Children's Literature Events @ Town

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.

Nora Raleigh Baskin is the author of thirteen novels for young readers and a contributor to two story collections. She has won several awards including the 2010 ALA Schneider Family Book Award for Anything But Typical and a 2016 ILA Notable Books for a Global Society for Ruby on the Outside. Nora has taught creative writing to both children and adults for over fifteen years with such organizations as SCBWI, Gotham Writers Workshop,The Unicorn Writers Conference, the Highlights Foundation, and most recently in Westport at The Fairfield Co. Writer’s Studio. Her latest, Nine/Ten: A 9/11 Story was published this summer, was reviewed in the New York Times and has received starred reviews, from both Kirkus and Publishers Weekly. www.norabaskin.com

3 Fun Facts

1. I play my guitar and sing at the top of my lungs when no one can hear me
2. I have a dog named Eli (Manning) Baskin and a cat named, Kitty. Both are rescues.
3. One of my sons is a hip-hop artist, the other is a writer for Sports Illustrated.

Artie Bennett is an executive copy editor by day and he writes a little on the side (but not the backside!). He would be hailed as “the Dr. Seuss of your caboose" for The Butt Book, his first “mature" work. His “number two" book, most fittingly, was Poopendous! His third was Peter Panda Melts Down!, an adorable departure from butts and poop. But Artie got right back on track with the uproarious—and educational!—Belches, Burps, and Farts—Oh My! He lives deep in the bowels of Brooklyn, New York, where he spends his time moving his car to satisfy the rigorous demands of alternate-side-of-the-street parking and shaking his fist at his neighbors. They shake their fists back.

The Show Me Librarian says: “Bennett’s use of rhyme is excellent; his stanzas flow and exude joviality in a manner that few writers since Dr. Seuss have truly mastered. Simply put, these books are a joy." Visit ArtieBennett.com . . . before someone else does!

3 Fun Facts

1. My all-time favorite film is The Wizard of Oz. I delight in seeing it as often as I can. The title of Belches, Burps, and Farts—Oh My! is drawn from the memorable scene “Lions and tigers and bears, oh my!" Dorothy, the Tin Man, and the Scarecrow chant this phrase to comfort themselves as they fearfully pass through the spooky forest on their way to the Emerald City. It’s my tribute to a very special film.
2. I grew up playing stickball on the rough-and-tumble streets of Flatbush, in Brooklyn, and would occasionally light into a Spaldeen, sending it soaring a healthy three sewers, quite a pop for a bookish kid!
3. I’ve kept a litany of lists since boyhood of all the colorful, eccentric, and remarkable words I’ve encountered. It would give me the collywobbles, though, if you call me a “pilgarlic."

Jennifer Berne is the award-winning author of ON A BEAM OF LIGHT: A Story of Albert Einstein and CALVIN CAN’T FLY: The Story of a Bookworm Birdie. She grew up in New York City where she was active in dance and theater as a child. She studied art and design, worked for Andy Warhol at “The Factory." After a successful career in advertising, Jennifer began writing for Nick Jr. Magazine and writing books about the subjects she loves most – our amazing universe and the people who discover its secrets. She lives in a house she designed in the rolling hills of Columbia County, NY. www.jenniferberne.com

Laurie Calkhoven has always loved books and reading. When she was little, she wanted to live at the library. Later she decided to become one of the people who created the books on the shelves. Laurie has written historical novels (the Boys of Wartime series) and many works of nonfiction. She loves reading and writing about ordinary people (both fictional and real) who have the strength and the talent to be extraordinary. That’s especially true of the people featured in the You Should Meet series. She lives in New York City and can frequently be found at the library. www.lauriecalkhoven.com

3 Fun Facts

1. My birthday is the same at Harry Potter’s.
2. I’m gone white water rafting in the Grand Canyon.
3. My favorite dessert is blueberry pie.

It’s no secret how Jen Calonita knows the inside scoop on Hollywood. A former entertainment editor at a teen magazine, Jen started out her career chronicling backstage life at concerts with Justin Timberlake and interviewing Zac Efron on film sets. It was her work in the entertainment world that inspired her first series, Secrets of My Hollywood Life. The six-book series is about a teen starlet named Kaitlin Burke who grows weary of the fame game, but loves being an actress and it’s been published in nine countries.

Fans have loved getting to know spunky Gilly and the enchanted reform school she attends run by Cinderella’s formerly wicked stepmother in Flunked and the sequel, Charmed. The third book in the Fairy Tale Reform School series, Tricked, will be released March 2017. www.jencalonitaonline.com

3 Fun Facts

1. If I met a genie and could wish for something fun, I’d love to be a Disney princess for the day at Disney World. My personal favorites: Anna or Belle (after all, Belle loves to read!)
2. I am now an avid runner who has completed three half marathons, but I didn’t start running till I was 40!
3. If I could live anywhere, it would be on the ocean. I love the water! I sometimes wonder if I was meant to be a mermaid.

Nancy Castaldo writes books for curious readers. She has written about famous people, like globe-trotting Nellie Bly, and amazing animals, like brainy bonobos. She lives in the Hudson Valley and spends her free time hiking with her camera.

3 Fun Facts

1. I crossed the equator 4 times last year.
2. I held a koala
3. I slept in a rainforest.

Selene Castrovilla is the award-winning author of eight books, including four picture books about the American Revolution. Her forthcoming book, Revolutionary Rogues: John André and Benedict Arnold, reveals the sinister story that took place in the Hudson Valley: Arnold’s treason! Her previous books include Revolutionary Friends: General George Washington and the Marquis de Lafayette and By the Sword. Selene visits with students across the country in-person and virtually, talking about the humanity in American history. She lives on Long Island with her two sons and their rescue cats. Visit www.SeleneCastrovilla.com.

3 Fun Facts

1. I love the color purple. I have a purple computer, a purple car and even a purple house!
2. I had no idea I would write about the American Revolution when I was a kid. I thought it was so boring — especially George Washington and his wooden teeth! It took me by surprise when I found out all the amazing things he did, and he became my hero.
3. My sons and I rescue cats! We have six cats right now, plus we feed a lot more every day.

Matt Chandler is an award-winning children’s book author from Buffalo, New York. He is a former newspaper editor, freelance magazine writer and the author of 22 books. He regularly visits elementary schools for author visits to share his experiences as a writer with students. He writes primarily non-fiction books including many titles on sports and four books about ghosts and haunted places! www.mattchandlerwriting.com

3 Fun Facts

1. I wrote my first book when I was six-years-old!
2. I once had a job dressing up as Clifford the Big Red Dog for bookstore events.
3. I am terrified of eating Zucchini . . . REALLY terrified.

