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![]() ![]() Dan writes fun stories for kids. His heartwarming tales feature lovable animals and quirky siblings who must solve a problem or meet a challenge. His award-winning stories also offer practical skills to help navigate life’s little stumbling blocks. “I fall in love with my characters. I enjoy writing about their adventures and whatever challenges they face. And I try to draw from my own experiences and some valuable life lessons I’ve learned along the way.” Dan started Nice Dog Books with his canine companion KukkaTahti to tell stories and tickle funny bones. It has not escaped Kukka’s attention that their first four books feature a tiger and a cat. She expects equal time for dogs. When they’re not busy writing or thinking silly thoughts, Dan and Kukka can often be spotted “going for a walk” on the streets of Capitol Hill in Washington, DC. Learn more about Dan on his website and find him on LinkedIn and Facebook. |
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Leslie Eva Tayloe is a children’s picture book author. Her inspiration for writing, I’m Fishing with Pop-Pop Today and Save the Trees, releasing Summer, 2023, came from her personal life experiences, which are woven into her stories. She’s a former analyst with the federal government and worked as a substitute teacher for elementary school-aged children. Leslie lives in the Virginia countryside with her partner, Michael, where she can take time to explore nature and share her life in written stories. When Leslie isn’t writing, she loves to take long walks with her black lab Frankie, craft, and spend time with family. Learn more about Leslie on her website or find her on Twitter and Instagram |
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![]() Kamakshi Pappu Murti is a retired professor of German Studies. She has authored fictional and non-fictional writing. Fiction includes children’s books and murder mysteries. Her scholarly writing is devoted to multi-cultural issues. Fiction: LALLI’S WINDOW was published in 2017 by Austin Macauley, and her first murder mystery, MURDERS MOST MATRONLY (with Leela and Meena, two female detectives inspired by Agatha Christie’s Jane Marple), came out in 2017 as a e-book by Juggernaut Books in India. MURDERS IN THE IVORY TOWER was published in 2021 by Pegasus in Great Britain. A collection of short stories entitled BANDILANKA’S FORGOTTEN LIVES was published in 2021 by Leadstart. This collection was shortlisted for an award in the Young Adult’s category of the Neev Literary Festival held in 2022 in India. Non-fiction: “Die Reinkarnation des Lesers als Autor: ein rezeptionsgeschichtlicher Versuch über den Einfluss der altindischen Literatur auf deutsche Schriftsteller” (de Gruyter, 1990); “India: The Seductive and Seduced ‘Other’ of German Orientalism” (Praeger, 2000); “To Veil or not to Veil: Europe’s Shape-shifting ‘Other’” (Peter Lang, 2012). Murti is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI), Women’s Fiction Writers Association (WFWA), Modern Language Association (MLA), American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL), and the National Conference on Race and Ethnicity in American Higher Education (NCORE). Murti is presently working on the next in the Leela/Meena murder mystery series, tentatively entitled MURDERS MOST TRANS-GRESSIVE, and motivated by the murders of transgender women in India. Learn more about Kamakshi on her website and find her on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. |
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Lisa is a writer in rural Virginia. She writes picture books hoping to share her love and awe of nature and the ecological processes at work that create and sustain life on our planet. Oyster Matters: A Keystone Species Story, is her third book that looks specifically at ecological connections between organisms. She hopes the reader will see the complexity of nature emphasized by her familiar phrase, ” but that’s not all” found in her other Matters books. Learn more about Lisa on her website and find her on Instagram.
