2026 HCBF Archives - Hudson Childrens Book Festival

Macias, Maryann Jacob

Maryann Jacob Macias‘s second picture book, NISHA KNOWS BEST, recently published by Dial Books for Young Readers/Penguin Random House in February 2026, has received positive reviews from Booklist and Kirkus Reviews. Her debut picture book, TÉO’S TUTU, was named an Amazon Best Book of 2021 for 3-5 year olds; a 2022 Notable Social Studies Trade Book by the National Council for the Social Studies and Children’s Book Council; and a 2023 Rainbow List book by the American Library Association, and received positive reviews from School Library Journal, Horn Book, and Kirkus Reviews. www.maryannjacobmacias.com

Awards

TÉO’S TUTU was named an Amazon Best Book of 2021 for 3-5 year olds; a 2022 Notable Social Studies Trade Book by the National Council for the Social Studies and Children’s Book Council; and a 2023 Rainbow List book by the American Library Association.

3 Fun Facts

1. I color my hair blue-black (like Wonder Woman but it doesn’t quite show!).
2. I could live on mangoes (seriously, no other foods necessary).
3. I have a hard time remembering human names but I ALWAYS remember dog names.

Bingham, Winsome

Bingham, Winsome

Winsome Bingham is an author of books for teenies, toddlers, tweens, and teens. In her previous life, she was a teacher and freedom-protector in the U.S. Army. She is the author of the award-winning books, SOUL FOOD SUNDAY, THE WALK, MISSING MOMMA, LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL, and THE TABLE (co-written with Wiley Blevins). www.binghamwrites.com

Awards

New York Times Best Book of the Year, Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor (SOUL FOOD SUNDAY) , International Literary Award, Award Medal National Book for a Global Society, NPR Book of the Day, Connecticut Book Award, Jane Addams Peace Prize Shortlist, too many to list.

3 Fun Facts

1, I fought in war.
2. I’ve visited 47 states.
3. I shook the hands of 3 U.S Presidents.

Buckley, Michael

Michael_Buckley_dana_gallagher_005 – Michael Buckley

Buckley, Michael

Michael Buckley is the NY Times bestselling author of The Sisters Grimm series and N.E.R.D.S., as well as the National bestsellers Undertow, and The Weirdies. Executive producer and writer of Apple TV’s The Sisters Grimm animated series. www.Michaelbuckleywrites.com

Awards

The Washington State Children’s Choice Award. The Hawaiian Children’s Choice Award. Several starred reviews. Audible best of 2025 and 2024.

3 Fun Facts

1. I used to sing in a punk rock band.
2. I have a TV show on Apple that stars my childhood crush.
3. I have a west highland terrier named Friday.

Finison, Carrie

Carrie_Finison_headshot – Carrie Finison

Finison, Carrie

Carrie Finison writes children’s books with humor and heart that are fun to read aloud. Her books include Dozens of Doughnuts and the sequel, Plenty of Pancakes; Don’t Hug Doug, an ALA Notable Children’s Book; Even Steven: A Book About Sharing; Lulu & Zoey: A Sister Story; Hurry, Little Tortoise, Time for School; Pigs Dig a Road; and Touch a Truck Day, a lift-the-flap board book. She lives in the Boston area. Visit her at www.carriefinison.com, or follow on social media @CarrieFinison.

Awards

Plenty of Pancakes – Kids’ Indie Next List selection, Jan/Feb 2026, Even Steven – Junior Library Guild gold standard selection; starred review in School Library Journal, Don’t Hug Doug – ALA Notable Children’s Book; Bank Street Best Children’s Book of the Year; Chicago Public Library Best Book of the Year; Kirkus and Publishers Weekly starred reviews, Dozens of Doughnuts – Junior Library Guild selection.

3 Fun Facts

1. Favorite doughnut: Glazed.
2. Favorite pancake topping: Maple syrup and fresh berries.
3. Fun fact that makes no sense: I don’t like chocolate and mint together in anything EXCEPT Girl Scout Thin Mints, which I love.

Jackson, Colter

Jackson, Colter

Colter Jackson is a person who likes to make things. Stories (both for children and grown up children.) Drawings. Popcorn. Friends. Lists. Lemonade from the most stubborn and sour of lemons. Above all things, she likes to make trouble. But only the good kind.

She is the author-illustrator of the picture books WE ARE THE FIREFLIES (forthcoming), SLEUTH OF BEARS, EVERYDAY BRAVE, THE RHINO SUIT and ELEPHANTS MAKE FINE FRIENDS. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, Epoch, Tin House and elsewhere. She lives in New York City. www.colterjackson.com

Awards

Kirkus Review & School Library Journal Starred Review

3 Fun Facts

1. I have a soft spot for tomatoes from a garden,
2. Dolly Parton,
3. And thunderstorms.

Brown, Keith Henry

Keith Henry Brown Author potrtait jpeg – Keith Henry Brown

Brown, Keith Henry

Keith Henry Brown is an award-winning author, illustrator, and designer whose career spans comics, fine art, design, and education. A former Marvel Comics illustrator and Parsons School of Design alumnus, he has published watercolor artwork widely and later became a creative director, often inspired by his lifelong passion for jazz. Brown has designed for institutions such as Blue Note Jazz Club and Jazz at Lincoln Center, and created album covers for renowned jazz artists. He now teaches at Parsons and lives in Brooklyn. His acclaimed children’s books include Birth of the Cool and Because of You, John Lewis. His forthcoming book, Pushing Hope, will be published by Astra Publishing. www.keithhbrown.com

Awards

School Library Journal STARRED REVIEW, Best Books of 2025: Named as one of the best books of the year in the “Gr 9 Up” (High School) category by School Library Journal. Horn Book Fanfare 2025: Selected for the Horn Book’s annual “Fanfare” list, which highlights the year’s best books for children and young adults.

3 Fun Facts

1. Lives in Brooklyn.
2. Jazz fanatic.
3. Movie lover.

Rockwell, Lizzy

Lizzy Rockwell is an author, illustrator, muralist and quilter. She illustrated her first book, Apples and Pumpkins, written by her mother, Anne Rockwell in 1989. Since then she has created 40 books as illustrator or author/illustrator. Lizzy was born in New York City and has spent most of her life in Connecticut. The ponds, coastline, forests and her own garden habitats of New England have inspired much of her work. Lizzy has written and illustrated popular books about personal wellness, including her most recent, Taking Care of You. www.lizzyrockwell.com

Awards

The All-Together Quilt, Connecticut Book Award Winner, Plants Feed Me, Booklist top 10 Craft and Garden Books for Youth, The Busy Body Book, ALA Best Science Books for Kids.

3 Fun Facts

1. I love to paddle my wood and canvas canoe named LOON on quiet ponds.
2. My favorite insect is the praying mantis.
3. I have two grown sons and one four year old grandson who all live in New York City.

Colon, Justin

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!)

Rhuday-Perkovich, Olugbemisola

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.

Todd, Traci N.

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.