Authors & Illustrators Attending the 2025 Book Festival
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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!
Anta, Julio
Julio Anta is the writer of many graphic novels including the Eisner Award-nominated Frontera, This Land Is Our Land: A Blue Beetle Story, Home and Sí, Se Puede: The Latino Heroes Who Changed the United States.
Julio was born and raised in Miami, Florida and currently resides in New York City. julioanta.com
Awards
Children’s Book Council’s Young Adults’ Favorites Award, Eisner Award nominee, New York State Council on the Arts grant.
3 Fun Facts
1. Even though Spanish is my first language, I get a lot of anxiety about making mistakes when I speak.
2. My 10 year old son inspired the main character in Speak Up Santiago.
3. I have a Dachshund named Noodle!
Balkan, Gabrielle
Gabrielle Balkan‘s non-fiction picture books delight readers ages 0-12 with curious and essential facts about the United States, animal record-breakers, and ground-breaking artists. Learn about the best place to see a hot dog eating contest, falling dino poop, mapping your tummy, and what “eye of newt” really is in her books The 50 States, Book of Dinosaurs, What a Map Can Do, and How to Be a Witch. When she’s not puzzling over how to explain complex topics to readers, Gabe loves visiting classrooms and brainstorming with kids. Learn more: www.gabriellebalkan.com and @gabriellebalkan.
Awards
Gabrielle’s books have been recommended by the American Library Association, Chicago Public Library, National Council for the Social Studies-Children’s Book Council, the International Literacy Association and received starred reviews from Booklist, Kirkus, and Publisher’s Weekly. Gabrielle is a semi-annual speaker at the Osher Map Library’s Elementary Map Contest, and Bank Street College’s Geography in the Social Studies Curriculum course.
3 Fun Facts
1. I once sat on a cactus, by mistake.
2. I have licked a dino coprolite on a dare.
3. I reread The Golden Compass every year‚ sometimes twice a year!
Bean, Cara
Cara Bean is an obsessive doodler, author, and art educator. Here I Am, I Am Me: An Illustrated Guide to Mental Health is her first book for adolescents. She is also the author of Draw 500 Faces and Features, and her work has been featured in Pen America Illustrated, The Women’s Review of Books, and Teaching Arts Magazine. Cara enjoys watching the beginning of complex ideas emerge from the simple act of doodling on paper. She provides interactive workshops on creativity with people of all ages and backgrounds in various public forums. Cara lives on the Southcoast of Massachusetts with her partner Matt and their dog Raisin. https://www.carabeancomics.com/
Awards
2018 Liminka Comics Center Resident, Oulu, Finland
2019 Cornish Center for Cartoon Studies Fellow, Cornish, New Hampshire, USA
3 Fun Facts
1. I love drawing squirrels.
2. It annoys me when erasers on pencils leave a mark on the paper instead of erasing.
3. I am always searching for the perfect green hoodie.
Bennett, Artie
Artie Bennett has always dreamed of being a published author. He’s the author of an inspiring, humorous biography of a hapless, though beloved, racehorse, THE TRUE STORY OF ZIPPY CHIPPY: THE LITTLE HORSE THAT COULDN’T. He’s also the author of several award-winning hilarious rhyming picture books: his classic THE BUTT BOOK, his “number two” picture book POOPENDOUS!, PETER PANDA MELTS DOWN!, the explosively funny BELCHES, BURPS, AND FARTS—OH MY!, and WHAT’S AFOOT! YOUR COMPLETE, OFFBEAT GUIDE TO FEET. He lives in Brooklyn, New York. HuffPost says: “It appears there is no topic Mr. Bennett can’t make funny and educational.” 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
1. I’m a lifelong Yankee fan and even taught myself to switch-hit way back in Little League, in emulation of my idol, Mickey Mantle.
2. I’m the youngest person on record to have sold a crossword puzzle to the New York Times. I was just thirteen years old. It’s been downhill ever since.
3. I find a dime a day. Should a day go by without my finding a dime, I’ll find two the next day. I can’t explain it, but it all evens out in the end.
Blackall, Sophie
Sophie Blackall, AM is an award-winning illustrator of over 50 books for children, including the New York Times best-selling Ivy and Bean series, the 2016 Caldecott Medal winner, Finding Winnie and the 2019 Caldecott Medal winner, Hello Lighthouse, which she also wrote. She is the five-time recipient of The New York Times Best Illustrated Picture Book Award and has worked with UNICEF and Save the Children, UK on global health and literacy initiatives. Originally from Australia, she now splits her time between Brooklyn, New York, and the Catskill Mountains, where she and her husband run a retreat for the children’s book community called Milkwood Farm. www.sophieblackall.com
Awards
Caldecott Medal 2016
Caldecott Medal 2019
Five time recipient of New York Times Best-Illustrated children’s book award
3 Fun Facts
1. Sophie Blackall turned a dilapidated 19th century dairy farm into a retreat for the children’s book community, called Milkwood.
2. She collects vintage tiny furniture.
3. She still calls Australia home.
Bontigao, Lynnor
Lynnor Bontigao is the author-illustrator of SARI-SARI SUMMERS, her picture book debut. She is proud to have illustrated the HCBF 2024 poster. Lynnor illustrated 3 books in 2024: AT THE END OF THE DAY by Lisl H. Detlefsen(a JLG selection), KAILANI’S GIFT by Dorina Lazo Gilmore-Young, & SEASHELL KEY(a 2024 CPL Best Fiction for Younger Readers) by Lourdes Heuer. Lynnor also illustrated THE WORLD’S BEST CLASS PLANT (one of Kirkus Reviews’ Best Picture Books of 2023) by award-winning authors Liz Garton Scanlon and Audrey Vernick. Lynnor will have 2 more illustrated chapter books in 2025. She is currently working on book projects with Minh Lê coming out 2026 & Jean Reidy coming out 2027. www.lynnorbontigao.com
Awards
2024 Chicago Public Library Best Fiction for Young Readers(SEASHELL KEY by Lourdes Heuer), 2023 Kirkus Best Picture Book (THE WORLD’S BEST CLASS PLANT by Liz Garton Scanlon & Audrey Vernick), 2020 IBPA Gold Winner(Jack & Agyu by Justine Villanueva), 2020 SCBWI Tomie dePaola Professional Development Award, 2020 Kweli Emerging Voice,
3 Fun Facts
1. I love watching KDramas.
2. I am learning to play the ukulele.
3. I can say Thank You in 17 languages.
Castaldo, Nancy
Award-winning STEM author Nancy Castaldo has written dozens of books about our planet from the Hudson Valley. While the research and photography for her books have taken her worldwide, from the Galapagos to Russia, her new releases this spring focus on the Hudson River — picture book WHALES IN THE CITY and middle-grade RIVERKEEPER.
Nancy loves sharing her adventures with her readers. She believes that we all have the ability to make a difference and always instills that theme in her books. She strives to inform, empower, and inspire her readers. www.nancycastaldo.com @NCastaldoAuthor
Awards
Junior Library Guild Gold Selection, Green Earth Book Award, NSTA Outstanding Trade Book
3 Fun Facts
1. I’ve taken the photographs for many of my books, including my latest, RIVERKEEPER.
2. I was a lifeguard at a Hudson riverside park.
3. Sadly, there weren’t any whales or bald eagles to see in or near the river when I was growing up.
Chan, Ruth
Ruth Chan is an author and illustrator of comics and books for children including her graphic memoir Uprooted. Prior to illustrating full time, she spent her teens in China and a decade working with youth and families in underserved communities. She is a proud Canadian and lives and works in NYC. ohtruth.com
Awards
Cybils Award Finalist for Graphic Novels 2024
A Kirkus Reviews Best Book of 2024
A School Library Journal Best Book of 2024
A Publishers Weekly Best Book of 2024
A New York Magazine Best Book of 2024
An NPR Best Book of 2024
A Common Sense Media Best Book of 2024
3 Fun Facts
1. I am really bad at math!
2. I once had seven milkshakes in one day.
3. I live by the beach… in New York City
Chen, Sylvia
Born and raised in Queens, New York, Sylvia Chen has also lived and worked in Boston, San Francisco, Seattle, Paris, and Tokyo, and now resides in Essex County, New Jersey. As an Asian American children’s book author, she recently celebrated her debut picture book TRICKY CHOPSTICKS (illustrated by Fanny Liem and published by Atheneum/Simon & Schuster) and is excited about her forthcoming picture book SPARKLES FOR SUNNY: A Lunar New Year Story (illustrated by Thai My Phuong and published by Flamingo Books/Penguin Random House). Sylvia loves crafting picture books that spark kids’ interest in STEAM and creative thinking. https://www.sylviaichen.com/
Awards
Recently recognized for the 2025 Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People (Kindergarten to Fifth Grade category) Award, by the National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) and the Children’s Book Council (CBC). Recommended for social studies use in classrooms. To see more about this award, visit: https://www.cbcbooks.
Link for Kirkus Review: https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/sylvia-chen/tricky-chopsticks/
Also, as a fun fact: In my elementary school years, I was the recipient of the Ezra Jack Keats Bookmaking Competition Memorial Award in 1988 and 1990.
3 Fun Facts
1. I love all types of food.
2. I like to eat fried chicken with chopsticks.
3. At my most recent school visit, students challenged me to use chopsticks with my non-dominant hand in one challenge, and behind my back in another challenge!