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![]() Over the past 20 years, Caroline has worked as a biology professor, the chief executive officer (CEO) of a startup company, the president of a nonprofit, a private tutor, a technical writer, a research scientist, a consultant and a communications expert. Her last position involved teaching microbiology—very topical Caroline maintains a blog, RamblingRuminations, and is the author or coauthor of eight books, including Growing the Church 101 and Free to Think. More information on Caroline’s writings can be found at https://ramblingruminations.com. Caroline is married to Richard and has four grown children, eight grandchildren, and a bulldog who snores very loudly. Learn more about Caroline on her website and find her on Linktree and Facebook. |
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Kamakshi Pappu Murti is a retired professor of German Studies. She is an author of fiction and non-fiction. Her scholarly writing is devoted to multi-cultural issues, as well as gender studies. Fiction includes children’s books (“Lalli’s Window,” “Yasemin and Nirmala: A Tale of Two teens”, “Bandilanka’s Forgotten Lives”) and murder mysteries (“Murders Most Matronly,” “Murders in the Ivory Tower”.) Murti is an active member of the Modern Language Association, American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages, and the National Conference on Race and Ethnicity in American Higher Education. Scholarly monographs include “India: The Seductive and Seduced ‘Other’ of German Orientalism” (Praeger, 2000) and “To Veil or not to Veil: Europe’s Shape-shifting ‘Other’” (Peter Lang, 2012). Learn more about Kamakshi on her website and find her on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. |
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My book “Hothouse Earth: The Climate Crisis and the Importance of Carbon Neutrality” (Twenty-First Century Books) received the Green Earth Book Award for YA nonfiction awarded by The Nature Generation. — Stephanie Sammartino McPherson Learn more about Stephanie on her website. |
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My new nonfiction for ages 10 and up released on January 10, 2023 from Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers! WE ARE YOUR CHILDREN TOO: BLACK STUDENTS, WHITE SUPREMACISTS, AND THE BATTLE FOR AMERICA’S SCHOOLS IN PRINCE EDWARD COUNTY, VIRGINIA tells of a group of young Black Americans who stood up for their right to an education, thus triggering a firestorm of White supremacist reaction, a landmark Supreme Court ruling, the inception of massive resistance, and five years of school closings that denied any education at all to the next generation of Prince Edward County’s Black and some White children. Despite the hardships thrown at them, these young people remained, and remain today, resilient, determined, and inspiring. — P. O’Connell Pearson
P. O’Connell Pearson—Patty—spent many happy years teaching history and social studies. Always enthusiastic about sharing the stories of history, she earned her MFA in Writing for Young People from Lesley University and now writes for ages ten and up. When she is not writing about history, she can often be found talking about history as a volunteer with the National Park Service in Washington, D.C. She is the author of FLYGIRLS, winner of the Grand Canyon Readers Award, FIGHTING FOR THE FOREST, finalist for the NYHS Children’s History Book Prize, and CONSPIRACY, the story of Watergate. Her books have received honors from A Mighty Girl, Bank Street Books, the National Council for the Social Studies, and more. |
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I’m super excited to share that my middle-grade, MAMA’S CHICKEN & DUMPLINGS, has been acquired by Holiday House! Years and years in the oven, with more work to do, but still–WOOT! — Dionna L. Mann
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Joy Jones is a popular speaker, trainer, and the author of several books for adults and children. Her most recent are Fearless Public Speaking, a how-to for teens, and Jayla Jumps In, a MG novel which received a starred review on Booklist and chosen as one of the best sports books for children by the ALA. Her novel in progress, Walking the Boomerang, won the 2022 Pen America/ Phyllis Naylor Grant for Children’s and Young Adult Novelists. She works for DC Public Library and is a member of the Children’s Book Guild and SCBWI. Visit at: www.joyjonesOnline.com and find her on Twitter and Instagram. |
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A graduate of Brooklyn College and a children’s book author who loves writing about unsung heroes. I’m a native New Yorker, residing in Alexandria, VA, with my husband and two sons. When I’m not writing or thinking of amazing book ideas, you’ll find me protecting national security by day and on lounging on a Caribbean beach and singing karaoke by night. Learn more about Alana on her website and find her on Instagram and Twitter . |
