Authors & Illustrators Attending the 2026 Book Festival

We’re always adding new authors and illustrators to our listing! Please check back often to see who’s coming! You can look for your favorite author by clicking a letter — the listing will then sort by the last name of the authors. Click the “#” to reset the listing to ALL!

Authors & Illustrators — Would you like to participate in the 2026 Festival?

If you’d like to be a participating author at the 2026 Hudson Children’s Book Festival, our online application is now available, with a deadline of February 13, 2026 Participating authors and illustrators are chosen at our discretion and each applicant will be notified of their status whether accepted or not. If you are not chosen as a participating author, you will be placed on a wait list.

Aldridge, Ethan M.

Ethan M. Aldridge is a bestselling author, illustrator, and cartoonist. He is the creator of the ESTRANGED duology, The Pale Queen, The Deephaven Mystery series, The Legend Of Brightblade, and more. He lives in Brooklyn with his husband Matthew, and their dog Kitsune. https://ethanaldridge.weebly.com

Awards

DEEPHAVEN (A New York Public Library selection for Best Books Of 2023, A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard selection, nominated for the Mythopoeic Award), ESTRANGED (a JLG selection, Indie Bestseller, and YALSA Great Graphic Novel For Teens), THE LEGEND OF BRIGHTBLADE (an American Library Association pick for Best Graphic Novels For Children).

3 Fun Facts

1. I hide my dog somewhere in all of my comics.
2. I play the banjo (badly but enthusiastically).
3. My last job before making books was decorating cakes.

Balkan, Gabrielle

Have the itchy symptoms of poison ivy ever made you feel blerg? Ever wondered what happens when an Argentinosaurus drops a Number Two? Curious about what the cauldron ingredient “eye of newt” really is? If so, you and the fact-lover Gabrielle Balkan have GOT to talk. Gabe writes award-winning illustrated non-fiction that delights readers ages 0-10 with curious facts about dinosaurs, medicine, witches, the USA, and lots more. When she’s not puzzling over how to explain complex topics to readers, Gabe loves visiting classrooms and brainstorming with kids. Visit her at www.gabriellebalkan.com and @gabriellebalkan.

Awards

Everyone has something to say about *What a Map Can Do*! It is an addition to Curriculum Associates’ Core ELA K-6 Program, an ALA Notable Book, part of the Library of Congress National Book Festival Great Reads Youth List, and a Chicago Public Library Best Book.

3 Fun Facts

1. I once sat on a cactus, by mistake.
2. I have licked a dino coprolite on a dare.
3. I love reading choose-your-own-path books…and want to try writing one some day.

Beatrice, Jenna

Jenna Beatrice is a children’s author, lawyer, and mom. She began her legal career as a lawyer for children before becoming a litigator and a trustee of a children’s advocacy center. As an author, Jenna now shares the joy of reading with young children. Jenna lives in New Jersey with her husband and two young sons. jennabeatrice.com

Awards

Children’s Book Council’s 2024 Favorites Award (Children’s List), Shortlisted: Mrs. Laura Bush’s 2023 Summer Reading List,Shortlisted: 2024 Redbud Read-Aloud Book Award Masterlist, Featured in The Washington Post.

3 Fun Facts

Jenna Loves:
1. Hiking
2. Baking
3. Baseball (Go Yankees!)

Bennett, Artie

Artie Bennett is delighted to share The Tenth Man: A Miracle of Jewish Faith and Friendship in New Orleans, his moving, new nonfiction picture book, with young readers. It’s a book brimming with heart and humor. He is also the author of the classic kids’ book The Butt Book, The True Story of Zippy Chippy: The Little Horse That Couldn’t, which won the Magnolia Book Award, given by the children of Mississippi, Poopendous!, Peter Panda Melts Down!, Belches, Burps, and Farts—Oh My!, and What’s Afoot! Your Complete, Offbeat Guide to Feet. He lives in Brooklyn, New York, where he spends his time moving his car to satisfy the stringent demands of alternate-side-of-the-street parking. http://www.artiebennett.com/

Awards

The True Story of Zippy Chippy: The Little Horse That Couldn’t,The Magnolia Book Award (Mississippi),A CCBC Choice,A Horse Lover’s Guide to Staying Inside Children’s Book from America’s Best Racing, A Picture-Book Biography You Need to Know About Citation from Imagination Soup,
A Gift Guide Great Book for the Book Lover in Your Life from The Bookworm Sez.

The Butt Book, Reuben Award Winner for Book Illustration, Best Feel-Good Children’s Book (HuffPost), A New York State Assembly/NYPL Suggested Reading Title, A Starred Review from the Horn Book Guide.