Cline-Ransome, Lesa
Lesa Cline-Ransome is the Newbery honor award-winning author of many critically acclaimed books for young readers including Before She was Harriet, Overground Railroad, Game Changers: The Story of Venus and Serena Williams and Fighting With Love: The Legacy of John Lewis. Her numerous honors include the Jane Addams Award, the Christopher Award, Kirkus, and SLJ Best Book of Year and three NAACP Image Award nominations. Her middle grade novel Finding Langston received the Coretta Scott King Author Honor and the Scott O’Dell Award for Historical Fiction. One Big Open Sky is her first novel in verse and the recipient of the Coretta Scott King Author Honor and the Newbery Honor. https://www.lesaclineransome.com
Awards
Newbery Honor, Coretta Scott King Honor, ALA Notable, New York Times Best Book of 2024
3 Fun Facts
1. I have won several candlepin bowling tropies!
2. I named my children after famous Black Americans.
3. I rode a camel in the Sahara desert.
Craft, Jerry
Jerry Craft is the New York Times bestselling author and illustrator of the graphic novels New Kid, Class Act, and School Trip. New Kid is the only book in history to win the John Newbery Medal for the most outstanding contribution to children’s literature (2020); the Kirkus Prize for Young Readers’ Literature (2019), and the Coretta Scott King Author Award for the most outstanding work by an African American writer (2020). His newest book, J VS. K is coauthored by fellow Newbery winner Kwame Alexander. jerrycraft.com
Awards
Winner of the 2020 Newbery Medal,Winner of the 2020 Coretta Scott King Book Awards Author Award,#1 New York Times Bestseller, Winner of the 2019 Kirkus Prize for Young Readers’ Literature, Finalist for Audie Award – Middle Grade Book of the Year San Francisco Chronicle Bestseller, NEIBA, NAIBA, MPIBA, NCIBA, SCIBA and PNBA Bestseller, Indie Bestseller for Early & Middle Grade Readers, One of Publishers Weekly’s Best Middle Grade Books of 2019,New England Independent Booksellers Association Best Children’s Book of 2019, New Atlantic Independent Booksellers Association 2019 Book of the Year for Middle Readers,Top 10 Spring 2019 Indie Next List Pick, Amazon Best Book of the Month, Ages 9-12, 2020 Eisner Award for Best Publication for Kids Nominee,2019 Harvey Award for Best Children’s Book, Nominee, One of Booklist’s 2019 Top 10 Diverse Fiction for Youth, One of Publishers Weekly’s Most Anticipated Children’s Books, Spring 2019, #1 Indie Comics & Graphic Works Bestseller, One of the Best Graphic Novels of 2019 – School Library Journal, One of the 5 Best Fiction Books of 2019 – Washington Post, One of the Best Graphic Novels of 2019 – Washington Post, 2020 Charlotte Huck Award for Outstanding Fiction for Children – Honor Book, 30 of the Most Influential Children’s Books of All Time – Bookriot.com,One of the Best Books of the Year – Time.com,Best Books of 2019 – New York Public Library, Best Fiction for Older Readers of 2019 – Chicago Public Library, 25 Best Children’s Books of 2019 – New York Times,Best Multicultural Children’s Books of 2019 – Center for the Study of Multicultural Children’s Literature,The Best New Gift Books for Kids – People, Kirkus – Best Middle Grade Graphic Novels of 2019, 100 Scope Notes Best Books of 2019, Shelf Awareness – Best Middle Grade Books of 2019, Today.com – Best Graphic Novels of 2019, 2022 Pacific Northwest Library Association Young Reader’s Choice, 2022 Grand Canyon Reader Award (Arizona),2022 Charlie May Simon Award (Arkansas), 2021 Nutmeg Book Award (Connecticut), 2020 Connecticut Book Awards (Connecticut), Sunshine State Young Readers Award 2020-2021 (Florida), 2021 Nene Award (Hawaii), 2021 Rebecca Caudill Young Reader’s Book Award (Illinois), 2021 Young Hoosier Book Award (Indiana), 2020-2021 Iowa Children’s Choice Award (Iowa), 2021-2022 Louisiana Readers’ Choice Awards (Louisiana), 2021 Maine Student Book Award (Maine), 2020 – 2021 Great Lakes Great Books Award (Michigan), 2021 Minnesota Youth Reading Award (Minnesota), 2019 – 2020 Great Stone Face Children’s Book Award (New Hampshire), 2022 North Carolina Children’s Book Award (North Carolina), 2021 Pennsylvania Young Reader’s Choice Award (Pennsylvania),2020-2021 Volunteer State Book Award (Tennessee).
3 Fun Facts
1. I met Queen Elizabeth when I was a kid.
2. LeBron James’s SpringHill Company is producing a New Kid live action movie.
3. I went on a rollercoaster for the first time ever in 2025.
Crews, Nina
Author and illustrator Nina Crews creates books that celebrate childhood and the power of imagination. Her debut title, One Hot Summer Day, will celebrate its 30th year in print in 2025. Nina is best known for her distinctive photocollage style and interpreting poetry in books like A Girl Like Me, The Neighborhood Mother Goose, and Seeing Into Tomorrow: Haiku by Richard Wright. More recently, Nina has put her camera aside to create digital illustrations for the books I’m Not Small, a story of milestones and mastery, as well as the non-fiction titles Extraordinary Magic: The Storytelling Life of Virginia Hamilton and Not Done Yet: Shirley Chisholm’s Fight for Change. She lives in Brooklyn, New York, with her husband and son. www.ninacrews.com
Awards
Nina is the recipient of the 2023 New York State Library Association’s Empire State Award. Nina’s work has been recognized by the ALA Notable Committee, the Black Caucus of the ALA, The Horn Book, Junior Library Guild, NCTE, CCBC, New York Public Library, Chicago Public Library, Bank Street College of Education, and many others.
3 Fun Facts
1. I always wanted to be an artist.
2. My parents are the author/illustrators Donald Crews and Ann Jonas.
3. My favorite color is all of them.
Dadey, Debbie
Debbie Dadey is the author and co-author of 182 traditionally published children’s books, including the Adventures of the Bailey School Kids and Mermaid Tales series. She has lived in many places, looking for monsters and mermaids, and now resides in New Hampshire were she may have spotted the Abominable Snowman recently. debbiedadey.com
Awards
ABC Best Books for Children, Publishers Weekly Bestseller, Nerdy Best Comic Book of the Year, Educational Paperback Association’s Top 100 Children’s Authors, One of Scholastic’s Top Three Best-selling series of all time, Mighty Girls Booklist, and Starred Review School Library Journal.
3 Fun Facts
1. Met the Fonz.
2. Stood beside Alice Cooper and Mohammed Ali at different airports.
3. Fell out of an airplane on purpose to write a story.
Davila, A.M.
A.M. Davila writes post-apocalyptic and dystopian fiction for both a YA and adult audience. When not writing, she teaches Social Studies to high school students in New York. The worlds she creates are at once both fantastical and eerily plausible. Her characters may seem familiar because, as a teacher and observer of humanity, Davila creates characters based on life. Each could be someone you know. Davila resides with her husband, two daughters, and lap dog in the Hudson Valley and enjoys traveling and enjoying the outdoors when she can. www.amdavila.com
3 Fun Facts
1. I was inspired to write this book while stuck in a torrential downpour outside of a church on my way to work.
2. One of the characters is inspired by a former student.
3. The dog is inspired by my neighbor’s dog and we now consider him to be famous!
Davis, Jacky & Soman, David
Jacky Davis and David Soman are the co-creators of the bestselling LADYBUG GIRL series and AGENT LION books, and have created a number of other book with other collaborations. David is a long time teacher at the School of Visual Arts and a fine artist. Jacky works at Postmark Books in their small town of Rosendale. blackpolka.com and davidsoman.com
Awards
Bank St. Best Books of the Year- 2020 Humor- AGENT LION, Coretta Scott King Awards, WHEN I”M OLD WITH YOU, Ezra Jack Keats Award, TELL ME A STORY MAMA
3 Fun Facts
1. We are serious about fun.
2. We are dog people who think dogs can teach us a lot more than we can teach them.
3. In some of David books he draws animals in pants.
Dee, Barbara
Barbara Dee is the award-winning author of fifteen middle grade novels published by Simon & Schuster, including Tear This Down, Unstuck, Haven Jacobs Saves the Planet, Violets Are Blue, My Life in the Fish Tank, Maybe He Just Likes You, Star-Crossed and Halfway Normal. Her books have been named to many best-of lists, including the Washington Post’s Best Children’s Books of the Year, the ALA Notable Children’s Books, the ALA Rise List, the ALA Rainbow List Top Ten, and SLJ’s Best Books of the Year. She lives in Chappaqua, NY. www.BarbaraDeeBooks.com.
Awards
Winner of the 2024 Rip Van Winkle Award from the School Library Media Specialists of Southeastern NY; Winner of New Jersey’s 2024 Garden State Book Award, Grades 6-8; Washington Post’s Best Children’s Books of the Year; ALA Notable Children’s Books; ALA Rainbow List Top Ten; School Library Journal Best Books of the Year: Bank Street Best Children’s Books of the Year
3 Fun Facts
1. I’m a diehard Yankees fan.
2. I’m obsessed with the band Radiohead.
3. When I write I have to eat a specific type of cookie. My local grocery store doesn’t always have them, so sometimes I have to order them online.