Crissa-Jean Chappell was born in Miami and now lives in Brooklyn, New York. Her debut young adult novel, TOTAL CONSTANT ORDER (HarperTeen) is a NYPL Book For The Teen Age and a VOYA Perfect Ten. Chappell’s second novel, NARC (Flux Books) is currently optioned for film. MORE THAN GOOD ENOUGH (Flux Books) is a Florida Book Awards medalist, which Kirkus calls, “compelling and emotionally nuanced." Chappell’s newest YA novel is SNOWBIRDS (Merit Press, F+W Media, winter 2017). She holds a PhD and MFA from the University of Miami and has taught creative writing and cinema studies for over ten years. www.crissajeanchappell.com

3 Fun Fact

1. When I hear music, I can taste colors and shapes.
2. I grew up in Miami, Florida and lived through several big hurricanes (including Andrew, a category 5 storm).
3. If I feel homesick, I talk to the wild parrots in Prospect Park.

Marc Clark’s first book, The Princess Fables, is an Amazon #1 Best Seller and has won several awards, including Best Children’s Book at both the 2014 Great Midwest and Beach Book Festivals.

The Royal Fables, his second book, was an Amazon #1 New Release and was Runner Up, Best Children’s Book at the 2015 Paris Book Festival. All proceeds from the book fund pediatric cancer research at the Texas Children’s Hospital.

He is currently at work on his new fairytale/cookbook, The Picky Princess, with noted nutrition expert, food journalist, TV personality, and author, Carolyn O’Neil MS, RD. www.thefableskingdom.com

3 Fun Facts

1. Produced the HBO Family Series, 30 X 30 Kid Flicks
2. Created Jerry Seinfeld’s 50th Birthday Video for his party at the Rainbow Room atop Rockefeller Center
3. My initials spell my first name: Marc Angelo Robert Clark

Lesa Cline-Ransome is the author of many picture books for children including Satchel Paige, Young Pele, Soccer’s First Star, Major Taylor, Champion Cyclist, Words Set Me Free: The Story of Young Frederick Douglas, Light in the Darkness, and Before There was Mozart, an NAACP image award nominee. Her newest book, Benny Goodman & Teddy Wilson: Taking the Stage as the First Black-and-White Jazz Band in History was released this spring. www.lesaclineransome.com

Many of her books are in collaboration with her husband, and award winning Illustrator, James Ransome (Sweet Clara and the Freedom Quilt, Uncle Jed’s Barbershop and This is the Rope).

They live in Rhinebeck, New York with their four children and St. Bernard, Nola.

3 Fun Facts

1. My writing companion is my Saint Bernard Nola
2. I am a lefty
3. I try to read one book a week

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

Jerry Craft has illustrated and written close to two dozen children’s books and middle grade novels, including “The Offenders: Saving the World While Serving Detention!" co-written with his two teenage sons, Jaylen and Aren. It’s an adventure story that teaches kids about the effects of bullying. Jerry is the creator of Mama’s Boyz, an award-winning comic strip that was distributed by King Features from 1995 – 2013. He also illustrated “The Zero Degree Zombie Zone" for Scholastic and is currently writing an illustrating a graphic novel for Andrews McMeel due out in early 2017. www.jerrycraft.net

3 Fun Facts

1. I met Queen Elizabeth when I was a kid.
2. I’ve done a syndicated comic strip, a comic book, a picture book and a middle grade novel.
3. My newest book was written with my two sons.Lisa Dolan & Jennifer Clark, Co-Directors

M. Tara Crowl grew up in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. She studied Cinematic Arts at the University of Southern California, then received an MA in Creative Writing at Macquarie University in Sydney, Australia. Her debut novel, Eden’s Wish, was released in 2015 by Disney-Hyperion, and the second book in the series, Eden’s Escape, was released in 2016. She splits her time between New York City and Greenville, New York. www.mtaracrowl.com

3 Fun Facts

1. When I was growing up in Tennessee, at different times I wanted to be a country singer, a magician, an actress, and an author.
2. I attended film school at the University of Southern California, and worked in Hollywood for two years before pursuing a career as an author.
3. I moved to Sydney, Australia, for graduate school. At the time, I’d never been to Australia and didn’t know anyone who lived there. But years later, after I was living in New York, I met and married a Sydney native who moved to NYC at the same time as me.

Paul Czajak got an ‘F’ with the words “get a tutor" on his college writing paper and after that, never thought he’d become a writer. But after spending twenty years as a chemist, he knew his creativity could no longer be contained. Living in New Jersey with his wife, and two little monsters, Paul has become an award-winning author for his books in the Monster&Me series as well as for Seaver the Weaver. www.paulczajak.com

3 Fun Facts

1. I was a Chemist for 21 years before becoming an Author
2. My favorite food are Skittles
3. I’ve been studying Karate for 16yrs

David Soman and Jacky Davis are a husband-and-wife creative team. They write the Ladybug Girl books together and Mr. Soman illustrates. The books are inspired by their own children and family experiences. Jacky Davis’s first non-Ladybug Girl picture book, Black Belt Bunny, illustrated by Jay Fleck, will be published in Summer 2017. www.ladybuggirl.com

Barbara Dee’s seventh middle grade novel, STAR-CROSSED, publishes in March, 2017. She is also the author of TRUTH OR DARE, THE (ALMOST) PERFECT GUIDE TO IMPERFECT BOYS, TRAUMA QUEEN, THIS IS ME FROM NOW ON, SOLVING ZOE and JUST ANOTHER DAY IN MY INSANELY REAL LIFE. Her next middle grade novel, HALFWAY NORMAL, will be published December, 2017. Barbara is one of the founders and directors of the Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival. Visit her at www.BarbaraDeeBooks.com.

3 Fun Facts

1. TRUTH OR DARE was published September 2016. HALFWAY NORMAL is coming out December 2017.
2. Whenever I have writer’s block, I take my rescue coonhound, Ripley, for a long, energetic walk.
3. I’m obsessed with the band Radiohead. Seeing them in concert was the highlight of 2016 for me!

Bruce Degen is the co-creator of The Magic School Bus Series with Joanna Cole.

Bruce Degen is also well known for his own books, such as Jamberry, Daddy Is A Doodlebug, and Sailaway Home, I Gotta Draw, and I Said ‘Bed’ which he wrote and illustrated, and for illustrating series such as Commander Toad in Space, written by Jane Yolen, and the Jesse Bear Series written by Nancy White Carlstrom.