Belches, Burps and Farts—Oh My! A World Science Festival Selection, A Kentucky Bluegrass Award Nominee for Informational Text. A Pragmatic Mom Best Nonfiction Book for Kids, A HuffPost (One of) 26 Entertaining and Educational Books for Back-to-School Season.

Poopendous! A Bright Horizons Notable Book in the Humorous Books for Children Category, A Book Vine for Children Growing Green Book.

3 Fun Facts

Colón, Justin

Justin Colón‘s debut picture book, The Quacken (S&S), was named a Kid’s Indie Next List book and is currently nominated for state and international awards in Florida, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Utah, and Canada. His other books include Impossible Possums and Impossible Possum for Mayor (Disney-Hyperion), The ZomBees (S&S), and Vampurr (FSG/Macmillan, 2026). He presents at schools nationwide and has spoken about his work at/on New York Comic Con, the Boston Book Festival, the Latinx Kidlit Book Festival, EpicFest, SLJ’s Picture Book Palooza, NPR, The Children’s Book Podcast, and more. He is also a professional on-camera/voice actor and proud member of SAG-AFTRA. You can connect with him at justincolonbooks.com.

Awards

THE QUACKEN: 2024 July/August Kid’s Indie Next Pick, Nominated for the following awards: 2025 – 2027: Sunshine State Young Readers Award, Jr. (Florida), Read Aloud Indiana, Primary Award (Indiana), Young Hoosier Book Award (Indiana), Kentucky Bluegrass Award, Grades K-2 (Kentucky), Louisiana Young Readers’ Choice Award (Louisiana), Golden Sower Award (Nebraska), Redbud Read Aloud Award (Oklahoma), Volunteer State Book Award (Tennessee), Beehive Book Award (Utah), Surrey Book Award (Canada). THE ZOMBEES: Starred review from School Library Journal.

3 Fun Facts

1. I am also a professional actor for film and tv.
2. I am a beekeeper.
3. I have jumped out of an airplane (twice!)

Crews, Nina

Jackson, Colter

Katz, Alan

Born and raised in Brooklyn, Torrey Maldonado is an acclaimed author and educator whose work impacts middle grade, young adult, and elementary school literature. He approaches thirty years teaching and has been celebrated by two NYC Chancellors as a top culturally responsive educator. Named “Best Books of the Year” by NPR, The Washington Post, Oprah, and The NY Times, Hands, What Lane?, Tight, and Secret Saturdays are inspired by his and his students’ lives. They’re praised for their authenticity about friendship, family, and choices. Torrey contributes to anthologies alongside celebrated authors. Children’s literature celebrates his 2025 debut picture-book, Just Right, and upcoming picture-books Little Artist and Uncle. Learn more at torreymaldonado.com

McQuaide, Kerry

Kerry McQuaide is an author-illustrator in New York’s Hudson Valley. She studied in London at Chelsea School of Art and Design, graduated from Parsons School of Design. Her picture book, The Biggest, Highest Wave (a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection), was inspired by her first time surfing, where she was awed by the energy and force of the waves. And while she’s never ridden a wave as high as the one the girl in her story faces, she knows what it’s like to wipe out—in the water and in life—and get back up again. www.kerrymcquaide.com

Awards

THE BIGGEST HIGHEST WAVE was named a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection—an honor given to fewer than 3% of traditionally published children’s books each year!

3 Fun Facts

1. My book was inspired by my first surfing lesson.
2. I love summer, being in the water, and swimming. (But in winter I ice-skate instead!)
3. I draw almost everyday.

Mele, Dana

Dana Mele is the author of five YA books and graphic novels. Their books have been shortlisted for the ITW Thriller Award, are ALA Rainbow List Selections, and have been named by the NYPL as their Top 50 YA Books of the Year. Dana lives and writes in the Hudson Valley with their family and plays a lot of board games in their spare time. www.danamele.com

Awards

Finalist for ITW Thriller Award, JLG Selection, NYPL’s Top 50 YA Books of the Year Selection, ALA Rainbow List Selection, Shortlisted for ALA Quick Picks For Reluctant Readers, Shortlisted for YALSA Best Books for Young Adults.

