making her work accessible to families and educators.

The book has received critical acclaim. Judy Bradbury of Children’s Book Corner praised its lyrical storytelling and sensory-rich approach, noting that it supports social-emotional learning and helps children appreciate the world through all their senses.

Janice’s other works include the picture book Off Go Their Engines, Off Go Their Lights and the chapter book series Cleo’s Big Ideas. Her writing has appeared in Spider and Muse magazines.

Her inspiration comes directly from her students, and she aims to provide positive representation for children who are visually impaired or blind while helping all children appreciate the beauty of the natural world. Janice has been featured in local newspapers and professional publications, and she regularly presents at schools, libraries, and community events.

Families and educators can learn more about Janice’s work and her book by visiting her website, viewing her YouTube readings and StoryBox activities, or attending one of her upcoming book readings across Long Island. Her work celebrates inclusion, sensory exploration, and the joy of learning.