Bruce Degen was born in Brooklyn, NY in 1945. He used to live in Brooklyn, and now he lives in an old farmhouse in Connecticut. You can take the boy out of Brooklyn, but you can never cure that accent.

3 Fun Facts

1. I was the Skelley Champ of Tapscott Street

2. Skelley is a game played on a court that you draw on the sidewalk with white chalk. The playing pieces are made from used bottle caps by melting old pieces of crayola crayons with a candle to weight the piece and to mark your color. You shoot the pieces with your fingers and try to get through all the numbers without landing in the box with the skull.

3. I lie about being the Skelley Champ, the Stoopball Champ, and the Boxball Champ of Tapscott Street. My cousin, David, was much better than me. And he was 2 years younger. And he lived next door.

Diane deGroat has been illustrating children’s books since 1972, with over 150 books to her credit. She has done artwork for many well-known authors, including Eve Bunting, Lois Lowry, and Food Network star Ree Drummond. She also writes and illustrates the “Gilbert and Friends" series, which includes

Roses Are Pink, Your Feet Really Stink, and Trick or Treat, Smell My Feet..Roses

She lives in Amherst, MA. www.dianedegroat.com

3 Fun Facts

1. I don’t like the color orange.

2. I do like to listen to audio books when I ride my bike. Fortunately, I’ve never fallen off when I hear the funny parts. I just laugh out loud as I zoom along. Like a crazy person.

3. I don’t like to drink anything with bubbles.

Eric Devine is the author of multiple works of Young Adult fiction, most recently, Look Past. He is also a veteran high school English teacher who spends as much time teaching as he does completing field research for his novels. His work has been listed by YALSA and Booklist for reluctant readers and for Best in Sports. He is married to his high school sweetheart, and his wife and he have two wonderful daughters and two not-so-wonderful Labradors. Find out more at ericdevine.org, facebook.com/ericdevineauthor, or Twitter: @eric_devine www.ericdevine.org

3 Fun Facts

1. I only write while listening to white noise
2. Married to my high school sweetheart
3. I have a dog named after Miley Cyrus

Jennifer’s first middle-grade novel, DEEP BLUE, was a NYT bestseller, and is the first of four in the Waterfire Saga. ROGUE WAVE and DARK TIDE, will be published in 2015. Also coming in 2015 is THESE SHALLOW GRAVES, a YA murder-mystery set in gilded age Manhattan.

Jennifer has written a picture book, HUMBLE PIE, and a series of historical novels for grown-ups: THE TEA ROSE, THE WINTER ROSE, and THE WILD ROSE. She lives in the Hudson Valley. wwww.jenniferdonnelly.com

3 Fun Facts

1. I wish I had a kangaroo.
2. I live for dark chocolate.
3. I think Hudson, NY is one of the coolest towns on the planet.

Sarah Beth Durst is the award-winning author of eleven fantasy novels for kids, teens, and adults, including Drink Slay Love, the basis for the upcoming TV movie of the same name, airing on Lifetime in 2017. Her next book for kids, Journey Across the Hidden Islands, comes out in April 2017 from HMH/Clarion Books, and her first picture book, Roar and Sparkles Go to School, comes out in June 2017 from Running Press Kids. Sarah lives in Stony Brook, New York, with her husband, her children, and her ill-mannered cat. For more information, visit her at sarahbethdurst.com. wwwsarahbethdurst.com

3 Fun Facts

1. I’ve wanted to be a writer since I was 10 years old. (Before that, I wanted to be Wonder Woman.)
2. I love pizza, hot chocolate, and Raisinets
3. I’m afraid of skunks and Frisbees

Beth Ferry lives and writes by the beach in New Jersey. She is inspired by the sea and the sand and the salt. Her books often include pirates and whales and sharks and sometimes a squirrel or two. She is the author of Stick and Stone, Land Shark, Pirate’s Perfect Pet, and A Small Blue Whale. You can learn more at www.bethferry.com.

Alison Ashley Formento is the author of the new chapter book One Alien & Four Furry Tails Tales and award-winning nature picture books This Tree Counts!, This Tree, 1, 2, 3, These Bees Count!, These Seas Count!, and These Rocks Count! Her young adult novel Twigs was featured in Publisher’s Weekly as a notable new release for teen readers. Alison has written for several national publications including The New York Times, The Writer , and Parenting. She loves visiting schools and libraries and donates a portion of book proceeds to AmericanForests.org. www.alisonashleyformento.com

3 Fun Facts

1. I love to tap dance.
2. I love burnt brownies, but I don’t like ice cream.
3. I met Nelson Mandela when he first visited America after being released from prison. He was so kind and it’s something I’ll never forget.

JACK GANTOS is the author of forty-nine books for children from the “ROTTEN RALPH" picture books, collections of “JACK HENRY" short stories, upper elementary and middle school “JOEY PIGZA" and “NORVELT" novels, young adult books—LOVE CURSE OF THE RUMBAUGHS, DESIRE LINES, HOLE IN MY LIFE and THE TROUBLE IN ME. His work can lead readers from the cradle to the grave.

Mr. Gantos was a professor at Emerson College where he developed the Master’s Degree Program in Children’s Literature, Writing and Publishing. He now spends his time writing and is an active speaker at book and literacy conferences, schools and libraries. His works have received a Newbery Award, Scott O’Dell Award, Newbery Honor, Printz Honor, Sibert Honor, National Book Award Finalist nomination, and he is the 2010 recipient of the NCTE/ALAN AWARD for his contribution to the field of Young Adult and Children’s Literature. DEAD END IN NORVELT received both the 2012 John Newbery Award and the Scott O’Dell award for Historic Fiction. This was followed by the companion novel, FROM NORVELT TO NOWHERE. THE KEY THAT SWALLOWED JOEY PIGZA, the final book in the “Joey Pigza" series was released in 2014 and nominated for the Kirkus Prize. His most recent book, THE TROUBLE IN ME, is now available.

Jack Gantos will be attending the festival from 10 am – noon.

Laura Gehl is the author of award- winning picture books, including ONE BIG PAIR OF UNDERWEAR and the PEEP AND EGG series (PEEP AND EGG’s third adventure, I’M NOT TAKING A BATH, releases October 2017). Laura also writes about science for children and adults. She lives in Chevy Chase, MD with her husband and four children. Visit her online at www.lauragehl.com.

