Meet His Friend James

James Baker is a children’s book author and passionate educator with over 20 years of experience working with children. His background includes more than a decade in early childhood education, as well as over 10 years supporting students in the special education (ESE) community. Through his work, James has dedicated his career to helping children grow, learn, and build confidence in fun and meaningful ways.

He is the creator of Pizza Panda and Pizza Panda Makes Good Choices, two engaging children’s books designed to spark imagination while teaching important life lessons. His stories combine playful storytelling with positive messages that resonate with both children and the adults who guide them.

At the heart of James’s work is a strong commitment to inclusion. Through Pizza Panda Books, he proudly supports children of all abilities, including those with autism, deaf and hard-of-hearing learners, and a wide range of learning differences. His goal is to create stories and experiences where every child feels seen, included, and capable of success.

Beyond writing, James brings his books to life through interactive author visits that include live readings, music, and audience participation. His goal is to create memorable experiences that inspire a love of reading while encouraging creativity, kindness, and good decision-making.

At the heart of everything James does is his family. He is a proud father to his two amazing sons, Owen and Evan, who continue to inspire his stories and his passion for working with children every day. (Also, James is a big fan of Pizza!)

Man holding a puppet and a Pizza Panda sign, surrounded by panda-themed items.

On A Personal Note:

I want to thank you for visiting Piece, Love and Pizza. These characters, books, and the messages they convey have been developing for over 20 years. My career in education has allowed me to work with a wide range of students using varying approaches to learning. I have supported students in both traditional and alternative school settings by bringing a well-rounded, student-centered approach to teaching. I am passionate about helping students succeed, particularly those who benefit from additional support, structure, and encouragement. I pride myself on being patient, adaptable, and dedicated to creating positive learning experiences for every child I work with. I'm committed to meeting students' needs, not only academically, but socially and emotionally as well.

My professional credentials include: nine years as a Lead VPK teacher; eight years in the ESE field; serving as a paraprofessional at ACCESS Charter School in Orlando; working as an ESE paraprofessional in crisis management at Citrus Ridge Civics Academy; supporting students as a Registered Behavior Technician for St. John’s County schools, including at Gaines and Evelyn Hamblen Alternative School; and as a one-on-one paraprofessional supporting a student with cerebral palsy.

In addition to my classroom experience, I am trained in Professional Crisis Management (PCM) and Ukeru, which allows me to respond to challenging behaviors with empathy, consistency, and effective strategies. I also served as the director of my nonprofit organization, Starfish Community Outreach, where I focused on supporting children and families within the community.

These roles have strengthened my ability to provide individualized support, build meaningful relationships, and create safe, structured, and encouraging learning environments. I am hoping that my books

can offer all children the opportunity to see themselves in the stories, to engage with the feelings of the characters, and to benefit from the characters' experiences. I also hope that my books might be used as foundation for teachers to create a curriculum that is whole child focused and FUN!!

Piece ;)
James Baker

Meet the Author – James Baker

Order Books Here

Meet the Author – James Baker

Order Books Here

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