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Weston, Carol

Weston, Carol

Carol Weston’s brand new novel, Speed of Life, is about Sofia, 14, who thinks her life is over when really it has just begun. Carol has been an advice columnist at Girls’ Life since 1994. Among her 16 books for kids, teens, and adults are Girltalk, which was translated into 12 languages, and seven diary novels about fifth-grade word nerd Ava Wren and fourth-grade traveler Melanie Martin. The New York Times called Ava and Pip a “love letter to language.” Carol studied literature at Yale and has an MA in Spanish from Middlebury. She lives in Manhattan. More at carolweston.com. I have written 16 books including eight novels for kids. (Ava and Pip series and Melanie Martin series. Also Girltalk, in print for 35 years…) www.carolweston.com

3 Fun Facts

1. I grew up in Armonk and my daughter was just on the Today Show because of her pancake business, Birch Benders.
2. I’m the Dear Carol advice columnist at Girls’ Life Magazine –have been since 1994!
3. I speak French and Spanish and do okay in Italian. I have zero sense of direction.

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.

Walton, K.M.

Walton, K.M.

K.M. Walton is the award-winning author of Cracked, Empty, and Ultimatum. She recently adapted her debut contemporary YA novel, Cracked, into a full-length play. She edited and contributed to her music-focused YA anthology, Behind the Song. K.M. co-authored Teaching Numeracy: 9 Critical Habits to Ignite Mathematical Thinking for mathematics teachers K – 8. She graduated from West Chester University and taught middle school language arts. She’s so passionate about acceptance that she gives school presentations—middle school through university level—titled: “The Power of Human Kindness.” K.M. lives in PA with her husband, two sons, and cat. Visit kmwalton.com or Instagram: @kmwalton.

3 Fun Facts

1. I recently started painting abstract art, and I’m up to 86 pieces!
2. Napoleon Dynamite is my all-time favorite movie. Gosh.
3. I recently adapted my debut novel CRACKED into a full-length play.

Wenzel, Brendan

Brendan_wenzel_Headshot_square – Brendan Wenzel

Wenzel, Brendan

Brendan Wenzel is a NY Times bestselling author and illustrator, with great affection for all things furred, feathered and scaly. When not creating books for children, he is a proud collaborator with many groups working to protect and conserve wild places and creatures. Brendan’s book They All Saw a Cat received a 2017 Caldecott honor. www.brendanwenzel.info

3 Fun Facts

1. I had a pet pig growing up.
2. Both my parents, my brother and my uncle all like to make art as well.
3. When i’m not making books I like watching wildlife.