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![]() Marcie Flinchum Atkins is a teacher-librarian by day and a children’s book writer in the wee hours of the morning. She holds an M.A. and M.F.A. in Children’s Literature from Hollins University. She is the author of Ancient China (ABDO, 2015), “Rookie Get Ready to Code” series (Scholastic Children’s Press, 2019), Wait, Rest, Pause: Dormancy in Nature (Millbrook Press, 2019), and is a contributor to Things We Feel edited by Sylvia Vardell and Janet Wong and What is a Friend? (Pomelo Books, 2022). She is the nonfiction events coordinator for the Mid-Atlantic chapter of SCBWI. She also muses about mentor texts, making time to write, and poetry at www.marcieatkins.com. You can follow her on Twitter and Instagram. |
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![]() Susan Wood is an award-winning author of books for young readers, including ESQUIVEL! SPACE-AGE SOUND ARTIST (Charlesbridge; Pura Belpré Honor Book), AMERICAN GOTHIC: THE LIFE OF GRANT WOOD (Abrams; Junior Library Guild Selection), ELIZABETH WARREN: NEVERTHELESS, SHE PERSISTED (Abrams; CBC/NCSS Notable Social Studies Book), HOLY SQUAWKAMOLE! LITTLE RED HEN MAKES GUACAMOLE (Sterling), and SANDY FEET! WHOSE FEET? FOOTPRINTS AT THE SHORE (Sleeping Bear). She lives in Norfolk, Virginia. Learn more about Susan on her website and find her on Twitter . |
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I’m thrilled to share the release of my debut book, 1 2 3 Count with Me on Granddad’s Farm. Since its August 30, 2022 release, 1 2 3 Count with Me on Granddad’s Farm has ranked #1 in two of Amazon Kindle children’s categories: Baby & Toddler Counting Books and Children’s Nonfiction Animal Books. Additionally, the book won The Literary Titan Gold Book Award.
My book is available online on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Target, and Walmart. I was also interviewed by the Irresponsible Reader about my new book. You can read the author interview online. —Valerie D. Johnson
Valerie has two passions—teaching math and empowering parents to support learning at home. As an instructional leader for over 30 years, she’s learned that all children can enjoy and learn math at high levels if it’s connected to the real world, visual, hands-on, promotes discussion—and is, most importantly, FUN! She was inspired to write math-themed children’s books to build math confidence in students and empower parents to support learning at home. Valerie is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, Kappa Delta Pi International Honor Society in Education, the Virginia Council of Teachers of Mathematics, and National PTA. Learn more about Valerie on her website and find her on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. |
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My second novel, a YA drama/suspense will be published next April from Fire and Ice! — Debbie Schrack
Debbie Schrack is the author of SAVING SOPHIE, a young adult contemporary romance, and the winner of the Haunted States of America contest for the state of Virginia. She lives in Fairfax, Virginia, a suburb of Washington, D.C. When she’s not conjuring dark and twisty plots or hanging out with her family, you can find her poring over travel brochures, ready to check off another box on her bucket list of travel adventures. You can follow Debbie on Facebook or Twitter @debbie_schrack or contact her through her website.
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My poem “Zany” appears in the poetry anthology THINGS WE FEEL edited by Janet Wong and Sylvia Vardell. All proceeds go to IBBY. — Marcie Flinchum Atkins
Marcie Flinchu
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![]() I’m happy to share news that a have a new book releasing on October 25th: A BONE FOR BO, PAINTING WITH GEORGIA O’KEEFFE. This is the third book in this series that features an introduction to famous artists through the eyes of the artist’s pets or animals that live nearby. Georgia O’Keeffe’s time in New Mexico and the paintings she created that were inspired by the region solidified her legacy as one of the most famous American modernists. But did you ever wonder how an artist like O’Keeffe found her inspiration to begin experimenting with new and different colors schemes and compositions? This endearing narrative hints at how Georgia O’Keeffe may have found her fresh perspective in the Red Hills of New Mexico, by imagining the relationship between the famous painter and her dog. — Joan Waites Joan Waites Is an award-winning author-illustrator, with numerous titles illustrated for the children’s trade and educational markets, and the author-illustrator of three picture books with forthcoming titles to be released in fall 2022 and spring 2023. A former adjunct faculty member of the Corcoran Museum School of Art and Design’s aspiring artists programs, Joan continues to teach art enrichment for children and adults. She served for 20 years as the Mid-Atlantic SCBWI Illustrator Coordinator, and is a member of the Children’s Book Guild of Washington D.C., and The National Art Educators Association. Learn more about Joan on her website and find her on Instagram and Facebook. |
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![]() Nicole Tadgell is the illustrator of more than thirty picture books, including ASTRONAUT ANNIE, FOLLOW ME DOWN TO NICODEMUS TOWN and TIARA’S HAT PARADE. Nicole’s work has been honored with the Christopher’s Award, the Kansas State Notable Award, the Arkansas Diamond Primary Book Award, the Américas Award, and the Children’s Africana Book Award. Nicole has taught workshops and classes at Museums, colleges, and conferences. Nicole also shares presentations demonstrating the picture book creative process.