3 Fun Facts

1. I love to travel and have visited many different countries, including Australia, Ecuador, Costa Rica, Argentina, Belgium, Morocco, Egypt, and Turkey.
2. Two of my favorite vegetables are ones that a lot of people hate—Brussels sprouts and lima beans. But my other favorite vegetable is chocolate (hey…it comes from a plant, so close enough!)
3. I have four kids, and their names go in alphabetical order from oldest to youngest (We didn’t plan it that way…it just happened!)

David Gordon has art directed and/or worked on visual development, layout, and character design for numerous production companies from Lucasfilm to Pixar, including such movies as Toy Story, Monsters, Inc., A Bug’s Life, and Cars; BlueSky’s Robots and Nickelodeon’s Spongebob Squarepants. He has also written and illustrated many children’s books, among them Hansel and Diesel, The Three Little Rigs, The Ugly Truckling, and Smitten. He is one of the illustrators of Jon Scieszka’s 52-book, NY Times best-selling series, Trucktown. His newest book is Extremely Cute Animals Operating Heavy Machinery, also a NY Times Bestseller. www.davidgordonbooks.com

3 Fun Facts

1. I LOVE all kinds of machines, especially heavy ones!
2. I started drawing when I was three and never stopped.
3. I’m lactose intolerant.

CHRIS GRABENSTEIN is a #1 New York Times bestselling author whose books include the LEMONCELLO LIBRARY series, the WONDERLAND series, and THE ISLAND OF DR. LIBRIS. He is also the coauthor of fun and funny page-turners with James Patterson, including I FUNNY, TREASURE HUNTERS, and WORD OF MOUSE. www.chrisgrabenstein.com

Fun Facts:

1. Chris used to vacation every summer in St. Petersburg, Florida, the location where WELCOME TO WONDERLAND: HOME SWEET MOTEL takes place.
2. Chris had mice in his first New York City apartment who used to stand on his alarm clock, just like they do in WORD OF MOUSE (coauthored with James Patterson).
3. Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library will be a TV movie on Nickelodeon in the Fall of 2017.

April Henry is the New York Times-bestselling author of 20 mysteries and thrillers for teens and adults. She lives in Portland, Oregon, with her family. www.aprilhenrymysteries.com

3 Fun Facts

1. In 1656, one of my ancestors was charged with “pig bewitchment." Luckily, he was found not guilty.
2. When Kettle Chips discontinued their Loaded Baked Potato flavor I bought every bag in the store.
3. I hold a purple belt in kung fu, an orange belt in kajukenbo, and am a two-stripe belt in Brazilian jiujitsu.

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

Ellen Hopkins is the award-winning author of thirteen bestselling young adult novels-in-verse, three novels for adults, and twenty nonfiction books for kids. She lives near Carson City Nevada with her extended family, one rescue cat, a couple of dogs and way too many aquarium critters. Visit her at www.ellenhopkins.com.

Alan Katz has written 35 highly acclaimed children’s books, including Take Me Out of the Bathtub and Other Silly Dilly Songs, Don’t Say That Word!, and the award-winning poetry book OOPS! His newest book is the second in a middle grade series, The Day the Mustache Came Back. www.alankatzbooks.com

Alan is a six-time Emmy-nominated writer for TV series including:
The Rosie O’Donnell Show, animated series Taz-Mania, Disney’s Raw Toonage and Goof Troop, the Grammy Awards and Tony Awards, various Nickelodeon shows, and a lot of network specials and game shows. He has also created hundreds of comic books, trading card sets, web videos, TV commercials and hundreds of other special projects for kids and their parents.

3 Fun Facts

1. Alan is the proud father of four wonderful kids.
2. Alan spent six years as a writer for The Rosie O’Donnell Show.

David A. Kelly is an established children’s book author, travel writer and technology analyst. He’s the author of the brand new MVP series from Random House, as well as the Ballpark Mysteries, in which cousins Kate and Mike solve mysteries at different major league ballparks. Mr. Kelly is also the author of the early reader, Babe Ruth and the Baseball Curse and the new picture book Miracle Mud: Lena Blackburne and Secret Mud that Changed Baseball. He has written about travel and technology for the New York Times, the Boston Globe, the Chicago Sun Times, and many other publications. He can be found at www.davidakellybooks.com.

3 Fun Facts

1. I once met home run king Hank Aaron.
2. I get to go to baseball parks and watch games as part of my job!
3. I was a terrible baseball player!

Jo Knowles is the author of Still a Work In Progress, Read Between The Lines, Living With Jackie Chan, See You At Harry’s, Pearl, Jumping Off Swings, and Lessons from a Dead Girl. Jo’s awards include a New York Times Editor’s Choice and Notable Book, the PEN New England Children’s Book Discovery Award, an American Library Association Notable, Bank Street College’s Best Books for Children (Outstanding Merit), and YALSA’s Best Fiction for Young Adults. Jo’s books have also appeared on numerous state award lists. Jo lives in Vermont with her husband and son. www.joknowles.com

3 Fun Facts

1. My cat has his own blog called “Things We Put On Fred"
2. I once served coffee to J.D. Salinger
3. I am a Hostess Snack Cake connoisseur.

Holly Kowitt has written and/or illustrated over 50 titles for young readers, and has sold over five million books. Her hit series for Scholastic, The Loser List, won many awards, and was translated into twelve languages. In her latest series, The Principal’s Underwear is Missing, she continues the same funny, reader-friendly, cartoon-stuffed style of storytelling. www.kowittbooks.com

She lives in New York City, where she enjoys cycling, theatre, and swing-dancing.

3 Fun Facts

1. My husband is a Broadway actor
2. I live in New York City where I like to read, cycle and go to flea markets
3. My book was inspired by a British book series about an aristocratic party boy and his very smart butler

London started his career painting murals. His big break came when he illustrated March On! The Day My Brother Martin Changed the World (Scholastic), written by Christine King Farris, the older sister of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Since then London has illustrated numerous titles including Frederick’s Journey: The Life of Frederick Douglass, an ALA Notable Children’s Book for Middle Readers. London is represented by Lori Nowicki of Painted-Words. www.londonladd.com

3 Fun Facts

1. My favorite snack while working is eating various favors of M&M’s like dark chocolate, peanut, almond, peanut butter and pretzel mixed into fresh buttery popcorn. Many artistic problems were solved chewing on it.
2. I really enjoy going to the gym, especially after eating my popcorn 😉
3. I love shopping at thrift stores and used bookstores. Not many things are better than spending days going to multiple stores.

Lisa LaMonica is an author and award-winning illustrator living in upstate New York. She was nominated for the Columbia County Council on the Arts Artist of the Year award in 2001. She is currently working on Folktales of the Caribbean, a favorite travel place of hers, and Halloween Stories of the Hudson Valley. LaMonica gives private art lessons and also teaches at her community college and the Hudson Youth Department. With her books and portfolio in tow, she has attended the Hudson Children’s Book Festival, the largest such festival in the Northeast, every year since its inception.