Eckler, Theresa
Theresa Eckler is a mom, wife, fourth grade teacher, videographer, and now published author! From starting her own educational company The Limitless Classroom where she shares her creative ideas for the classroom, to starting Limitless Publishing, Theresa aims to encourage those around here to reach for their dreams and find what makes them Limitless! www.thelimitlessclassroom.com
Awards
Founders Day PTA Award 2021
3 Fun Facts
1. I was born and raised in the state of Maine.
2. The illustrator of my book is a child I went to school with and met in the 3rd grade.
3. My illustrator and I created the entire book virtually over FaceTimes!
Franklin, Madeline Claire
Madeline Claire Franklin holds an MFA in Creative Writing from the Vermont College of Fine Arts WCYA program, as well as a BA in Media Study and Anthropology from the University at Buffalo. When she is not writing strange fiction for young adults, she is probably attempting to dismantle the patriarchy and/or practicing witchcraft. She is a queer, Jewish, neurodiverse, invisibly disabled woman living in sin in Buffalo, NY, with her partner, two dogs, three cats, and two Roombas, in a little yellow house called Cluckleberry Farms. www.madelineclairefranklin.com
Awards
The Wilderness of Girls is a finalist for the 2025 YALSA William C. Morris Award for Best Debut Novel for Teens, as well as an Indie Next Pick, Amazon Editor’s Pick, a Blue Ribbons listee, and one of Barnes & Noble’s Best Books of 2024.
3 Fun Facts
1. I have been a practicing witch since I was 12 years old.
2. My grandfather invented pre-pasted wallpaper.
3. Joyce Carol Oates (who attended the same high school as me) once called me “the next JK Rowling” (before we knew JKR was not one to be looked up to).
Funk, Josh
Josh Funk is a software engineer and the author of 20 picture books including the Lady Pancake & Sir French Toast series, How to Code a Sandcastle, Dear Unicorn, Dear Dragon, My Pet Feet, the It’s Not a Fairy Tale series, Lost in the Library, and more. Since the fall of 2015, Josh has presented (or virtually presented) at over 800 schools, classrooms, and libraries and over 300 bookshops, book festivals, and conferences. For more information about Josh, visit him at joshfunkbooks.com and on social media at @joshfunkbooks.
Awards
8x Indie Kids’ Next List Selection (including ATTACK OF THE SCONES)
Multiple starred reviews
2024-25 Sunshine State Young Readers Award Jr. Title (MY PET FEET)
2024-25 Young Hoosier Picture Book Award Nominee (MY PET FEET)
2023 Massachusetts Book Award Must-Read Picture Book (MY PET FEET)
2022 Southern Independent Booksellers Alliance Read This Next! Title (MY PET FEET)
2020 Mississippi Magnolia State Award Short List (LOST IN THE LIBRARY)
2020 Wisconsin Golden Archer Award Nominee (LOST IN THE LIBRARY)
2019 International Literacy Association (ILA) Teacher’s Choice Reading List (HOW TO CODE A SANDCASTLE)
2018 Smithsonian Ten Best Children’s Books (HOW TO CODE A SANDCASTLE)
2018-19 Missouri Association of School Librarians (MASL) Show Me Readers Award Nominee (DEAR DRAGON)
2018-19 Indiana Library Federation (ILF) Young Hoosier Book Award Nominee (DEAR DRAGON)
2017-18 Maine Chickadee Award Nominee (DEAR DRAGON)
2017 Bank Street Best Children’s Books of the Year (DEAR DRAGON)
2017 International Literacy Association (ILA) Teacher’s Choice Reading List (DEAR DRAGON)
3 Fun Facts
1. Josh plays guitar and sings in all of the Lady Pancake & Sir French Toast musical book trailers.
2. Josh has visited over 800 schools and libraries (both in-person and virtually) since 2015.
3. Josh is vegan.
Gephart, Donna
Donna Gephart‘s award-winning middle grade novels include: Abby, Tried and True, Lily and Dunkin, Death by Toilet Paper and How to Survive Middle School. Welcome to the Woofmore is a fun, new early chapter book series from Abrams about a posh hotel run by dogs for dogs with a new VIP (Very Important Pooch) appearing in each book. Go Be Wonderful is Donna’s first picture book about being perfectly imperfect. She’s a popular speaker at schools, conferences and book festivals. Donna lives in South Jersey near Philadelphia with her awesome and paw-some family. Visit her online at www.donnagephart.com.
Awards
The Sid Fleischman Humor Award; California Young Readers Medal Winner; New York Public Library’s Best Books for Kids; NPR’s Best Kids’ Books; Chicago Public Library’s Best Fiction for Older Readers, Great Words, Great Works Book Selection from the National Spelling Bee; Thurber House Children’s-Writer-in-Residence, etc.
3 Fun Facts
1. I won second place in the school talent show in 7th grade with my gravity-defying hula-hooping skills. (It’s not like I’m still bitter about not winning first place. Nope. Not at all.)
2. I’m not so great with numbers.
Gholson, AJ
We are the parents of 3 energetic, entertaining and emotional children. The inspiration for the books comes from them. We watch the struggles our children deal with and remember those same challenges. We try to think of tools that have helped us in life and demonstrate them to our children. nylahversus.com
Fun Facts
1. Anthony also writes and directs short films.
2. Nylah is the name of our only daughter
Gopal, Jyoti Rajan
Jyoti Rajan Gopal is an award-winning picture book author, mom and forever kindergarten teacher. Her books have received starred reviews in Kirkus Reviews, Publisher’s Weekly, School and Library Journal, Book List, and Book Page and are on the Bank Street, NYPL and SLJ Best Books lists. She is the recipient of the ALA 2024 Stonewall Honor Award.
Jyoti writes stories – fiction and non-fiction – of identity, community and belonging, themes that speak to her heart and that reflect her multiple identities. https://www.jyotirajangopal.com/
Awards
ALA Stonewall Honor 2024 for Desert Queen
3 Fun Facts
1. I speak 5 languages.
2. I swam with whale sharks.
3. I love tiramisu.
Groenink, Chuck
Chuck Groenink is an illustrator and more recently an author of picture books. He has worked with publishers in the US and Europe on over two dozen children’s books since 2010. He strives to make books that reflect his curiosity about the world we live in. www.chuckgroenink.com
Awards
Recipient of the Fiep Westendorp prize in the Netherlands. My most recent books have been awarded Junior Library Guild gold selections, and my book Full Moon Pups is a Dolly Parton Imagination Library selection.
3 Fun Facts
1. Despite my very American first name, I am in fact, from the Netherlands.
2. I almost always put one of my cats in any book I work on.
3. I can hypnotize a chicken.
Harper, Janelle
Janelle Harper is a Bronx native who proudly carries her New York accent wherever she goes. As a product and resident of the Bronx, her artistic work is inspired by city life and the diverse experiences of the African Diaspora. Janelle comes from a long line of educators and has spent nearly two decades teaching dance in New York City public schools. As a children’s author, Janelle is passionate about representation. She hopes to create stories that make children fall more in love with themselves. She is drawn to stories that are lyrical, multigenerational, or showcase non-traditional storytelling structures. https://www.janelleharperauthor.com
Awards
My Block Looks Like has received starred reviews from Horn Book, Kirkus Reviews, Publishers Weekly and a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection. 2024 AAMBC (African Americans on the Move Book Club) Literary Award nominee for Children Book of the Year. 2024 Black KidLit Award for Best Read Aloud Runner Up.
3 Fun Facts
1. Unicorns are my favorite animal.
2. I’ve traveled to five continents. Australia and Antarctica are on my bucket list.
3. I don’t know how to ride a bike.
Ho, Jannie
Jannie Ho is an author, illustrator, and cartoonist. Some of her books include Bear and Chicken and The Lost Mitten, which was named an ALA Best Graphic Novel for Children and a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection. She is also the illustrator of the graphic novel series Fry Guys. She lives in Massachusetts with her family. http://www.chickengirldesign.com
Awards
ALA Best Graphic Novel for Children
Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection
3 Fun Facts
1. I’m known as Chicken Girl because I love chickens.
2. My favorite character in FRY GUYS is Mayor Spud.
3. I have a pet fish named Sir Bubbles.
Hood, Susan
Susan Hood is the award-winning author of many books for young readers, including ADA’S VIOLIN; ALIAS ANNA; DOUBLE TAKE, HARBORING HOPE; THE LAST STRAW: Kids vs. Plastics; LIFEBOAT 12; SHAKING THINGS UP: 14 Young Women Who Changed the World; and WE ARE ONE: How the World Adds Up. Before launching a full-time writing career, Susan worked as an editor and writer at Scholastic, Sesame Workshop, and Nick Jr.
Susan enjoys spending her summers on the water—swimming, kayaking, and sailing with her husband, daughters, and grandchildren along the New England coast. Visit Susan at susanhoodbooks.com
Awards
Susan is the recipient of the E.B. White Honor Award, two Christopher Awards, the Américas Award, the SCBWI Golden Kite Award, and two Bank Street Flora Stieglitz Straus Awards, given to “a distinguished work of nonfiction that serves as an inspiration to young people.” Susan’s books have won many state reading awards and been honored as Bank Street Best Books of the Year and Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selections. Selected titles have been named a Sydney Taylor Notable Book, a NCTE Notable Poetry Book, a NSTA Best Stem Book of the Year, and an Amazon Teachers’ Pick.
