Gabrielle Balkan is best known for non-fiction books that delight readers ages 0-12 with curious and essential facts about the United States, animal record-breakers, ground-breaking artists, and foundational tools, like maps! Her books include The 50 States, Book of Bones, Who’s That Dinosaur, What a Map Can Do, and Meet the Megafauna. Reviews say: “A standout picture book that both entertains and teaches.” — Kirkus, Starred Review. Teachers say: “Gabrielle’s presentation was rooted in student friendly, higher order, fun, and rigorous material! I was HOOKED and invested! She was EXEMPLARY!”. Visit her at www.gabriellebalkan.com and @gabriellebalkan.

Awards

International Literacy Association Teacher’s Choice Pick (2018)
A Texas Topaz Nonfiction Reading List Title (2019)
Indiana Authors Award Shortlist title (2022)
Indiana Authors Award Shortlist title (2020)

3 Fun Facts

1. Grew up across from the Indiana State Fair
2. Recently got her braces off.
3. Once spent the night in the crypt of a cathedral

Valerie Bolling was an educator for 30 years and is passionate about creating stories in which all children can see themselves and feel seen and heard, valued and validated. Her debut picture book, LET’S DANCE!, was published in March 2020 and won SCBWI’s Crystal Kite Award in 2021.

Valerie is the author of five more picture books (Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection I SEE COLOR; Kirkus Prize Finalist TOGETHER WE SWIM; TOGETHER WE RIDE; RIDE, ROLL, RUN: TIME FOR FUN!; and BING, BOP, BAM: TIME TO JAM!) as well as a Scholastic Acorn early reader series, RAINBOW DAYS.

Sharing her books with children and inspiring them to write their own stories brings Valerie immense joy! Valerie and her husband live in Connecticut and enjoy traveling, hiking, reading, going to the theater, and dancing. 
linktr.ee/ValerieBolling

Awards

SCBWI Crystal Kite Award fro LET’S DANCE! Kirkus Prize Finalist for TOGETHER WE SWIM My books have also been on “Best of” lists.

3 Fun Facts

1. I grew up in an extended family. I was the only child in a house of seven adults, living with my mother, grandmother, three great-aunts, and great-grandparents.
2. I have traveled to five of seven continents. In the future, I hope to have the opportunity to visit Australia and Antarctica.
3. I am never without a book. I have always loved to read. I read in the car, while waiting in lines, and on exercise equipment.

I enjoy the solitude of country living in the northern foothills of the Catskill Mountains with my wife Cathleen and my big dog Bean. I am a retired teacher and now spend my time fly fishing, skiing, gardening, practicing yoga, and playing with my grandson. Being a visiting author at the Hudson Children’s Book festival is a dream come true.  www.rickbobrick.com

3 Fun Facts

1. I spent most of my 40-year teaching career at the Hudson JHS which of course is the home of the Hudson Children’s Book Festival!
2. I am an avid home gardener and an amateur poultry farmer raising and caring for laying hens, broiler chickens, and Heritage Bronze turkeys.
3. I was very fortunate to have a niece talented enough to illustrate our book series; it became a family collaboration that has exceeded our wildest expectations.