3 Fun Facts

1. I like to paint trees.
2. I’ve been to pirate places in the Caribbean.
3. WMHT made a TV show with my Haunted Catskills book.

Kara LaReau was born and raised in Connecticut. She received her Masters in Fine Arts in Writing, Literature, and Publishing from Emerson College in Boston, Massachusetts and later worked as an editor at Candlewick Press and at Scholastic Press. She is the author of picture books such as UGLY FISH, illustrated by Scott Magoon, and NO SLURPING, NO BURPING! A Tale of Table Manners, illustrated by Lorelay Bové; a chapter book series called The Infamous Ratsos, illustrated by Matt Myers; and a middle-grade trilogy called The Unintentional Adventures of the Bland Sisters, illustrated by Jen Hill. Kara lives in Providence, Rhode Island with her husband and son and their cat. www.karalareau.com

3 Fun Facts

1. I am a bit like the Bland Sisters in that I can be a bit of a homebody (and, like Kale, I tend to part my hair on the side).
2. I am NOT like the Bland Sisters in that I don’t like cheese sandwiches or darning other people’s socks. (I don’t even like darning my own socks.)
3. I’m working on the final story in the Bland Sisters trilogy right now!

Adam Lehrhaupt is the award-winning picture book author of Warning: Do Not Open This Book!, Please: Open This Book!, Chicken in Space, I Will Not Eat You, and I Don’t Draw, I Color. He has traveled to six continents, performed on Broadway, and lived on a communal farm. He firmly believes that opening a book is a good thing, even if there are monkeys in it. Adam currently lives in the suburbs of Philadelphia, PA, with his wife, two sons, and two bizarre dogs. Follow Adam on twitter, Instagram, and Google+ @lehrhaupt, and at adamlehrhaupt.com.

2014 E.B. White Read-Aloud Honor Award Winner
2014 ALA Notable Book
2016 Wanda Gag Comstock Read Aloud Award Winner–

3 Fun Facts

1. I play hockey.
2. My favorite animal is a monkey.
3. My favorite book is Where the Wild Things Are

Eric Luper’s more than 20 titles include the Key Hunters series and The Chocolate Lab series, Jeremy Bender vs. the Cupcake Cadets, and Seth Baumgartner’s Love Manifesto. He’s also been doing super-cute books with Cartoon Network for numerous televised shows such as The Amazing World of Gumball, The Regular Show, Teen Titans Go and Ben 10. In addition, Luper writes Mad Libs books for Star Wars, Star Trek and Scooby-Doo. One of his books was recently optioned for motion picture. Eric lives near Albany, but he spends many of his weekends in nearby Lake George. www.ericluper.com

3 Fun Facts

1. I worked to rebuild a castle in southern France
2. I had a job taking care of owls, hawks and eagles… and a few ornery vultures too!
3. My favorite topping on pizza is… another slice of pizza!

Robin Merrow MacCready, is the author of two YA novels, A Lie For A Lie and the Edgar Award Winning, “Buried." She lives in midcoast Maine where she teaches and writes. Robin lives with her husband, two boys and numerous pets. When she’s not teaching she can be found making art, writing books, and playing outdoors. www.robinmerrowmaccready.com

3 Fun Facts

1. She loves to forage for wild food, especially mushrooms.
2. She lived in Norway for a year.
3. As a teenager she wanted to be a rock and roll singer, but never told anyone.

Lauren Magaziner is originally from New Hope, Pennsylvania and recently graduated Hamilton College. Her first book, The Only Thing Worse Than Witches, was an Indie Next List Pick. She currently lives in Brookyln, New York where she writes full time. Her next book, Wizardmatch, is expected to release in early 2018. www.laurenmagaziner.com

3 Fun Facts

1. When I was growing up, I never got recognized for my writing… but I did win lots of math awards! J
2. I once broke my arm by tripping over my shoelace.
3. I wrote 10 whole books before I finally wrote The Only Thing Worse Than Witches (my first published book).

Voted a “Top 10 Latino Author" and best Middle Grade and Young Adult novelist for African Americans, Maldonado was recently honored as a top teacher by NYC’s schools Chancellor. His work builds boys into multidimensional males and youth into global, caring citizens. Before teaching, he trained schools to implement Conflict Resolution programs through the U.S.’s largest victim-services agency. Praised for its timeless feel, his acclaimed novel, Secret Saturdays, made states’ reading lists and is assigned alongside classics and in anti-bullying initiatives. His forthcoming works also are inspired by his and his students’ lives. www.torreymaldonado.com

Ask him about his upcoming Middle Grade book also through Penguin-Random House!

Stacy McAnulty is a children’s book author, who used to be a mechanical engineer, who’s also qualified to be a paleontologist (not really), a writer for The Daily Show (why not), and a Green Bay Packer coach (totally!). She’s written several picture books including Excellent Ed, Mr. Fuzzbuster Knows He’s the Favorite, and Beautiful, and two chapter-book series, The Dino Files and Goldie Blox. When not writing, Stacy likes to listen to NPR, bake triple-chocolate cupcakes, and eat triple-chocolate cupcakes. Originally from upstate NY, she now lives in Kernersville, NC with her 3 kids, 2 dogs, and 1 husband. www.stacymcanulty.com

3 Fun Facts

1. I did not like to read as a child, but now it’s my favorite activity.
2. I’ve dug for dinosaur fossils in Wyoming.
3. On my last birthday, I stood under a waterfall in Iceland.

Daniel Jude Miller is the author and illustrator of the children’s picture book series Monsters in Manhattan, as well as Everybody Wake Up, Earclaw and Eddie and the upcoming Halloween Boy and the Christmas Kid. Growing up in Queens, NY and going to college and working in Manhattan for many years inspired him to write and draw all the creatures and goblins he came across on a daily basis. He now lives upstate, far from the clutches of those monsters. www.djudemiller.com

3 Fun Facts

1. I met my wife while working up in the clouds on the 65th floor of the Empire State Building.
2. I have a baseball hat collection, 279 and counting…
3. My middle name is Jude. It’s also the middle name of my brother, two sisters and son. And I donate a dollar from every book to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

Florence Minor is the author of Christmas Tree! illustrated by her husband Wendell Minor, which Kirkus Reviews praised for its “imaginative Christmas trees and poetic, rhyming text." If You Were a Penguin, also illustrated by Wendell, was selected by Pennsylvania for its “One Book, Every Young Child" early literacy program, and they both loved traveling through the state, sharing their book with children in schools, libraries and even day care centers. Florence enjoys sharing her love of animals with children through the books that she and Wendell create together, and If You Were a Panda Bear is proof of that. Florence is very excited about her newest book with Wendell, How to Be a Bigger Bunny, which features five rabbits, and a very special book that one of them likes to read. Kirkus Reviews said “…the illustrations pay homage to ‘legends of the past’ Beatrix Potter, Leonard Weisgard, and Garth Williams." They also praised the encouraging message to “never give up."

