Author Archives - Page 26 of 32 - Hudson Childrens Book Festival

Zunon, Elizabeth

Zunon, Elizabeth

Elizabeth Zunon was born in Albany, New York, and spent her childhood in Côte d’Ivoire, West
Africa. As a little girl, she loved to draw, paint, make up dances, and play dress-up. As she grew up,
she didn’t really change! Elizabeth now lives in Albany with her husband and young son, where she
explores a multicultural world through painting, collage, silk-screening, embroidery, and more. Her
work is largely influenced by the people, places and things from her childhood in Côte d’Ivoire as
the product of two cultures. www.Lizzunon.com

Awards

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

3 Fun Facts

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

Collier, Bryan

Collier, Bryan

In 1989, Bryan Collier received a B.F.A from Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, NY. He then became the assistant director then director of a self- taught painting studio for children called the Harlem Horizon Art Studio located at the Harlem Hospital Center, NYC.

After a seven year persuit to make children’s books,Collier published, “Uptown” in which he both wrote and illustrated and won the coretta Scott King Award and the Ezra Jack Keats Award. Bryan Collier went on to win four Caldecott Honors for, Martin’s Big Words, Rosa, Dave the Potter, and Tromebone Shorty as well as winning nine CSK Awards and Honors for such books as Visiting Langston, Freedom River, Rosa, Martin;’s Big Words’ Knock, Knock, Uptown, I, too,am America, Dave the Potter and Tromebone Shorty. In 2014, Bryan Collier was the U.S nominee for the Hans Christian Anderson Award. www.bryancollier.com

Udell, Dan

New York State author Dan Udell has that kind of life that embraces all things of the mind and soul — music, writing, photography, science, technology and the wonders of nature. He earned degrees in physics and mathematics from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, offered his talent as a writer with IBM (science, technology and photoessays and videography presentations for historic events), and curated art exhibitions as well as being the featured artist in many solo photographic exhibitions.

Talbott, Hudson

Hudson Talbott is the author/illustrator of 27 books for young readers. His first book, “We’re Back”, was made into a feature length film by Steven Spielberg. His second book,”Into the Woods” was a collaboration w/ composer Stephen Sondheim, based on his Broadway musical. His book with author Jacqueline Woodson, “Show Way”, also became a musical, premiering at the Kennedy Center and now touring the country. His most recent book,”A Walk In the Words”, his memoir of how he overcame his dyslexia through art, won the ALA Schneider Award for books addressing learning challenges. www.hudsontalbott.com

Awards

“Show Way” – Newbury Honor Book, “Leonardo’s Horse” – ALA Notable, “A Walk In The Words” – ALA Schneider Family Award.

3 Fun Facts

1. I was in an elephant stampede in Africa while doing research for my book “Safari Journal”.
2. I was traveling with a jungle doctor in the Amazon Rainforest doing research for my book “Amazon Diary” when the motor on our dugout canoe lost power and we had to drift through headhunter territory.
3. I was on the original album cover of the Village People, creating the role of the cowboy.

Ferry, Beth

Beth Ferry is the author of over 40 books for young readers, including Stick and Stone, The Scarecrow and Growing Home. She lives with her family by the beach in New Jersey, where she finds inspiration in the salty air. In addition to picture books, Beth writes graphic and middle grade novels. You can learn more at bethferry.com

Awards

Barnes & Noble Book of the Year, New York Times bestseller, Junior Library Guild gold selection

3 Fun Facts

1. I have two bulldogs – an English and a Frenchie.
2. I collect sea glass.
3. I only grow pumpkins in my garden.

Hirsch, Jeff

Hirsch, Jeff

Jeff Hirsch is originally from Richmond Virginia and now lives in Beacon, NY. He wrote The Eleventh Plague, The Darkest Path and Black River Falls. His peanut butter chocolate chip cookies will renew your faith that there is something good and holy in this barbaric world. www.jeff-hirsch.com

Apple, Jon

Apple, Jon

Jon Apple is an artist and illustrator living in Bethlehem, Pa. He is versed in every method and medium imaginable. From greetings cards to editorial cartoons, from posters to portraiture, from fine art to PhotoShop. The eye’s the limit.

3 Fun Facts

1. I can write backwards and forwards simultaneously
2. I do impressions.
3. I can cross one eye at a time.

Wan, Joyce

Wan, Joyce

Joyce Wan is best-selling author-illustrator known for creating bold, bright, irresistibly adorable books for young children. With over 30 published titles and more than 2 million copies in print, her work has delighted readers worldwide. Her illustrations blend a modern kawaii aesthetic with heartfelt storytelling, bringing cozy worlds of joy, love, and childhood wonder to life. Her books include You Are My Cupcake, Sleepyheads, and Be My Yummy ABC. Joyce lives in northern New Jersey with her husband and daughter. www.wanart.com

Awards
You Are My Cupcake was selected for a 2025 New York Times Best Board Books list, Society of Illustrators Original Art Show, Dream Big was recognized by the American Library Association as a 2020 Amelia Bloomer Book List Selection, Whale in My Swimming Pool was a Junior Library Guild selection.

3 Fun Facts

1. I’m a self-taught artist.
2. I have two pet canaries named Sunny & Ringo.
3. I am an avid karaoke singer.

Teitelbaum, Michael

Teitelbaum, Michael

MICHAEL TEITELBAUM has been a writer of children’s books for more than twenty years. His fiction work includes The Scary States of America, 50 short stories, one from each state, all about the paranormal, published by Delacorte. His non-fiction work includes Jackie Robinson: Champion for Equality, published by Sterling. His latest book is The Very Hungry Zombie: A Parody, done with artist extraordinaire Jon Apple, published by Skyhorse. www.facebook.com/TheVeryHungryZombie

3 Fun Facts

1. I have never eaten a brain….for lunch.
2. I’m not afraid of Zombies. I just…Ahhhhhhhhhh—
3. I have a big heart…just don’t tell the Very Hungry Zombie!

Calkhoven, Laurie

Calkhoven, Laurie

Laurie Calkhoven has never swallowed a frog, knocked over a rabbit hutch, or sung too loud in music class. She is the author of more than 50 books for young readers, including the G.I. Dogs series and You Should Meet Kids Who are Saving the Planet. www.lauriecalkhoven.com

Awards
– Beacon of Freedom Award
– Bank Street Best Books
– Northern Lights Book Award

3 Fun Facts

1. love to learn random presidential facts (like my character Roosevelt).
2. I have never swallowed a frog.
3. My birthday is the same day as Harry Potter’s!