3 Fun Facts

1. When I was a child, I lived in Germany for a bit. My very best friend went off to boarding school but was so homesick she returned—she even gave me her uniform. That’s when I started reading boarding school books and my first book is set at one!
2. I have a Lord of the Rings tattoo in elvish that means the word “friend”—in the book that word is a secret password, and my friends and I use it as our own secret word to drop everything and be there for each other!
3. My first favorite book series was The Babysitters Club. I had every book in the series and my favorite character was Kristy.

photo by Doug Anderson – Richard Michelson

Michelson, Richard

RICHARD MICHELSON’s children’s books have been named among the Ten Best of the Year by The New York Times, Publishers Weekly, and The New Yorker; and among the Best Dozen of the Decade by Amazon.com. Michelson has received a National Jewish Book Award, and two Sydney Taylor Gold Medals from the Association of Jewish Libraries. Other credits include two Massachusetts Book Award Honors, three Skipping Stones Multicultural Book Awards, three Junior Library Guild Gold Medals, and an International Reading Association Teacher’s Choice Award. Michelson owns R. Michelson Galleries which represents many of the country’s premier illustrators. www.RichardMichelson.com

Awards

National Jewish Book Award, Sydney Taylor Gold Medal, New York Times Ten Best Books of the Year, Publishers Weekly Ten Best Books of the Year, Amazon.com Best Dozen Books of the Decade.

3 Fun Facts

1. I founded R. Michelson Galleries which was the first fine art gallery in the country to feature children’s book illustrations.
2. I published 4 new books published in 2025, though one was sold 6 years ago, one 4 years ago, one 3 years ago, and one 2 years ago. .
3. When I was having dinner with my good friend Leonard Nimoy (who I wrote a picture book about) someone approached our table and asked for MY autograph.

Miller, Kayla

Kayla Miller is the author and illustrator of the bestselling Click series of graphic novels as well as the co-author of it’s spin-off series, Besties. www.kayla-miller.com

Awards

Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection, Little Maverick Reading List Selection, One of Parents Magazine’s 30 Best Kids’ Books of 2019, One of Barnes & Noble’s Best Books of 2020, An Amazon Teachers’ Pick, One of A Mighty Girl’s Best Books of the Year 2019 and 2020, New York Times Bestseller, Publisher’s Weekly Bestseller, Indie Bestseller, USA Today Best Seller.

3 Fun Facts

1. I have three cats and a turtle.
2. I can read and write upside down.
3. I’m not a morning person, but breakfast is my favorite meal.

Mojica, Barbara Ann

Barbara Ann Mojica, M.A. S.A.S., S.D.A is a historian and retired educator. Her educational career spans more than forty years, serving as a teacher, special educator, principal, and school district administrator. Barbara writes monthly historical articles for the Columbia Insider under the banner “Passages.” Using the whimsical Little Miss History character to narrate her book series, Barbara hopes to educate, entertain, and inspire children to learn about historical people and places. Little Miss History’s antics make reading nonfiction a fun-filled adventure for all ages. She firmly believes, “If you don’t know your history, you don’t know what you’re talking about.” https://LittleMissHISTORY.com

Awards

The Little Miss HISTORY book series has garnered dozens of awards, including B.R.A.G. Medallions, International Book Excellence Awards, International Readers’ Favorite Awards, Eric Hoffer, Independent Author Network Book of the Year, and Purple Dragonfly Awards.

3 Fun Facts

1. I turn history into adventures for kids.
2. I love visiting the real places from my books.
3. I write to help kids think for themselves so they can feel strong and confident.

N West Moss Author Photo – Tracy Miracle

Moss, N. West

N. West Moss is the author of the memoir Flesh & Blood and the short story collection The Subway Stops at Bryant Park. Her essays and short stories have appeared in McSweeney’s, The Saturday Evening Post, and The New York Times, among other publications. Birdy is her first book for young readers. She lives in New Jersey. https://www.nwestmoss.com/

Awards

The Great American Fiction Contest at The Saturday Evening Post, The Diana Woods Memorial Prize for non-fiction from Lunch Ticket, 3 Faulkner-Wisdom gold medals.

3 Fun Facts

1. Writing for children is in my genes. My father Lloyd Moss’ Zin! Zin! Zin! A Violin is a Caldecott Honor-winning children’s book illustrated by Marjorie Priceman, that uses rhythmic verse and playful art to teach counting and musical group names.
2. My mother gave me a filing cabinet for my 7th birthday. That should tell you what a bookworm and writer I’ve been since the beginning.
3. The two passions of my life are writing and teaching. I love having the excuse to sit with students of all kinds and talk about great writing with them, whether it’s their own writing or published work. I also like the way we teachers have a chance to create a little mini culture in our classroom where the values I like get to prevail. So my classes tend to be a place where we laugh a lot, and also where we value a solid work ethic. I usually end up loving a lot of my students, even if we never meet again, and when I’m teaching writing, I always ALWAYS see my writing in a new way because of my students.