Learn more about Nicole on her website and find her on Instagram here and here and on Facebook here and here. |
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My newest book MOUSE CALLS is coming out from Beach LaneBooks/Simon & Schuster on August 23. The illustrator, Erin Kraan, does her work with woodcuts, and I can’t wait for you to see the thirty-nine animals she created for the illustrations. — Anne Marie Pace
In spite of the adage to write what you know, I have never been a vampire, a ballerina, a groundhog, or a tow truck driver. I am a picture book author. My latest book is MOUSE CALLS, illustrated by Erin Kraan, from Beach Lane Books (Simon & Schuster). Other books include GROUNDHUG DAY (Little, Brown), BUSY-EYED DAY (Beach Lane Books), SUNNY’S TOW TRUCK SAVES THE DAY (Abrams) and the four books of the VAMPIRINA BALLERINA series (Disney-Hyperion), which were adapted into the hit Disney Junior animated series VAMPIRINA. I live in Charlottesville with my husband, three cats, and two dogs, and love frequent visits from my young adult children.
Learn more about Anne on her website and find her on Instagram and Twitter. |
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![]() Children’s book author Joni Halabi first entrée into publishing was spurred by what she saw as a necessity. A single mother by choice who lovingly took a less customary path to having a child on her own, Joni was frustrated by the lack of selection for picture books that depicted families like hers. Though many “welcome baby” and storybooks addressed varying family structures, few spoke about single mothers by choice. She wanted her daughter to see her own type of family represented, so she wrote one and “Sweet Little You” was born. The books that Joni writes are personal stories based on books she wishes existed about her life’s path. “Sweet Little You” is the book she wished she had for her daughter when she was born. She hopes that her book resonates with other families like hers who will appreciate their relatively unique family structure being portrayed in a story that their child can relate to. Joni is a web developer at Georgetown University and conference speaker who writes technical articles as well as a blog focusing on her life and journey to becoming a mother. When she isn’t busy writing poignant stories for families and children, she enjoys running, doing yoga, reading, listening to podcasts, and seeing live music near her home in the Washington, D.C. area. A new pursuit of Joni’s is learning to play the ukulele. “Sweet Little You” is her debut picture book. Learn more about Joni on her website and find her on Twitter. |
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Rebecca Kraft Rector is a retired librarian and the author of more than thirty fiction and nonfiction books for children, including her debut picture book SQUISH SQUASH SQUISHED. Her cats Ollie and Opal keep her company while she writes. When she isn’t writing and eating chocolate, she’s trying to keep deer out of her garden. LITTLE RED AND THE BIG BAD EDITOR is Rebecca’s second picture book, coming from Aladdin/Simon & Schuster on September 6, 2022. Learn more about Rebecca on her website and find her on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. |
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I’m so thrilled that DETOUR AHEAD, co-authored with Tracy López, was published by PJ Publishing this spring! Half in verse and half in prose, this dual-POV MG depicts the friendship between Gilah, a neurodiverse Jewish girl preparing for her bat mitzvah, and Guillermo, a Salvadoran American boy who is new to Washington, D.C. Riding the bus together every day, Gilah and Guillermo learn to navigate life’s detours. — Pamela Ehrenberg
In addition to being a co-author of DETOUR AHEAD, Pamela Ehrenberg is the author of the young readers’ novels Ethan, Suspended and Tillmon County Fire as well as two picture books (Queen of the Hanukkah Dosas and Planting Parsley). She works at the National Association for the Education of Young Children and lives with her daughter and son near the National Zoo in Washington, DC–two blocks from the H4 bus route that is the subject of this novel!
