Voice · Story · Words

Nina
Bricko

Author · Editor · Voice Artist

Bringing warmth and craft to every project — from the recording booth to the manuscript page.

Nina Bricko
Flour Sack Girl — written by Nina Bricko, illustrated by Polly Alice McCann

Now Available

Flour Sack Girl

During the Great Depression, a determined young girl has a Make-Do-Can-Do attitude. With a little help from Momma, Veleta Mae finds the perfect dress for school in an unexpected way – a flour sack.

Veleta Mae is 3 feet 9 inches tall with arms for climbing and toes that walk from end to end of her farm. When she learns that school starts soon, she slumps like a sack of potatoes on her kitchen floor. Her dress is thinner than paper, with a hole in her pocket that drops green beans like it was made of Swiss cheese. With an encouraging smile from her Momma, Veleta doesn't give up hope. She begins her search to fix her dress. Maybe feathers will work? They look awfully nice on her fluffy chicken, Dorothy. Hmmm...Maybe flowers? Curtains? A tablecloth? Veleta Mae all but gives up when she spots an empty flour sack. Will it make the perfect dress?

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Voiceover

Warm, expressive, and versatile — from audiobooks and commercials to corporate narration and character work.

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Author

Author of Flour Sack Girl, a story rooted in history, resilience, and the quiet power of family.

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Editor

Helping writers find their voice and their story — developmental editing, copyediting, and manuscript feedback.

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About Nina

Stories connect us and show us possibilities.

Nina b. is a Voice Over Artist at Family Handyman and the voice of Season 2 of Saturday Morning Projects on the streaming channel “At Home with the Family Handyman.” She is the Audiobook Producer for Flying Ketchup Press and produces a storytelling podcast for kids called The Story Tree. She holds an MFA in Creative Writing for Children through YA from Hamline University in St. Paul, MN, and her written work has been published in journals and art subscriptions. In another life she worked as an Associate Editor for Amazon Crossing (the translation imprint of Amazon Publishing) and as a Production Manager. She is also an English instructor at Madison College, an Environmental Educator, and a mom to two awesome kids.

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Nina Bricko
Stories connect us and show us possibilities. It took some deep breathes and a brave face, but I decided to make stories and words my life. My favorite part of this journey is bringing other writer's words to life. This is why I dove into creating books, audio book narration, and voice acting. I know that it is a privilege to live this life, so I also want to make sure I create space for others too.

Nina Bricko

Praise for Flour Sack Girl

Brimming with folksy language, Flour Sack Girl connects readers to a poignant, resilient time in US history when “making do” was by necessity a national pastime — and a point of national pride.

Inspired by true events, readers will feel Veleta’s worry about attending school in a dress as thin as paper, one with pockets that can’t even hold beans. Rendered in clear colors, the energetic art and text are a lively match.

The author’s end-notes, the real Veleta photo, and two activities inspired by the story will engage and encourage curious readers.

Miriam Busch

Author, Lion, Lion · Balzer & Bray

Flour Sack Girl, by Nina Bricko, tells the story of how flour sacks were sewn into dresses during the depression, using her grandmother, Veleta Mae, as the plucky main character. The adept narrative is layered with themes of friendship, family, resilience, and ingenuity, while the poetic language employs a range of unique and witty similes that will have readers chuckling.

Lisa Jahn-Clough

Author, Alicia Has a Bad Day · HarperCollins

A story of pluck, spunk and invention in the face of adversity. Nina Bricko delights with a good old-fashioned tale of thinking outside the flour sack. The lively text and playful illustrations will appeal to any kid who’s had to get creative to realize their dreams.

Peter Pearson

Author, How to Eat an Airplane · HarperCollins

Background & Affiliations

Family Handyman

Voice Artist & Video Host

Flying Ketchup Press

Audiobook Producer

Hamline University

MFA, Creative Writing

Amazon Crossing

Associate Editor

Madison College

English Instructor

Services

Work with Nina

Writing Workshops

Nina teaches picture book writing workshops for Flying Ketchup Press and Madison College, helping writers at every stage discover and develop their craft.

Group workshops · Craft-focused curriculum · All experience levels welcome

Editorial & Coaching

For writers who want one-on-one support, Nina offers personalized editorial and coaching services — from early drafts to manuscript polish.

Developmental editing · Manuscript feedback · One-on-one coaching

Let's work together

Whether you need a voice, a story, or a second set of eyes — reach out.

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