Newman, Robin

Raised in New York and Paris, Robin Newman is a graduate of Bryn Mawr College and the City University of New York School of Law. She was a practicing attorney and legal editor, but prefers to write about witches, mice, ants, and peacocks. Author of the award-winning Wilcox & Griswold Mystery Series and several picture books, she’s a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, National Writing Project’s Writers Council, Bank Street Writers Lab, PEN America (CYAB), and Read Alliance’s Advisory Council. She lives in New York with two spoiled Spaniels. For more information, please visit www.robinnewmanbooks.com

Awards

The Case of the Missing Carrot Cake earned a starred review and was selected a 2015 best-middle grade book from Kirkus Reviews. Who’s Writing This Story?! was selected a 2025 Bank Street College of Education Best Book of the Year.

3 Fun Facts

1. I am frequently confused with my identical twin sister.
2. I grew up in New York and Paris.
3. As a child, Madeline by Ludwig Bemelmans was my all-time favorite book. I loved the book so much that I named my dog after the character of Madeline. P.S. My dog’s name was also a tribute to the yummy French cookies, Madeleines.

Parra, John

John Parra is an award-winning, best-selling artist, illustrator, author, and educator, widely recognized for his award-winning, Latino themed children’s picture books and commercial artwork. Passionate about art and literacy, he frequently speaks as a visiting author/artist at schools and literary conferences across the country. John currently resides in Queens, New York. https://www.johnparraart.com/

Awards

NYTimes/NYPL, Best Illustrated Children’s Books of the Year Award, Pura Belpre Honor Award, Golden Kite Award, Christophers Award, Tomás Rivera Mexican American Children’s Book Award, Américas Award.

3 Fun Facts

1. I used to play guitar in bands growing up.
2. My favorite holiday celebration is Dia de Muertos and Halloween.
3. My favorite baseball team is the Dodgers.

Poblocki, Dan

Dan Poblocki is an author of mystery, horror, and adventure novels for young people. He is the co-author with Neil Patrick Harris of the #1 New York Times bestselling series The Magic Misfits (writing under the pen-name Alec Azam). Most recently, his books My Brother’s Butt is Haunted, Tales to Keep You Up at Night, More Tales to Keep You Up at Night, and Jackson Bright in the Spotlight have been entertaining and inspiring kids all over the world. danpoblocki.com

Awards

ALA Best Fiction for Young Adults, Texas Bluebonnet Master List, Kentucky Bluegrass Reader’s Award, Iowa Children’s Choice Award.

Fun Facts

1. I have a phobia of sharks.
2. Growing up, I lived in a haunted house.

Potter, Giselle

Giselle Potter has illustrated thirty five children’s books. She has illustrated her own stories including, The Year I Didn’t Go to School, which she wrote and illustrated about her experiences of traveling with her parents’ puppet troupe in Italy when she was eight, as well as Tell Me What to Dream About, This Is My Dollhouse, Sister’s Wish and Before She Was my Grandmother. She has also illustrated stories by such authors as Toni Morrison, Mary Pope Osborne, Ursula Hegi, Mathea Harvey and Gertrude Stein. Gisellepotter.com

Awards

ALA notables,Charlotte Zolotow Award, Parents’ Choice Gold Award, Marion Vannett Ridgeway award,Junior Library guild, CCBC choices, Children’s Favorite awards.

3 Fun Facts

1. Almost everyone in my family was or is an artist.
2. When I am not making children’s books I often paint family portraits.
3. I take long walks every day with my dog.

Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich – Author – OP

Rhuday-Perkovich, Olugbemisola

Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich is the award-winning author of many books for young readers, including BCALA Best of the Best Operation Sisterhood; Kirkus Best of the Year It Doesn’t Take A Genius; Notable Book for Global Society 8th Grade Superzero; NCSS/CBC title Someday Is Now; Junior Library Guild selection You’re Breaking My Heart; NAACP Image Award nominee Two Naomis (co-authored with Audrey Vernick); CCBC Choices Title Saving Earth: Climate Change and the Fight for Our Future; and the award-winning Makeda Makes easy reader series. She lives with her family in New York City where she writes, makes things, and needs to get more sleep. olugbemisolabooks.com

Awards

Kirkus Best of the Year, BCALA Best of the Year, Bank Street Best of the Year, Chicago Public Library Best of the Year, School Library Journal Best of the Year, NAACP Image Award Nominee, Notable Book for a Global Society, Junior Library Guild Gold Standard.

3 Fun Facts

1. I love to make toys.
2. I once spent the day on Sesame Street.
3. My hoop earring got stuck to my sleeve when I met First Lady Michelle Obama.