Florence and Wendell live in rural Connecticut where they share their studio with their furry assistant, Cindercat. Visit Florence at www.minorart.com and Facebook and Twitter.

3 Fun Facts

1. I feed walnuts to the chipmunks who live in the stone walls around our house.
2. I often talk to the tiny tree frogs in the pond by our studio. Sometimes they even talk back!
3. One of my favorite gifts to give to children and adults is … BOOKS.

Wendell Minor has illustrated more than sixty children’s picture books, some of which he has written himself. He has collaborated with, among others, Jean Craighead George, Charlotte Zolotow, Robert Burleigh, and his wife Florence Minor.

A nature lover and history buff, he enjoys sharing his interests with children through books like Buzz Aldrin’s Reaching For the Moon and Robert Burleigh’s Night Flight: Amelia Earhart Crosses the Atlantic. He also enjoys creating books that inspire children to use their imaginations and to be creative as in as in his own How Big Could Your Pumpkin Grow? and in the books he and his wife create.

Wendell’s most recent books are This is the Earth by Diane Z. Shore and Jessica Alexander (perfect for Earth Day and every day!) and Willa: The Story of Willa Cather, an American Writer. Other books to be published this year are Nathaniel Philbrick’s Ben’s Revolution, and a new edition of Charlotte Zolotow’s perennial favorite, The Seashore Book, which he first illustrated in 1992. Visit Wendell at www.minorart.com

3 Fun Facts

1. I love to find funny shaped clouds: maybe a rabbit, or a dragon, or a pig!
2. Sometimes a deer mouse shows up in my studio. I always try to catch it and set it free.
3. I go to the pumpkin patch every fall and love to look for the pumpkin with the longest, curliest stem. I won’t go home until I find it!

Barbara Ann Mojica is a historian and retired educator with forty years experience as a teacher, principal and school administrator. She writes historical articles for the Columbia Insider under the banner “Passages." Using the whimsical Little Miss History character, Barbara hopes to inspire children to learn about historical people and places. Little Miss History’s antics make reading nonfiction a fun-filled adventure for all ages. LittleMissHISTORY.com

3 Fun Facts

1. My research is organized but my desk is messy!
2. I took tap dancing lessons with a Rockette from Radio City Music Hall.
3. I like to read a lot. Last year, I read and reviewed 164 books.

Illustrator, cartoonist, writer and publisher, Victor has produced comic strips, comic books, coloring books, children’s books, authored web-sites, written poetry and screenplays. He is best known for his critically acclaimed, comic book series eugenus® … The Next Step In Human Evolution!, and for his Captain Crossbones® comic strip. Victor started his publishing company in 1992. www.eugenus.com

Fun Facts

I once designed wrestling costumes for the wrestlers of the WWE (formally WWF).

Jay Primiano is a poet, performer and most recently, children’s book author. Like his co-author, John Rocco, Jay Primiano was raised on fishing boats. He started working on a commercial lobster boat when he was eleven years old and still has a deep connection to the waters of Rhode Island, where he spends much of his free time teaching his daughters how to catch dinner. He lives in Jamestown, Rhode Island. Visit his web site!

3 Fun Facts

1. “My favorite time to write is in the morning; early in the morning before it really feels like morning and it still seems like night time. It is at this time that I can relate best to my characters; tough working people with much to prove after the sun rises."
2. “I still hold a full ‘Principal Effort shell-fishing license’ and I often work as a professional clam-digger on Narragansett Bay. Working in the fishing industry satisfies my need for exercise, desire to continually discover and my interest in the lives of the people in the business of defying nature every day."
3. “I was a professional soccer coach at the University of Rhode Island for thirteen years; coaching the URI Men’s Soccer team while they participated in the Atlantic -10 Conference in the NCAA’s Division I. And as a result of this experience, I’ve traveled to fourteen different countries."

The Children’s Book Council named James E. Ransome as one of seventy-five authors and illustrators everyone should know. Currently a member of the Society of Illustrators, Ransome has received both the Coretta Scott King Award for Illustration and the IBBY Honor Award for his book, The Creation. He has also received a Coretta Scott King Honor Award for Illustration for Uncle Jed’s Barbershop which was selected as an ALA Notable Book and is currently being shown as a feature on Reading Rainbow. How Many Stars in the Sky? and Sweet Clara and the Freedom Quilt were also Reading Rainbow selections. PBS’s Storytime featured his book, The Old Dog.

Ransome has exhibited works in group and solo shows throughout the country and received The Simon Wiesenthal Museum of Tolerance award for his book, The Wagon. In 1999 Let My People Go received the NAACP Image Award for Illustration and Satchel Paige was reviewed in Bank Street College of Education’s “The Best Children’s Books of the Year." In 2001, James received the Rip Van Winkle Award from the School Library Media Specialists of Southeast New York for the body of his work. How Animals Saved the People received the SEBA (Southeastern Book Association) Best Book of the Year Award in 2002 and the Vermont Center for the Book chose Visiting Day as one of the top ten diversity books of 2002. In 2004 James was recognized by the local art association when he received the Dutchess County Executive Arts Award for an Individual Artist.

He has completed several commissioned murals for the Children’s Museum in Indianapolis, The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center in Cincinnati, Ohio, and the Hemphill Branch Library in Greensboro, NC. He created a historical painting commissioned by a jury for the Paterson, NJ Library and a poster for the 50th Anniversary Celebration of Brown vs the Board of Education. His traveling Exhibit, Visual Stories has been touring the United States since 2003. His work is part of both private and public children’s book art collections. www.jamesransome.com

Chris Raschka has made more than sixty books for children, including Yo! Yes?, Five for a Little One, and A Ball for Daisy. His work has earned one Caldecott Honor and two Caldecott Awards, the Ezra Jack Keats Award and has been selected five times for the New York Times Best Illustrated Books List. He lives in New York City.