3 Fun Facts
1. My great, great grandfather was a lighthouse keeper.
2. I was the youngest child in my hometown with a library card.
3. I’ve had lunch with Big Bird.
Houran, Lori Haskins
Lori Haskins Houran is a former children’s book editor and the author of more than sixty books for kids. Several of her books are about dogs, which makes sense, given that she has the two best pups on the planet. Oh, and the people in her house are pretty great, too. Lori lives with her family on the North Shore of Massachusetts. lorihaskinshouran.com
Awards
Glasses (2021) • Winner, NSTA/CBC Best Stem Book
Bicycle (2021) • Winner, NSTA/CBC Best Stem Book
Are You My Planet? (2021) • Best Children’s Book of the Year, Air & Space
Button Your Buttons (2020) • Starred review, Kirkus Reviews
3 Fun Facts
1. I once (and only once!) jumped out of an airplane.
2. I am (distantly!) related to art thief Myles Connor, a suspect in the Isabella Stewart Gardner museum heist.
3. In high school, I won third place in a state typing contest. That turned out to be a handy skill for a writer!
Hwang, Sarah
Sarah Hwang is a Korean-American picture book author and Illustrator. She received her BFA in illustration at the Maryland Institute College of Arts. Sarah loves to sprinkle a bit of her quirk and humor in everything she creates. As a storyteller, she focuses on creating fun stories that are relatable for readers of all ages. Sarah made her author-illustrator debut with her much loved picture book, Toasty. sarah-hwang.com
Awards
Starred Review by School Library Journal
3 Fun Facts
1. I am a huge foodie- I love eating and drawing food.
2. My two favorite animals are dogs and penguins.
3. I draw mostly everything everything from memory (My illustrations are focused on capturing essence or feelings of things).
Janowitz, Jessie
Jessie Janowitz is the author of the middle grade novels, The Doughnut Fix, the sequel The Doughnut King, and All the Ways to Go. She lives in New York City with her family. www.jessiejanowitz.com
Awards
Both Doughnut books were JLG Selections and Bank Street Best Children’s Books of the Year. The Doughnut Fix is on seven state lists, a Cybils Finalist, the winner of the Mississippi Children’s Choice Award, and is an Amazon Teacher’s Pick.
3 Fun Facts
1. I love popcorn.
2. My dog’s favorite thing is to hit ping pong balls with his nose.
3. I spent a year inside a high school in France.
Jonsen Watkins, Helen
Helen Jonsen Watkins has spent a lifetime telling stories starting as a journalist on local, national and international television and online. She has written books for children and adults. She’s mom to four grown-up children who she always told made-up silly poems and magical stories.
The Magic Christmas Sleigh is Helen’s first illustrated storybook. It’s the premier entry in the Magic of the Holidays Book Series.
Helen is the Chief Storyteller at helen Jonsen media. She serves as a member of the Hudson Children’s Book Festival Board, the Board Development committee for CureSearch Foundation for Children’s Cancer, and is an advocate for the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp. She lives in the Hudson Valley with her Aussie husband. helenjonsen.com or Amazon
3 Fun Facts
1. I wrote this story for my four kids when they were little.
2. I live in the Hudson Valley.
3. I have lived in Australia & love to travel there.
Kantorovitz, Sylvie
Sylvie Kantorovitz grew up in France and now lives in the beautiful Hudson Valley. She is the author-illustrator of SYLVIE, a middle-grade graphic-novel about her young years in France. SYLVIE (ages 9-14) has been called “enchanting and witty” (School Library Journal). She is the creator of two series, also in comics format: MONTI AND LEO (ages 7-9) and PICKLE (ages 3-6). She is also the illustrator of the bestseller, WHEELS ON THE BUS, A RAFFI SONG TO READ. www.sylviekantorovitz.com
Awards
SYLVIE is a Bank Street Best Book of the Year and a Junior Library Guild selection. MONTI AND LEO is a Junior Library Guild selection. A NEW CAR FOR PICKLE is a Junior Library Guild selection and a Horn Book Summer Reading selection
3 Fun Facts
1. I’m easy to recognize: I have very short hair and a French accent
2. I love spirals! I manage to include 2 in my autograph
3. I have learned a new word: knolling. I love the practice of knolling the treasures I bring back from nature walks.
Karas, G. Brian
G. Brian Karas is an artist and author best known for his work in children’s picture book illustration. His work has received numerous awards, including honors from the American Library Association, the New York Times and starred reviews from major publications. He lives in the Hudson Valley of New York where he enjoys working in his studio, being outdoors and spending time with his family. gbriankaras.com
Awards
New York Times Best Illustrated, Boston Globe/Horn Book Honor,ALA Notable Book,Please Touch Museum Annual Book Award, Louisiana Young Readers’ Choice Award
3 Fun Facts
1. I like to cook (and eat!) all kinds of food but my favorites are pizza and donuts.
2. I like to dance though I’m a terrible dancer.
3. I like scary movies.
Katz, Alan
Alan Katz has written 50+ highly acclaimed books for young readers. A frequent presenter at regional and national conferences/festivals, his titles include Take Me Out of the Bathtub and Other Silly Dilly Songs, Got Your Nose!, OOPS!, Zooloween, The Funniest Joke Book Ever for Kids, and The Mysterious Missing Matzoh. Alan is the co-author (with the Today Show’s Dylan Dreyer) of Misty the Cloud, a NYT bestseller.
Alan is also a six-time Emmy-nominated writer for TV series including The Rosie O’Donnell Show, several Nickelodeon and PBS Kids series, animated shows Pinkalicious and Taz-Mania, the Grammy Awards and the Tony Awards. Visit him at alankatzbooks.com
Awards
Current nominee for Sunshine State Young Readers Award (Got Your Nose).
Utah Children’s Poetry Book Award Winner, North Carolina Children’s Book Award Winner, Colorado Grand Canyon Reader Award Winner
3 Fun Facts
1. I have a brand new granddog…a dachshund named Vinnie–the first dog anyone in my family has ever owned.
2. I have never eaten a pickle or had a cup of tea
3. I bowled on TV when I was in college
Kelly, David A.
David A. Kelly gets to go to the moon, baseball stadiums, and football games for his job. David is the author of over thirty children’s books that have sold over 1.5 million copies, including his bestselling Ballpark Mysteries series in which cousins Kate and Mike visit MLB ballparks to solve mysteries, and the Football Mysteries series, in which they visit NFL stadiums. David’s latest picture book, Tee Time on the Moon, takes readers to the Moon with Alan Shepard as he hits two golf balls. For more information, visit www.davidakellybooks.com, or find him on X/Bluesky at @DavidAKelly, Instagram/Facebook at @DavidAKellyBooks .
Awards
New York Public Library Best Books for Kids, Bank Street College Best Children’s Book of the Year, Booklist Top 10 Sports Books for Youth, Library Media Connection Editor’s Choice, Maine Chickadee Award, Maryland Blue Crab Award, Missouri State Teacher’s Association Reading Circle selection.
3 Fun Facts
1. I once met baseball superstar Hank Aaron.
2. I used to wear a cowboy hat for my job.
3. I watched the last Space Shuttle take off in person.
Kramer, Kara
Kara Kramer is an illustrator and mixed media artist living in Brooklyn, NY. She has illustrated several picture books including Make Meatballs Sing: The Life and Art of Corita Kent, Erno Rubik and His Magic Cube, and is author/illustrator of the interactive picture book Tell Me a Lion Story. She explores many mediums and loves being in the creative process. www.karakramer.com
Awards
Best Stem Books K-12 2025
2024 Junior Library Guild Selection
2022 Bologna Ragazzi Award Amazing Bookshelf Selection
2022 ALA Notable Children’s Book
3 Fun Facts
1. I love to ski because it feels like I am drawing with my feet in the snow.
2. I stink at whistling.
3. Can’t choose a favorite color, in love with too many!
LaRocca, Rajani
Rajani LaRocca was born in India, raised in Kentucky, and now lives in the Boston area, where she practices medicine and writes award-winning books for young readers, including the Newbery Honor winning middle grade novel in verse, Red, White, and Whole. She’s always been an omnivorous reader, and now she is an omnivorous writer of fiction and nonfiction, novels and picture books, prose and poetry. She finds inspiration in her family, her childhood, the natural world, math, science, and just about everywhere she looks. Learn more about Rajani and her books at www.RajaniLaRocca.com.
Awards
Newbery Honor, Walter Dean Myers Award, Massachusetts Book Award, New England Book Award, SCBWI Golden Kite Award, SCBWI Crystal Kite Award, Charlotte Zolotow Highly Commended Title, NCTE Notable Poetry Book, among many state lists and other awards
3 Fun Facts
1. I’m a practicing doctor
2. I love to cook and bake
3. I have a cute fluffy dog
Lehman, Barbara
Barbara Lehman was born in Chicago, attended Pratt Institute, and now is based in the Hudson Valley. Her illustrations have been included in exhibitions at The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, The Art Institute of Chicago and the Central Children’s Room of the New York Public Library and she has shared her book work with children at the Whitney Museum of American Art. The New York Times bestseller THE RED BOOK was awarded a Caldecott Honor. www.barbaralehmanbooks.com
Awards
Some honors that my books have received: Caldecott Honor, New York Times Bestseller List, Premio Andersen [Italy], ALA Notable books, Junior Library Guild Selections, CCBC Best Books of the Year, Kirkus Best Children’s Books, New York Public Library 100 Titles for Reading and Sharing, Parent’s Choice Gold, Bank Street College of Education Best Children’s Books of the Year, The Horn Book Fanfare list.
3 Fun Facts
1. I used to work at a skating pond in high school.
2. I love all pasta shapes.
3. I put catsup on my grilled cheese. No seriously, just try it.
Lemon, J.S.