Rissi, Anica Mrose

Anica Mrose Rissi is the award-winning author of more than a dozen books for kids and teens, including picture books, chapter books, middle grade, and YA. Her essays have been published by The Writer and The New York Times, and she plays fiddle in and writes lyrics for the band Owen Lake and the Tragic Loves. Anica grew up on an island in Maine and spent many years in New York City, where she worked as a cheesemonger and book editor. She currently lives in central New Jersey with her very good dog, Sweet Potato. Learn more at anicarissi.com.

Awards

Honors include the Maine Literary Award, the Paterson Prize for Books for Young People, New Jersey State Council on the Arts Individual Artist Fellowship Finalist, YALSA Quick Picks for Reluctant Readers, Horn Book Fanfare Best Books of the Year, CCBC Choices best-of-the-year list, Bank Street Best Children’s Books of the Year, Texas Library Association’s Tayshas Reading List and 2×2 Reading List, Read ME’s Featured Middle Grade Read, multiple foreign translations and starred reviews, and Junior Library Guild Selection.

3 Fun Facts

1. Loves writing scary stories, but gets easily spooked.
2. Plays the violin in an electro-country band called Owen Lake and the Tragic Loves.
3. Lives with a very good dog named Sweet Potato.

Rotner, Shelley

Shelley Rotner is an award-winning author and photo-illustrator of over sixty children’s books. Her most recent books include LOVE IS A BIG FEELING, FAMILIES, SHADES OF PEOPLE, ALL KINDS OF PEOPLE, and NATURE SPY GUIDE. LET’S CAMP! Coming 3/26. Her books capture real kids trying to make sense of their world.
Her two latest books that she will discuss today with her co-author Gwen Agna, are TRUE YOU-A GENDER JOURNEY and FINDING HOME-WORDS FROM KIDS SEEKING SANCTUARY —recipients of the Junior Literary Guild gold award.
She has traveled extensively for UNICEF documenting programs about children, women, health and education. www.shelleyrotner.com

Awards

Junior Library Guild gold medals, New York Public Library top 100 books of the year.

3 Fun Facts

1. I can stand on my head.
2. I do yoga every day.
3. I enjoy talking to kids more than grown-ups.

Roxas, Isabel

Awards

Finalist for a Governor General’s Literary Award (Ooko). Exhibited with The Society of Illustrators. My Self, Your Self named one of the Best Children’s Books of the Year 2023 by The Bank Street College of Education.

1. I have eight ducks that like to eat spaghetti.
2. I am as tall as a shoebill stork!
3. If I were an animal, I would be a buffalo with a hat.

Stemple, Heidi E.Y.

Todd, Traci N.

Traci N. Todd is the award-winning author of Nina: A Story of Nina Simone ; Holding Her Own: The Exceptional Life of Jackie Ormes, and Make a Pretty Sound: A Story of Ella Jenkins.

She is also the editor of many successful books for children, including the New York Times-bestselling The ABCs of Black History. tracitodd.com

Awards

Nina: A Story of Nina Simone was a 2022 Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honoree and 2022 NCTE Orbis Pictus Award Winner. Holding Her Own was a 2023 Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honoree, a 2023 Sibert Honoree, and Bank Street College Best Children’s Book, Outstanding Merit.

3 Fun Facts

1. I played clarinet in the marching band all through high school and college.
2. “Clue” is one of my favorite movies, but I don’t like the board game.
3. Like Bluey, I enjoy singing random things around the house.

Venable, Colleen A.F.

Colleen AF (Ann Felicity) Venable is the author of many books for kids including adapting the classic Junie B. Jones series into graphic novels, and the indie bestselling Katie the Catsitter series. She’s been nominated for multiple Eisners, dozens of state awards, and was longlisted for a National Book Award for her YA graphic novel debut, Kiss Number 8. Colleen splits her time between an itty-bitty room in Brooklyn, New York, and a big 150 year old house in Western Massachusetts. colleenaf.com

Awards

National Book Award Longlist, Eisner Nomination, SLJ Best Book, PW Best Book, Kirkus Best Book, Bank Street Best Book.

3 Fun Facts

1. The AF stands for my middle names Ann Felicity, which I always use because I have a cousin my exact age with the same name!
2. When I’m not writing I work at animal rescues for bunnies, baby bats, and penguins!
3. I once had a job as a lumberjack and started a national holiday based on that: National Pancake Day!

Wan, Joyce

Awards

Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection, Children’s Africana Book Award, New York Times List of 52 Great Books for Toddlers, Bank Street College of Education Best Books of the Year.

3 Fun Facts

1. I speak French.
2. I love to bake.
3. I cannot paint without music!