3 Fun Facts

1. Wednesday is oatmeal day at our house.
2. The names of my last four cats have all begun with the letter A.
3. I once gave private art instruction

Jacqueline Rogers Is a 1981 graduate from the Rhode Island School of Design. Her thirty five years of illustrating children’s books number over one hundred, and several of them have sold over a million copies. She recently illustrated the beloved Ramona series, written by Beverly Cleary. www.jacquelinerogers.com

3 Fun Facts

1. I love to make all kinds of art, including pottery, sculpture,and mosaics, as well as painting and drawing.
2. Monsters are my favorite things to draw.
3. Ramona and Beezus are exactly like my daughters.

Shelley Rotner is an award-winning author and photo-illustrator of over forty children’s books. Her most recent books include: Who’s Eye am I?, Families, Shades of People, Body Actions! Body Bones, Yummy! I’m Adopted!

Ms Rotner is also a noted free-lance photojournalist, whose work has appeared in Time Magazine, National Geographic’s World Magazine, Conde Nast Traveler, Outside Magazine, Food and Wine Magazine and GoNomad.

She has traveled extensively for UNICEF documenting programs about children, women, health and education. www.shelleyrotner.com

3 Fun Facts

1. I never went to Kindergarten
2. I stand on my head every day
3. I just became a Grandmother

Jennifer Sattler is the award winning author and illustrator of several children’s books including SYLVIE, UH OH, DODO! the popular series CHICK ‘N’ PUG and PIG KAHUNA and her newest book FRANKIE THE BLANKIE She grew up outside of Philadelphia and then went on to study painting and drawing at the University of New Hampshire and then the Hope School of Fine Arts at Indiana University in Bloomington. In 1996, she won a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts . Her books have won The Mockingbird Award for picture books and The Georgia Children’s book Award. Jennifer lives in upstate New York. www.jennifersattlerbooks.com

3 Fun Facts

1. When the sun is out I turn into a total goofball. My teenaged daughters pretend to hate it, but they can’t stop smiling.
2. I wish it was socially acceptable to wear wigs and hats all the time.
3. It takes next to nothing to make me laugh. Sometimes just the word “ butt."

A former textbook writer, Steve is now making amends by writing history books kids and teens actually want to read. Recent titles include Bomb, The Port Chicago 50, Most Dangerous, The Notorious Benedict Arnold, Lincoln’s Grave Robbers, and the newest, Undefeated. His books have won numerous awards, including a Newbery Honor, the Siebert Medal, and the YALSA Award for Excellence in Nonfiction for Young Adults. www.stevesheinkin.com

3 Fun Facts

1. I love to draw comics
2. I make Lego movies with my kids
3. I didn’t realize I liked history till I was about sixteen

COURTNEY SHEINMEL is recovering attorney, chocolate-lover, mac & cheese expert, and the author of over a dozen highly celebrated books for kids and teens, including the young readers’ series, Stella Batts, the middle grade series, the Kindness Club, and the young adult novel, Edgewater. Courtney served as a judge on the national level for the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, and she received a National Scholastic Outstanding Educator Award for her work as a writing instructor at Writopia Lab. You can find Courtney on Twitter at @courtneywrites, on Instagram at www.instagram.com/courtneysheinmel, or her website: www.courtneysheinmel.com

3 Fun Facts

1. I can do a headstand for a really long time.
2. I always give my family members socks on Jan 1 – new socks to start the year off on the right foot!
3. I have never chewed gum.

Visionary author Seymour Simon (@SeymourSimon) , who the New York Times called “the dean of the [children’s science] field," is the author of nearly 300 highly acclaimed science books, more than seventy-five of which have been named Outstanding Science Trade Books for Children by the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA). He has introduced tens of millions of children to a staggering array of subjects, and says: “I’m more interested in arousing enthusiasm in kids than I am in teaching the facts. The facts may change, but that enthusiasm for exploring the world will remain with them for the rest of their lives." www.seymoursimon.com

3 Fun Facts

1. Seymour Simon keeps four aquariums in his house, all different kinds of marine habitats!
2. Seymour Simon’s first dog was named “Nova." The word comes from the Latin for “new star," because often a star previously too dim to be seen with the naked eye can become the brightest object in the sky when it explodes and becomes a nova.
3. Seymour Simon’s cat was named “Newty Fruity," after the great scientist Sir Isaac Newton.

David Soman and Jacky Davis are a husband-and-wife creative team. They write the Ladybug Girl books together and Mr. Soman illustrates. The books are inspired by their own children and family experiences. Jacky Davis’s first non-Ladybug Girl picture book, Black Belt Bunny, illustrated by Jay Fleck, will be published in Summer 2017. www.ladybuggirl.com

Heidi didn’t want to be a writer when she grew up. In fact, after she graduated from college, she became a probation officer in Florida. It wasn’t until she was 28 years old that she gave in and joined her mother, author Jane Yolen and both her brothers in the family business. Since then, she has published 20 books as well as numerous short stories and poems, mostly for children. www.heidieystemple.com

Heidi lives on an old tobacco farm in western Massachusetts where she writes, reads, cooks, sews, and once a year, calls and counts owls for the Audubon Christmas Bird Count.

3 Fun Facts

1. After college I attended the corrections part of the police academy. I had no intention of becoming a writer.
2. I love to sew. I spent the last 10 year making ballet costumes for my daughter’s ballet school.
3. I love Brussels Sprouts but hate bacon

Laurie Stolarz is the author of several popular young adult novels including the Dark House series, the Touch series, Project 17, and Bleed, (all published by Disney/Hyperion Books for Children), as well as the bestselling Blue is for Nightmares series (Flux Publications). With over a million books sold worldwide, Stolarz’s titles have been translated into over twenty languages, been named on numerous award lists, including the Quick Pick for Reluctant Readers list and the Top Ten Teen Pick list, both through the American Library Association, and have been optioned for TV. Her next book, Shutter, will be released in October of 2016. For more information, please visit her Web site at www.lauriestolarz.com

3 Fun Facts

1. I’m currently learning American Sign Language.
2. In addition to owning a cat and a dog, I also have a bearded dragon named Mango.
3. I’m fascinated by Harajuku fashion.

Hudson Talbott is originally from Louisville, Kentucky. He went to school in Rome for fine art, came back to NYC, and now lives in Greene County. He has been a full time author/illustrator since 1986. www.hudsontalbott.com

Mark Teague has delighted young readers with more than 20 picture books, and he has written many of them himself, including the popular Pigsty, Baby Tamer, and One Halloween Night. He is also the illustrator of Cynthia Rylant’s beloved Poppleton series for beginning readers and the best-selling books by Jane Yolen, How Do Dinosaurs Say Goodnight and How Do Dinosaurs Get Well Soon. Mark Teague’s life changed when he moved from San Diego to New York City and he planted the seed for his first picture book, The Trouble with the Johnsons. Each of Teague’s books start as ‘notebooks full of sketches and scribbles, strange little drawings and phrases that suddenly come together,’ Teague explains. And although he had no formal writing training, his endless imagination and understanding nature gives him a permanent place in the hearts of everyone.