J. S. Lemon grew up outside of Philadelphia, and chances are, so did you. She spent most of her childhood worrying about hair removal and trying to make people laugh. Even though middle school was quite a while ago, it still sits right beneath her skin. Lemon was the first girl, on both sides of her family, to graduate college, and she did so while wearing an “I’m with stupid” T-shirt under her gown. She has been an animal psychic, a mime coach, and a spokesperson for the Crocs Evening Wear Collection—all without leaving her home. Most days you can find her gossiping with her dog and writing until her thumbs ache. Her hobbies include doodling, listening to smooth ‘70s music, and dodging invitations to go hiking. She does a pretty good Cher impression. jslemonbooks.com
3 Fun Facts
1. I was an artist for years before writing my first novel.
2. My “real” age is 12. What about you?
3. I can play “fake piano”- I make it up and it sounds like the saddest movie soundtrack you’ve ever heard.
Lerangis, Peter
Peter Lerangis’s books have sold nearly 7 million copies and been translated into 35 languages. His nine N.Y. Times bestsellers include the entire Seven Wonders series and his 39 Clues books. Beasties, about five kids who become Central Park animals, is his latest, as is Throwback, a time-travel trilogy. Many of his novels have been Junior Library Guild selections, and his YA novel Somebody, Please Tell Me Who I Am, won an ALA Schneider Award. He’s also performed on Broadway, run a marathon, rock-climbed in Yosemite during a 6.1 earthquake, and graduated Harvard with a degree in biochemistry. peterlerangis.com
Awards
ALA Schneider Award for best book depicting the disability experience
ALA Quick Picks
Multiple Junior Library Guild Awards
ALA Best Books
New York Public Library Best Books
Bank Street Library Best Books
3 Fun Facts
1. My left pinkie has camptodactyly, which means it can’t straighten, and I have worked it into the plot of a book.
2. I sang and acted in a Broadway show.
3. The letters of my full name can be rearranged into Sergeant Peril.
Lukoff, Kyle
Kyle Lukoff is the author of many books for young readers. His debut middle-grade novel, Too Bright To See, received a Newbery honor, the Stonewall award, and was a National Book Award finalist. His picture book When Aidan Became A Brother also won the Stonewall, and his book Call Me Max has been banned in schools across the country. He has forthcoming books about history, unicycles, breakups, and lots of other topics. While becoming a writer he worked as a bookseller for ten years, and then nine more years as a school librarian. kylelukoff.com
Awards
National Book Award finalist, Newbery honor, two Stonewall awards.
3 Fun Facts
1. I love climbing trees.
2. My kitchen is filled with foraged and/or fermented food experiments.
3. My bike is named Sheila and my car is named Carol.
Mack, Jeff
Jeff Mack is the award-winning author and illustrator of fifty books for young readers. His titles include Good News Bad News, Hush Little Polar Bear, Duck in the Fridge, and The Dog & Pony Show.
His recent series of picture book biographies include Art is Everywhere, Marcel’s Masterpiece, and Time To Make Art.
He has also illustrated James Howe’s Bunnicula and Friends, Eve Bunting’s Hurry Hurry, and The Cryptid Club series by TV writer/producer, Michael Brumm.
He travels widely to schools and libraries sharing his love of creating books with young readers.
Visit him at www.jeffmack.com.
Awards
2024 Junior Library Guild Selections: Dog Gets A Pet, We Are Up A Tree
2013 Texas 2×2: Frog & Fly, Good News Bad News, Cindy Moo
2014 Junior Library Guild Selections: Frog & Fly
2014 NYPL Best Books: AhHa!
2015 Colorado Bell Award: The Things I Can Do
3 Fun Facts
1. My favorite children’s book author/illustrator is William Steig.
2. I named Clueless McGee after my dog McGee.
3. Clueless McGee was originally going to be about a dog who wears pajamas and solves mysteries, but I didn’t want it to be like Scooby-Doo. So I turned the dog into a fifth-grade boy.
Magaziner, Lauren
Lauren Magaziner is the internationally bestselling author of Case Closed, The Mythics, the upcoming series The Incorruptibles (June 10, 2025), and three other stand-alone books for middle grade readers. Originally from New Hope, Pennsylvania, Lauren started writing novels when she was thirteen–and never stopped. A proud graduate of Hamilton College’s creative writing program, she wrote her debut children’s book while studying abroad in Scotland. Currently, Lauren lives in Philadelphia, where she writes full-time. www.laurenmagaziner.com.
Awards:
Lauren’s books are international bestsellers, available in 12 languages, have been Junior Library Guild picks, been on the Indie Next List, and been optioned for a TV movie with Nickelodeon.
3 Fun Facts
1. The idea for The Mythics came about because Lauren always wanted to know what her animal personality would be… but could never figure it out. After much deliberation, Lauren thinks her animal companion for life would either be a cat or a baby hippo.
2. Lauren plots her interactive pick-your-own-path Case Closed books with a massive whiteboard. She uses different colored markers to keep track of each different plot, the dead ends, and the puzzles. She does a week or two of plotting on the whiteboard before she starts writing a single word!
3. Lauren once stuck her face in a faerie river of eternal youth in Scotland. That was a decade ago, and she has not aged a day since then.
Mahoney, Daniel J.
Daniel J. Mahoney is a children’s book author and illustrator whose most recent picture book, We Don’t Eat Our Neighbors, was published with Macmillan in August, 2024. He’s also the author of Monstergarten. When he’s not creating funny picture books, he can be found hiking and biking and remodeling his new house in the country, where he resides with his daughter Shay. Danieljmahoneyauthor.com
3 Fun Facts
1. I am a licensed Radiologic Technologist.
2. I am extremely neat.
3. I love anchovies on practically everything.
Maldonado, Torrey
Torrey Maldonado, born and raised in Brooklyn’s Red Hook, approaches 30 years of teaching in NYC public schools. His fast-paced stories draw from his and his students’ lives. His popular Hands, Tight, and What Lane? are Junior Library Guild Gold Selections, won multiple awards, earned starred reviews, and are on “Best Book of the Year” and states’ lists. Hands is this year’s Global Read Aloud. His debut, Secret Saturdays, remains popular over a decade later. Oprah and the New York Times praised What Lane? as essential in showing friendship and allyship. Discover more at torreymaldonado.com or on social media @torreymaldonado
3 Fun Facts
1. By third grade, I was hooked on comic books. By fourteen, I had almost two hundred collectibles. I also had a cat named Snow White and she peed on and scratched my collection down to fifty comics. So I secretly wish I had the super power of pausing and redirecting pets to prevent them from damaging things we love.
2. I love Scrabble and word games. No one in a five mile radius can beat me in Scrabble OR no one in a five mile radius would enjoy losing as much as me in Scrabble. Stop by my table for a Scrabble match!
3. As a teen, for about a month, I taped my ears to my head with black electrical tape because I thought that would flatten my big ears. Did it work? Visit and let me know if my head has caught up with my ears.
Masiello, Ralph
Ralph Masiello was born and raised in the state of Massachusetts, where he lives with his daughters Alexa and Talia. A graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design (BFA, Illustration, 1985), Ralph has illustrated for magazines, newspapers and books, created posters and prints, and shown his fine art paintings in galleries throughout the world. Beginning with The Icky Bug Alphabet Book in 1986, Ralph has become internationally known for the children’s books he’s written and illustrated. Since 1987, he has visited over 3,300 schools all over the world, inspiring children with his life story, humor, and art. www.ralphmasiello.com
Awards
New York State Reading Association Charlotte Award, IRA/CBC Children’s Choices, Bank Street College of Education’s Best Children’s Books of the Year, Early Childhood News Director’s Choice Award.
1. I was born on a skunk cabbage plantation (this is a lie).
2. I am an avid alpine skier (this is the truth).
3. I had an imaginary friend when I was little. His name was Charlie Pistachio and he lived in the radiator of my house (this is true…and I am writing and illustrating a book about him!).
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.
Miller, Sharee
Sharee Miller is an award-winning author and illustrator. Her debut graphic novel Curlfriends: New in Town won the SCBWI Golden Kite Award for Illustrated Book/Graphic Novel for Older Readers and was nominated for an NAACP award. She is the creator of many critically acclaimed picture books including Don’t Touch My Hair, Princess Hair, and Michelle’s Garden: How the First Lady planted seeds of Change. https://www.shareemiller.com/
Awards
Golden Kite award, NAACP award nominee, Kirkus starred reviews
3 Fun Facts
1. I have 2 cats names pumpkin and spice.
2. I was born in Greece.
3. My fave food is french fries.
Mojica, Barbara Ann
Barbara Ann Mojica, M.A. S.A.S., S.D.A is a historian and retired educator. Her education career spans more than forty years serving as a teacher, special educator, principal, and school district administrator. Now retired, she provides education strategies and tips for parents and teachers through guest podcasting, book reviewing, teaching videos, and personal appearances. 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.The author teaches critical thinking skills that will empower our youth to become the leaders of tomorrow. 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.” http://www.littlemisshistory.com
Awards
The Little Miss HISTORY book series has garnered more than two dozen awards including B.R.A.G. Medallions, International Book Excellence Awards, Purple Dragonfly, International Readers’ Favorite Awards, Eric Hoffer, and Independent Author Network Book of the Year Awards.
3 Fun Facts
1. I have two sets of twin grandchildren!
2. I enjoy playing BoxBollen.
3. My favorite dessert is gelato.
Mojica, Victor Ramon
Victor Ramon Mojica was born and raised in Manhattan, New York, but now lives in New York Capital Region. He is an illustrator, cartoonist, writer, and publisher with such works as the critically acclaimed comic book series “eugenus®, The Next Step in Human Evolution,” and Captain CROSSBONES® for LAUGHS, Volumes 1-4. www.eugenusSTUDIOS.com
Awards
BRAG Medallions
Fun Facts
1. Visited Europe (Italy) for the first time in 2024.
2. Never known a time I didn’t have a TV.
3. Been drawing since I was 5.
Myklusch, Matt
Matt Myklusch is the author of nine books, including the Imagine Nation, Jack Blank, Order of the Majestic, and Seaborne series. His lifelong love of comic books and stubborn refusal to grow up inspired him to write for kids. He lives in New Jersey with his family. Find him online at MattMyklusch.com.