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![]() I’m channeling my love for dancing and writing in a three-title bilingual (English-Spanish) board book set, ¡1,2,3 Baila! Each title will teach primary topics while infusing top Latin dances and culture. This set will publish in fall 2023. — Delia Ruiz Delia Ruiz is a Latinx author and content creator. She holds a BA in Elementary Education and a Master’s in Differentiated Instruction in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL). Delia loves expressing herself via writing and hopes to inspire the next generation of writers who also come from immigrant households. Delia resides in Virginia and enjoys salsa dancing, reading, writing, and walking her pug. Learn more about Delia on her website and find her on Instagram . |
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Learn more about Jen on her website and find her on Instagram and Twitter. |
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![]() Joyana Peters is the Indie author of the best-selling novel, The Girl in the Triangle. The Girl in the Triangle won the YA Spark Award Learn more about Joyana on her website and find her on Instagram and Facebook. |
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![]() My second picture book, A SQUAWK OF SPANISH, has been acquired for publication in 2024 by Charlesbridge. — Gabriella Aldeman Gabriella Aldeman is a Panamanian American author and translator of children’s books and educational resources. She is also an active member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators and the American Translators Association. She has translated various picture books into Spanish and is the author of two forthcoming picture books, Paula’s Patches (Free Spirit Publishing) and A Squawk of Spanish (Charlesbridge). Learn more about Gabriella on her website and find her on Instagram and Twitter. |
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![]() Natalie Manzanares is a Mom, Baker, and Entrepreneur living in Historic Leesburg, Virginia. M. Sharif works in finance by trade, living with her loving husband in Northern Virginia. Penning children’s stories was not something these best friends saw in their future. Together, they share this debut book, showcasing their love of nature, tea shops, and delicious almond cookies. Learn more about Natalie on her website and find her on Instagram and Facebook. |
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Angela was born in Mexico City and grew up in the great state of Texas. She now resides on the east coast with her boyfriend, Kyle, and their petite dog, Petunia. She is also the author and illustrator of several books for children and a two-time Pura Belpré Illustration Honoree. Her debut middle grade novel, Stella Díaz Has Something To Say, was a New York Public Library and a Chicago Public Library pick for Best Books for Kids, Sid Fleischman Award winner, and an ALA Notable. She recently illustrated Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor’s newest picture book, Just Help! How to Build a Better World. When Angela is not in her studio or visiting schools, she teaches at the Academy of Art University, which honored her with their Distinguished Alumni Award in 2013. Angela is a proud member of SCBWI, PEN America, and represented by Wernick and Pratt Literary Agency. As a child, she loved reading books and making a mess creating pictures. She’s delighted to still be doing both. Learn more about Angela on her website |
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![]() Find out more about Dionna and her books here. |
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![]() — Leslie Eva Tayloe Leslie Eva Tayloe graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice at the University of Nevada and later earned a Master’s Degree in Human Resource Management from the University of Maryland. She retired from the federal government in an analyst position and then became a substitute teacher for three years for elementary school children. Currently, Leslie writes full time. She and her partner, Michael live on a farm in Virginia with two cats and a dog. With a combined family, Leslie and Michael have four adult children, and three grandchildren. Learn more about Leslie on her website or find her on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook |
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![]() Learn more about Great Dog Literary and find Luce on Twitter and Instagram |
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