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!

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.

Matthew Van Fleet’s innovative books have been introducing children to basic concepts for over twenty years. His unique formats invite toddlers to touch, press, pull, lift and even sniff as they explore colors, shapes, numbers, letters, opposites and more.

His books include the #1 New York Times bestsellers Tails and DOG as well as the New York Times bestsellers CAT, Alphabet, Heads and MOO. His perennial favorites have sold more than 8 million copies and children in fifteen countries across the globe enjoy his books in foreign language editions. www.vanfleetbooks.com

Yvonne Ventresca’s latest young adult novel, the psychological thriller BLACK FLOWERS, WHITE LIES (Sky Pony Press, 2016) was listed at the top of Buzzfeed’s must-read new YA books for fall. Her debut YA novel, PANDEMIC, won a 2015 Crystal Kite Award from the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. Yvonne’s other works include the short story “The Art of Remaining Bitter," which was selected for the anthology MYSTERIES OF DEATH AND LIFE, along with two nonfiction books, PUBLISHING (Careers for the 21st Century) and AVRIL LAVIGNE (People in the News). You can learn more about Yvonne and her books at YvonneVentresca.com.

3 Fun Facts

1. I’m a Sandan (third degree) Black Belt in Isshinryu Karate.
2. I make all my revisions with a purple pen (when I’m not typing).
3. My favorite way to procrastinate is by reading books and articles about productivity.

K.M. Walton is the author of Cracked, Empty, and Ultimatum. She’s editing and contributing to her Behind the Song anthology (Sourcebooks Fire 9/2017). K.M. co-authored Teaching Numeracy: 9 Critical Habits to Ignite Mathematical Thinking for mathematics teachers K-8. She graduated from West Chester University with a degree in elementary education 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 the author at kmwalton.com or follow her on twitter @kmwalton1.

3 Fun Facts

1. I’ve read every issue of Entertainment Weekly magazine—cover to cover—since the very first issue.
2. I collect Christmas nutcrackers.
3. My hair is naturally curly.

Award-winning author-illustrator, Joyce Wan, 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 a line of greeting cards and eventually a design studio called Wanart. Products featuring Joyce’s designs are now sold in boutiques and gift shops worldwide and she has published twenty books for children including the best-selling YOU ARE MY CUPCAKE. Joyce is originally from Massachusetts and currently lives in New Jersey with her husband and daughter. Through all her work, she hopes to inspire people to embrace the spirit of childhood and follow their dreams. www.wanart.com

3 Fun Facts

1. Never went to art school
2. Was an architect before becoming an author/illustrator
3. Loves to sing karaoke

Brendan Wenzel is a New York based illustrator, whose work has appeared in picture books, animations and magazines. An ardent conservationist, he is a proud collaborator with many organizations working to ensure the future of wild places and threatened species, especially within South East Asia. He has illustrated several books including Some Bugs by Angela Diterlizzi, One Day in the Eucalyptus, Eucalyptus Tree by Daniel Bernstrom and his 2016 release, They All Saw a Cat. www.brendanwenzel.info

3 Fun Facts

1. When I was a kid a pig lived in my house.
2. My parents are also artists
3. I am a big fan of the natural world

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.

Lisa Yee’s debut, Millicent Min, Girl Genius, won the prestigious Sid Fleischman Humor Award. Her 17 novels include Warp Speed, Stanford Wong Flunks Big-Time, the Bobby series, and several American Girl books including the 2016 Lea Clark series. Lisa’s books have been named a NPR Best Summer Read, Sports Illustrated Kids Hot Summer Read, and USA Today Critics’ Top Pick.

The Kidney Hypothetical is Lisa’s latest novel for teens. She is the author of the DC Super Hero Girls middle grade novel series featuring Wonder Woman, Supergirl, and the most recent, Batgirl at Super Hero High. Visit Lisa at www.lisayee.com.

3 Fun Facts

1. My collection of Winnie-the-Poohs is in a museum in Canada.
2. I always write my endings first.
3. Ate grubs as part of research for a book.

Kat Yeh is the author of the award-winning, middle grade novel, THE TRUTH ABOUT TWINKIE PIE, published by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, as well as the picture book, THE FRIEND SHIP, from Disney-Hyperion. Kat will serve as the 2017 Dorothy Carter Writer-In-Residence at Bank Street School for Children. She lives with her family on Long Island. www.katyeh.com

3 Fun Facts

1. I love to cook and pretend to have cooking shows in my kitchen ALL THE TIME
2. I have regular dance parties during the day, alone at home
3. I am a really easy cry – commercials, movies, books

Jane Yolen, often called “the Hans Christian Andersen of America," is the author of more than 350 books, ranging from picture books and baby board books, through middle grade fiction, poetry collections, nonfiction, novels, graphic novels, story collections, and even cookbooks . Her books and stories have won many awards, including two Nebulas, a World Fantasy Award, a Caldecott, the Golden Kite, three Mythopoeic awards, two Christopher Medals, nomination for the National Book Award, and Jewish Book Award. She also won the Kerlan Award and the Catholic Library’s Regina Medal. Six colleges and universities have given her honorary doctorates. www.janeyolen.com

3 Fun Facts

1. I live on a farm called Phoenix Farm for three seasons of the year and in a house called Wayside in Scotland in the summer.
2. All three of my grown children work in children’s books.
3. I hate Brussels Sprouts and love bacon.

Drawing and painting have always been among the most important things to illustrator Elizabeth Zunon. Born in Albany, NY and raised in the Ivory Coast (Cote d’Ivoire), West Africa surrounded by vibrant African fabrics and tropical vegetation, Elizabeth’s love of color and pattern grew, lingered, and is a fixture today in her works. After returning to the United States, Elizabeth graduated from the Rhode Island School of Design with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in 2006. Her ninth illustrated children’s book, The Legendary Miss Lena Horne (Simon & Schuster), was published in January 2017. www.lizzunon.com

3 Fun Facts

1. I have a different music soundtrack for each book I illustrate.
2. I love to bake! Just made raspberry meringues for the first time for Valentine’s Day.
3. I love taking long drives and discovering new places.