Awards
Order of the Majestic: Junior Library Guild selection
3 Fun Facts
1. Worked at MTV for 10 years, produced spring break concerts in Cancun and Acapulco.
2. Love to draw (some of the comic book characters in my books I made up when I was in middle school).
3. Huge Disney fan… sometimes wish I became an Imagineer.
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, pigs, 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 from Kirkus Reviews and was a 2015 Kirkus Reviews best-middle grade book. HILDIE BITTERPICKLES NEEDS HER SLEEP was an American Booksellers Association’s 2016 ABC Best Books for Young Readers. DON’T CALL ME FUZZYBUTT! was a 2022 IPPY Bronze medalist for picture books. WHO’S WRITING THIS STORY?! was a 2024 IPPY Silver medalist for picture books.
3 Fun Facts
1. I have an identical twin sister.
2. I have run three NYC marathons.
3. Rocky road is my favorite ice cream flavor (with coffee chip a very close second).
Parra, John
John Parra is an award-winning artist, illustrator, author, and educator, best known for his Latino themed children’s picture books. https://www.johnparraart.com/
Awards
CSMCL’s Best Multicultural Books of 2024, Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection, NY Society of Illustrators, Original Art Show Selection, “Starred Review” Kirkus Review
3 Fun Facts
I like to play guitar, travel, and eat good food.
Phelan, Matt
Matt Phelan is an award-winning, New York Times-bestselling author/illustrator of picture books, middle grade novels, and graphic novels for young readers. Recent books include The Sheep, The Rooster, and The Duck, Leave It to Plum!, Knights VS Dinosaurs and its sequels, and the picture books Sweater Weather and Turtle Walk. He is also the illustrator of picture books by authors such as Linda Sue Park, Jeanne Birdsall, and Jane Yolen. Matt’s latest book is Big Changes for Plum, fifth book in the Plum series. www.mattphelan.com
Awards
Scott O’Dell Award, Carolyn Field Award, Jefferson Cup, five-time Eisner Award nominee
3 Fun Facts
1. Snoopy was my favorite thing to draw when I was a kid.
2. I play ukulele and other instruments with enthusiasm.
3. I have a dog, a cat, and a chicken. Also, a family of bunnies live under my studio.
Poblocki, Dan
Dan Poblocki is the author of twenty-four 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). He’s also the author of Tales to Keep You Up at Night, More Tales to Keep You Up at Night, the Shadow House series and many more. His books have been Junior Library Guild selections, have made the American Library Association’s Best Fiction for Young Adults list, and have been honored with many state reading awards. https://www.danpoblocki.com/
Awards
Texas Bluebonnet Master List, Texas Lonestar Master List, ALA Best Books for Young Adults, Junior Library Guild Selection, Kentucky Bluegrass Award, Iowa Children’s Choice Award, SSYRA List.
3 Fun Facts
1. I grew up in a possibly haunted house in New Jersey.
2. I am related to 19th century vampire hunters in Poland.
3. My thumbs are double-jointed.
Preller, James
James Preller lives in Delmar, NY, and has been publishing books for young readers for almost 40 years. His books are suitable for readers from PreK to Young Adult, and include series such as Jigsaw Jones and Scary Tales, as well as these individual titles: Bystander, Upstander, Blood Mountain, and Six Innings. His newest middle-grade title, Shaken (2024), centers around a 7th-grade soccer player, Kristy Barrett, who suffers from post-concussion syndrome. Preller enjoys visiting schools, hoping to inspire a love of reading and writing. www.jamespreller.com
Awards
James Preller has received many accolades over the years, including a YALSA, and ALA NOTABLE, and New York Public Library’s Best Books for Reading and Sharing, numerous State Awards and Junior Library Guild Selections.
3 Fun Facts
1. James Preller loves hiking.
2. James Preller loves baseball.
3. James Preller loves reading.
Probert, Tim
Tim Probert is an author and illustrator. He is the creator of Lightfall, an all ages fantasy adventure graphic novel series. He has illustrated the D&D Dungeon Academy series, as well as several other books. Tim was also an art director at the animation studio Nathan Love for ten years, working on all sorts of short form projects. He lives in upstate New York with his wife Jodi and their two cats. https://timprobert.com
Awards
Harvey Award Nominee – Best Book and Best Children’s Book
Kirkus Reviews ‘Best Book’ for Lightfall Book 1, all three books received starred reviews
Junior Library Guild Selection for all three Lightfall books
Nominated for the ‘Russ Manning Most Promising Newcomer Award’ at the 2023 Eisner Awards at San Diego Comic Con
3 Fun Facts
1. I live in a straw bale house with only a wood stove for heat
2. My favorite comic is ‘Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind’ by Hayao Miyazaki
3. My cats, Beau & Thor, are the inspiration for the characters Boisenberry & Snore in Lightfall
Pullen, Mark David
Mark David Pullen is the author of the middle-grade series The Oasis Chronicles. His debut novel, The Oasis King, was released in February of 2023. Mark combines his love of science fiction and fantasy with action and adventure to create wholesome, fast-paced stories the entire family can enjoy together. Mark lives in Upstate New York with his wife, two children, and crazy old hound dog, Toby. www.theoasisking.com
Awards
PenCraft Literary Award Winner, NYS Book Festival Honorable Mention, Outstanding Creator Award- Winner
3 Fun Facts
1. Loves to cook.
2. Avid Outdoorsman.
3. 90s video games are the best!
Raff, Anna
Anna Raff is an award-winning illustrator of many books for children including PARTY ANIMALS, IF I WERE A KANGAROO, YOU MAKE ME SNEEZE! Her book THE DAY THE UNIVERSE EXPLODED MY HEAD was a Kirkus Best Book of the Year and New York Public Library Best Book. Anna is on the faculty of the School of Visual Arts in the MFA Illustration as Visual Essay Program and Illustration Summer Residency. She lives in New York City, where there are reportedly five rats per human resident. www.annaraff.com
Awards
Kirkus Best Book of the Year; NY Public Library Best Book; Starred Reviews from Publishers Weekly, Booklist; Society of Illustrators: Original Art
3 Fun Facts
1. I can juggle.
2. Orange is my favorite color.
3. I’m allergic to cats and dogs, but I LOVE them!
Ransome, James E.
James E. Ransome has been honored with the 2023 Children’s Literature Legacy Award by the American Library Association in recognition of his exceptional contributions to Children’s Literature. With a career spanning over 33 years, James has illustrated more than 70 books. His passion for drawing begins in Rich Square, NC, and as a teenager, he moved to Bergenfield, NJ, before pursuing a BFA from Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York.
Ransome’s remarkable talent has garnered him numerous accolades, including the prestigious Coretta Scott King Awards, ALA Notables, a Jane Addams Award, and NAACP Image awards. He resides in New York. jamesransome.com
Awards
5 Starred Reviews and 2025 Golden Kite Non Fiction Finalist
3 Fun Facts
1. I’m a big Football fan, team is the Miami Dolphins.
2. I love playing Chess
3. And watching movies.
Rex, Michael
Michael Rex has been writing and illustrating children’s books since 1995. He is the creator of over 50 books, including the #1 Bestseller, and Halloween favorite “Goodnight Goon,” and its follow up “We’re Going on a Goon Hunt.” His picture books include “Eat Pete” and the popular “Facts vs. Opinions vs. Robots.” His current graphic novel series “Your Pal Fred” is about the nicest boy in the apocalypse, and in 2017 his Fangbone graphic novels were turned into an animated TV show. He loves traveling the country to visit schools and talk about his work with students of all ages, has a Master’s degree in Arts Education, and also taught high school art for three years in the Bronx. He lives with his wife, two sons and a dog in Leonia, NJ. https://www.instagram.com/fangbone_rex/?hl=en
Awards
Facts vs. Opinions vs. Robots was on 12 state reading lists.
3 Fun Facts
1. I like to stay up very, very late.
2. I can draw really, really fast.
3. I like to wear hats.
Reynoso-Morris, Alyssa
Alyssa Reynoso-Morris is a queer Afro-Latine/x Dominican and Puerto Rican award-winning storyteller. Her ability to weave compelling stories has opened many doors for her as an author and speaker. She is also a mother and community organizer. During the day, she works with community members, non-profit organizations, and government officials to make the world a better place. Then she puts her writer’s hat on to craft heartfelt stories about home, family, food, and the fun places she has been. Alyssa was born and raised in The Bronx, New York, and currently lives in Philadelphia, PA, with her family. She is the author of Plátanos Are Love & Los plátanos son amor (a NCTE Charlotte Huck Recommended Read); The Bronx Is My Home; Gloriana Presente: A First Day of School Book & Gloriana Presente: De la República Dominicana al Bronx; Bold, Brilliant and Latine; and Pieces of Home. She hopes you enjoy her stories. You can learn more about her at alyssaauthor.com
Awards
Plátanos Are Love – Recommended Literature List (2024), California’s Department of Education
Plátanos Are Love – KNEA Reading Circle List – Primary Title (2023), Kansas National Education Association
Plátanos Are Love – Charlotte Huck Recommended Read (2023), NCTE (National Council of Teachers of English)
Powerful Latina in Education (2023), Powerful Latina Awards – Presented by El Sol Latino Newspaper and Hispanic Media
Author of the Year Award (2023), Philadelphia Latin American Book Festival
3 Fun Facts
1. I’m bilingual. I speak English and Spanish.
2. I love to travel. I’ve lived in 4 different countries (USA, Dominican Republic, India and Tanzania).
3. I’m a mom of three. I have a 5 year old and 4 month old twins.
Rosenthal, Robin
Robin Rosenthal is an author, illustrator, and art director. She has illustrated TWO DOGS ON A TRIKE and the Big Ideas for Little Philosophers and Big Ideas for Little Environmentalists series of board books. SWEET BABE! is her authorial debut. She grew up in Connecticut and now lives in Brooklyn, New York with her family. You can see more of her work at robinrosenthal.com.
Awards
TWO DOGS ON A TRIKE: 1. Kirkus Best Picture Books of 2020, 2. School Library Journal/Betsy Bird’s 2020 Math Books for Kids, 3. Starred Kirkus Review; BIG IDEAS FOR LITTLE PHILOSOPHERS: Featured in The New York Times 2020 Holiday Gift Guide. SWEET BABE! is receiving great advance reviews so far, you can read them here: https://www.robinrosenthal.com/sweet-babe
3 Fun Facts
1. I used to be the cook on a dude ranch. In a related fact, I broke my foot square-dancing.
2. I love to kayak and have kayaked in Alaska and Mexico and the NYC harbor…
3. What else… I am lactose intolerant but carry Lactaid pills with me everywhere because I LOVE. CHEESE.
Rotner, Shelley
SHELLEY ROTNER is an award-winning author and photo-illustrator of over sixty children’s books. Her books are about inclusivity that help children navigate their world. LOVE IS A BIG FEELING, FAMILIES, SHADES OF PEOPLE, NATURE SPY GUIDE are recent titles. TRUE YOU-A GENDER JOURNEY and FINDING HOME-WORDS FROM KIDS SEEKING SANCTUARY were recent recipients of the Junior Literary Guild gold award.
Ms Rotner is also a noted free-lance photojournalist, whose work has appeared in Time Magazine, National Geographic’s World Magazine, Conde Nast Traveler, Food and Wine Magazine and GoNomad.
She has traveled extensively for UNICEF documenting programs about children and education. www.shelleyrotner.com
Awards
Junior Literary Guild Gold Award for FINDING HOME-Words From Kids Seeking Sanctuary and for TRUE YOU- A Gender Journey.
3 Fun Facts
1. I stand on my head everyday.
2. I eat ice cream every day.
3. I read every day
Sanchez, Guido A.
Guido A. Sanchez is a writer, middle school principal, comic aficionado, and podcaster based in New York. He nurtures young people as they begin writing the myths of their own lives. After school, he co-hosts “Dear Watchers: The Omniversal Comic Book Podcast” and explores world-building and modern myths with his 30,000+ comic collection.
In 2015, he authored a girls’ puberty textbook still in use today. In 2023, his book Spider-Man: Web of Technology was released with Running Press. In 2024, he published Queer Mythology: Epic Legends from Around the World with the same publisher. http://www.GuidoASanchez.com
Awards
Submitted for awards
Many end of year lists from 2024 from newspapers, websites, podcasts, and book stores
Associated Press gift list
3 Fun Facts
1. I have over 35,000 comics & a comic book podcast.
2. I collect queer history ephemera.
3. My career started in LGBTQ & AIDS service organizations before transitioning into schools.
Scrivan, Maria
Maria Scrivan is a New York Times bestselling author, award-winning syndicated cartoonist, and speaker based in Connecticut. Her laugh-out-loud syndicated comic, Half Full, appeared daily in newspapers nationwide for a decade, and is available three days a week on gocomics.com/half-full. Her cartoons have appeared in MAD Magazine, Parade, Highlights, National Lampoon, and many other publications. Nat Enough, her debut graphic novel, was an instant New York Times bestseller and launched her critically acclaimed six-book series of the same name. http://www.mariascrivan.com
Awards
New York Times Bestseller (Nat Enough)
Canadian Bestselling Author (Absolutely Nat)
Sakura Award Nominee (Nat Enough)
3 Fun Facts
1. I love running in trails.
2. I love standing on my head.
3. I love imaging what my dog would say to me if he could talk.
Seales, Stephanie
Stephanie Seales is the California-born daughter of Panamanian immigrants and a children’s literature expert. Her debut picture book My Daddy Is a Cowboy (Abrams, 2024), illustrated by C.G. Esperanza, received a Caldecott Honor, Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award, and six starred reviews. Stephanie is passionate about community and equity and understands the power of story, following Toni Morrison’s advice in writing the books she wants to read. She dreams and creates with her magical canine companion, Pan, near the water in the Hudson Valley, New York. www.stephanieseales.com
Awards
Caldecott Honor; Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award; Publishers Weekly Best Books 2024; The Horn Book Fanfare 2024; New York Public Library Best Books 2024; Six starred reviews
3 Fun Facts
1. I love dogs, especially my sweet Pomeranian, Pan (my next book, Jodie Doesn’t Love Dogs, is about dogs!).
2. I’ve been writing stories since I was 5 years old and the first story I remember writing was inspired by The Land Before Time (dinosaurs are so cool!).
3. I never stopped reading kids books and have a master’s degree in Children’s Literature, so it’s extra cool to be an author now!
Shah, Amar
Amar Shah is the author of the critically acclaimed Play the Game basketball trilogy and the upcoming graphic memoir Wish I Was a Baller (Scholastic). A multiple Emmy- winning writer and producer, Amar has held key roles at ESPN, Fox Sports, NFL Network, and the Orlando Magic. His work has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, the Orlando Sentinel, SLAM, and the Washington Post. www.amarshahwrites.com
Awards
Amazon Top New Release, SLJ said “Lovers of basketball, especially fellow athletes, will devour this novel.”
3 Fun Facts
1. I was on the cover of Sports Illustrated for Kids with Shaquille O’Neal as a kid.
2. I worked at ESPN as my first job.
3. I have two kids.
Smiley, Jess Smart
Jess Smart Smiley makes rad pictures with his bare hands and has helped thousands of children, teens, and adults around the world in making their own comics!
Jess is an award-winning, #1 bestselling author/illustrator of more than 20 books for young readers, including Let’s Make Comics and the What Happens Next series of comics readers can play.
Jess has created work for DisneyPixar, Dreamworks, Cartoon Network, Penguin Random House, Macmillan, Simon & Schuster, and is currently working through sketchbook #90, in which he is coming up with new characters, stories, and more! www.jess-smiley.com
Awards
#1 bestselling author/illustrator in 4 categories, 2023 recipient of the Krider Prize for Creativity, 2023 Guest of Honor at Life the Universe & Everything, named a “Top 40” by Utah Valley Magazine, recipient of “Arty” Award, and Guest at more than 100 around across the world.
3 Fun Facts
1. I was a background extra in a Hallmark Christmas movie.
2. I spent 3.5 years in bed with health problems.
3. I like to paint murals when I’m not making books.
Stemple, Heidi E.Y.
Heidi Stemple didn’t want to be a writer. In fact, after college, she became a probation officer. It wasn’t until she was 28 years old that she joined the family business, publishing her first story in a book called Famous Writers and Their Kids Write Spooky Stories. The famous writer was her mom, author Jane Yolen. Since then, she’s published almost 50 books.
Heidi lives and writes on a big old farm in Massachusetts that she shares with deer, bears, coyotes, bobcats, fox, tons of birds, and some very fat groundhogs. Every December she counts owls for the Audubon Christmas Bird Count. heidieystemple.com
Awards
Margaret Wise Brown Honor book, NSTA Best STEM, NSTA Outstanding Science Award, Northern Lights Award, John Burroughs Riverby Award, Green Earth Book Award Honor
3 Fun Facts
1. I have written 2 books with my mom AND both my brothers.
2. I am great at grammar but terrible at spelling.
3. Some people sing in the shower, I practice owl calls.
Stokes, Mason
YA debut author Mason Stokes is a professor of English at Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, New York, where he teaches African American literature and queer fiction. In addition to his scholarly writing, Stokes is the author of the adult novel Saving Julian and the personal essay “Namesake,” which was selected by Jonathan Franzen for inclusion in the 2016 edition of Best American Essays. masonstokes.com
Awards
Starred review of ALL THE TRUTH in Publishers Weekly; Positive reviews in Kirkus, Booklist, School Library Journal, Forward Reviews, and Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books; author interview on WAMC’s The Roundtable
3 Fun Facts
1. I used to be a drummer.
2. I spent most of my adult life telling myself I would never write a novel.
3. According to my partner, I mispronounce any word beginning with “wh.”
Stolarz, Laurie Faria
Laurie Stolarz is the author of eighteen young adult novels, including the Dark House series, the Touch series, Project 17, and Bleed, as well as the bestselling Blue is for Nightmares series. With over a million books sold worldwide, Stolarz’s titles have been translated into thirty languages, developed into podcast series, and optioned for TV. Her most recent title is The Last Secret You’ll Ever Keep, a companion book to Jane Anonymous, which was named a 2020 Best Book by Kirkus and included on several state and award lists. Additionally, Stolarz is a producer and scriptwriter for Fictionz, a podcast company focused on creating narrative series based on fiction. www.lauriestolarz.com.
Awards
Awards (partial list):
For Jane Anonymous:
New England Book Award Finalist, 2021, Best Fiction Nominee, American Library Association, 2021, Texas Tayshas List, Texas Library Association, 2021, South Carolina Book Award Finalist, 2021, Missouri Gateway Award Finalist, 2022, Kirkus Reviews, Best Books of 2020, Silver Award in the category of Scripted Fiction, for the podcast script, by the Signal Awards.
For the Blue is for Nightmares series of books (which has sold 750K copies) Quick Pick for Reluctant Readers, 2005, American Library Assn., Blue is for Nightmares, Top Ten Teen Pick Nominee, 2004, American Library Assn., Blue is for Nightmares, Top Ten Teen Pick Nominee, 2004, American Library Association, White is for Magic, COVR Award Finalist, 2006, Silver is for Secrets,Quill Award Finalist, 2005, Silver is for Secrets, IPPY Award Finalist, 2005, Red is for Remembrance.
For the Touch series of books (which has sold 500K copies): Texas Tayshas List, Texas Library Association, 2010, Deadly Little Secret, Teens@Random, Favorite Book of 2009, Deadly Little Lies, Gold Star Award, TeensReadToo.com, 2009, Deadly Little Lies, Children’s Book Council, Teen Book of the Year Nominee, 2010, Deadly Little Lies.
For Welcome to the Dark House: Seattle Picks: Teen/Horror & Thrillers List, 2018, Popular Paperback, American Library Association, 2017
3 Fun Facts
1. I’m currently learning French.
2. I relax while watching reality TV.
3. I have a dog named Rumpelstiltskin.
Sukumar, Suja
Suja Sukumar writes YA suspense novels featuring South Asian main characters battling villains while also dealing with their own inner demons. She is also a senior staff physician in a major health system in suburban Detroit, where she lives with her family and an elderly cat. When Mimi Went Missing is her debut novel. https://www.sujasukumar.com/
Awards
Listed on She Reads, Foreword Reviews, Teen Vogue, Booklist, Book Riot, Epic Reads, We Are Bookish, School Library Journal, among others.
3 Fun Facts
1. Started writing late (mid-forties) while working as a physician and never knew until then that I wanted to write.
2. I’ve failed miserably at plotting and am a pantser for life.
3. My TBR has taken over my home (keep buying books though I have so many I haven’t read).
Teague, Mark
Mark Teague is an author and illustrator of more than 60 children’s books. He lives with his family in the Hudson Valley.
Awards
Parents Choice, Christopher Medal
Teis, Kyra
Kyra Teis is a children’s book author and illustrator and a creator of joyful adventures. With her signature colorful digital collages, Kyra invites kids into a world where imagination knows no bounds. Her playful style and vivid illustrations spark creativity and wonder, making her books beloved by little readers and big dreamers alike. She lives and works in Niskayuna, NY, and can be seen most weekends cheering on the sidelines of her daughter’s soccer games. www.kyrateis.com
Awards
Sometimes When I’m Worried (2023), Kirkus Star. Sometimes When I’m Bored (2022), Kirkus Star and Kirkus Best Indie Books of 2022. Klezmer! (2021), Kirkus Star.
3 Fun Facts
1. I love to sew.
2. I enjoy improv.
3. I am the person who eats the licorice jellybeans.
Vaughan, Pam
Pam Vaughan is the author of picture books, MISSY WANTS A MAMMOTH, illustrated by Ariel Landy (2024 Holiday House/Pixel+Ink) and TENACIOUS WON’T GIVE UP, illustrated by Leanne Hatch (June 2025 Knopf BFYR). She is the Director of the Whispering Pines Writers’ Retreat and is the NE-SCBWI co-Assistant Regional Advisor. She lives with her family in central MA amongst turkeys, turtles, deer, and owls but can often be found playing ice hockey. Visit her online at www.pamvaughanauthor.com Pronouns – she/her
3 Fun Facts
1. My sister and I are nine months apart.
2. I have never had a pet mammoth, but I have had dogs and parakeets, and baby sat my friend’s parrot and snake.
3. I can spin a basketball on my finger!
Venkatraman, Padma
Padma Venkatraman is the author of The Bridge Home, Born Behind Bars, A Time to Dance, Island’s End and Climbing the Stairs. Her books have sold over ¼ million copies, received over 20 starred reviews, and won numerous awards: Walter Dean Myers Award, South Asia Book Award, Golden Kite, ALA Notable etc. Her poetry has been published in Poetry Magazine and nominated for a Pushcart Prize. An oceanographer by training, Padma loves teaching and sharing her love for reading and writing with others. Her latest novel, Safe Harbor, is about a girl who rescues a stranded seal in Rhode Island, where Padma lives with her family.
www.padmavenkatraman.com
Awards
Padma Venkatraman is the winner of a Walter Dean Myers Award for Outstanding Children’s Literature, Golden Kite, Crystal Kite, three South Asia Book Awards, two Paterson Prizes, Julia Ward Howe and Nerdy Book Awards; recipient of Malka Penn, Sakura Medal, Prix des Libraries, Storytelling World and Litterado honors, etc. Her novels have appeared on numerous best book lists (ALA Notable, Kirkus, Booklist Editor’s Choice, NYPL, Chicago Public Library, Bank Street, CSMCL and many more).
3 Fun Facts
1. I play Indian classical music, like Geetha, the protagonist of Safe Harbor.
2. I was the only BIPOC female in my incoming graduate oceanography class in the 1990’s.
3. I was inspired to write Safe Harbor by a seal I came across while strolling along the beautiful New England beach near my home.
Wan, Joyce
Joyce Wan is the author and/or illustrator of books for young children such as You Are My Cupcake, Peek-a-boo Farm, and Sleepyheads. She designed her first greeting card when she was in first grade for a city-wide greeting card design contest. The design won first place and was subsequently sold through a major department store chain. Twenty years later, that design would inspire her to launch her own design studio where she produced her own greeting card line. This led her to children’s book publishing after meeting an art director at a trade show. She has since published over 30 books for children that have sold over 1 million copies worldwide. www.wanart.com
Awards
2015 Mills-Tannenbaum Award for Children’s Literacy from Reach Out and Read of Greater New York,
Society of Illustrators Original Art Show, 2020 Amelia Bloomer Book List presented by the American Library Association.
3 Fun Facts
1. I am a self-taught artist.
2. I am a night owl whose favorite time to work is between 12am-3am.
3. I have two pet birds.
Wedelich, Sam
Sam Wedelich is an author and illustrator living with her family in the lower Hudson Valley. She loves stories and humor and how they help us imagine other ways of being in the world and in ourselves. samwedelich.com
Awards
Washington Children’s Book Award Nominee, Cybils Award Finalist, Indie Next List pick
3 Fun Facts
1. I am also a musician and love to sing and play guitar.
2. I’m originally from Texas, YEE-HAW!
3. I’m terrible at playing chess, but feel pretty confident I could draw a chess board!
Winterbottom, Julie
Julie Winterbottom writes books for kids about science and history and sillier subjects like pranks and farts. Her newest book is Magic in a Drop of Water, a picture book biography of pioneering ecologist Ruth Patrick. She is also the author of two humor books, Pranklopedia and What a Blast! and Frightlopedia. She is the former editor-in-chief of Nickelodeon Magazine and worked as an editor at Sesame Workshop and Scholastic. When she’s not writing, she loves exploring the shores of the Hudson River near her home in Beacon, New York. JulieWinterbottom.com
Awards
Many Educational Press Association Awards for editing and writing for children’s magazines published by Scholastic, Sesame Workshop, and Nickelodeon.
3 Fun Facts
1. I was a serious prankster as a kid.
2. I play the accordion in a Cajun band.
3. I love the smell of skunks.
Yuksel, M.O
M.O. Yuksel is an award-winning author of several acclaimed picture books, including In My Mosque, One Wish: Fatima al-Fihri and the World’s Oldest University, Ramadan Kareem, Sami’s Special Gift: An Eid al-Adha Story, and The Prince of Stars: Ulugh Beg’s Quest to Map the Stars and Seasons. Her books, honored with accolades like the Orbis Pictus Honor, ALA Notable, Junior Library Guild Gold Standard, and TLA Topaz Nonfiction Gem Award, celebrate diversity and offer rich insights into Muslim traditions that inspire readers of all ages. www.moyuksel.com.
Awards
Her books have won several awards, including American Library Association Notable Book, a School Library Journal Best Book, and a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard selection, Cooperative Children’s Book Center Best Choice, Notable Books for a Global Society, Anna Dewdney Honor Book, English Association Nonfiction Picture Book Award, Texas Library Association Topaz Nonfiction Gem Award, and Virginia Readers’ Choice Award, National Council of Teachers of English Orbis Pictus Recommended Book, an American Library Association Rise Honoree, a Children’s Book Council Notable Social Studies Trade Book, Nerdy Book Club Award for Best Nonfiction Picture Book, and School Library Journal Best Nonfiction Book.
3 Fun Facts
1. She lived on three continents and crossed two multiple times in one day! (Hint-hint: Istanbul, Türkiye, the city that spans two continents).
2. She speaks three languages – English, Turkish, Uzbek, and understands several – Spanish, Azeri, Kazak, Kyrgyz, Turkmen, Uyghur.
3. If she had her way, she’d eat dessert first at every meal (but don’t tell her kids!).
Zunon, Elizabeth
I was born in Albany, NY and spent my childhood in hot, sunny, tropical Côte d’Ivoire in West Africa, where people speak French (and many other languages). My Mom read my little brother and me a lot of bedtime stories in English after we came home from speaking French at school.
After returning to the United States, I earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Illustration from the Rhode Island School of Design in 2006. My work is largely influenced by the people, places, and things from my childhood in Côte d’Ivoire as the product of two cultures. www.lizzunon.com
Awards
A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection: Through Sand and Salt, Kirkus Reviews Best Children’s Books: Bedtime for Sweet Creatures, Children’s Africana Book Award: The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind
3 Fun Facts
1. I speak French.
2. I love to bake.
3. I cannot paint without music!
Who’s Attending the Book Festival in 2025
Participating authors and illustrators are added frequently to our website. Please check back often for updates on our website and our Facebook page. Use the Letter buttons to sort by last name to help find who is attending.
2025 Poster!
Our 2025 poster is now available — click to view/download.
